Caterer Questions

I am going to be visiitng caterers for my engagement party and was wondering what questions I should be asking when I meet with them. The affair will be held at my home for 100 people.
Thank you.

I am not in anyway a caterer, but from having hosted some parties of my own over the years, I'd suggest asking the following:
what time will the food be delivered? set up? will it be delivered hot? or will you have to heat it up? will they provide linens, serving utensils... what is covered under the menu: appetizers, salad, fruit, main course, rolls, cake, pastries, coffee. Do they have wait staff, bar staff availble (not sure if this is what you're going for), do they have large coffee urn for rent? will they set this up prior to the affair?

For home parties I've hired caterers to handle the food, dropping it off, and then I've hired a wait staff that does everything: all the preparations, handing out hors'dovres, setting up/heating up main course, cleaning up, setting up desert/coffee, etc...

That's all I can think of for now. If you can think of any specific questions, I'd be happy to try and help you out in anyway I can. My best to you, Laura--LA Productions (631)473-0271 or [email protected]

Laura had excellent suggestions. I have two comments to add which will help guarantee the function to be a success.
1) Make sure everything the caterer promises is in writing-no matter how small the detail. Everything from the arrival time (look over everything Laura suggested) should be in writing. If the caterer says it is not necessary-it is standard for them- insist it be in writing. Do not accept someone's word only.
2) If you are having any entertainment (band,DJ etc) make sure they are not on the same electric lines as the caterer (micro wave ovens ,coffee pots etc) and also make sure the music is not on the same lines as any lights if this is an outside function.
This will save you the grive of everything blowing out when the coffee pots are turned on.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any help with suggestions for caterers.
STAN WIEST
A.STAN WIEST MUSIC
www.stanwiest.com/li_party_entertainment2.htm
www.stanwiest.com/li_wedding_planning2.htm
(631) 754-0594

Thanks so much. Both of you had questions I didn't have on my list. Thanks also for the tips.
Wanda