Friday, November 22, 2013

Selecting The Right Fairbanks Caterer For Your Needs

By Georgia Diaz


To arrange an event or a function for a wedding, birthday, retirement or some other celebration usually means you have to find a first class Fairbanks caterer. If you want your celebration to be fondly remembered by your guests, getting the catering right is essential. Use common sense and follow some handy hints on securing the services of a first class catering firm for a successful function.

Knowing your budget and how much you can allocate towards catering needs to be ascertained before you can start planning the finer details. In addition to the catering there are several other potential costs to be taken into consideration. For example, the hire of the hall or venue, hiring entertainment, the costs for invitations and postage all need to come out of the budget. After everything else is paid, whatever funds are left can be used for the catering.

It is not unusual for venues to have an in-house catering service. It may be a condition of hiring the venue that you must use their in-house catering service. When you hire an external provider you will have to ensure that the venue has the facilities and equipment necessary for the preparation and serving of food.

Prices for catering are often quoted as so much for each guest. It can be helpful to draw up a list of potential guests, which also gives you an estimated number for the caterer. The majority of catering services will accept number changes up until a few days prior to the event. It is also wise to remember that guest numbers can go up as well as down and plan to set aside some money to cover any additional meals.

When you have a set amount of money to spend on the party, put aside the money for all the other costs incurred before deciding on the food arrangements. If you want to have a more formal sit down meal, it is likely to cost more per head than a buffet style meal. You can still have a selection of hot and cold dishes with a buffet but it is likely to be the more cost effective option.

Choose at least three locally based catering companies to provide you with quotes. You should find it easier to obtain reliable references and check on the reputation of locally based firms. Arrange to meet with the caterer to discuss menu, level of service and the costs. You need to be confident that your chosen service provider is reliable, efficient and can meet your requirements. Check that they carry adequate insurance cover in case of unforeseen mishaps. The catering company also needs their employees to be certified in relation to health and hygiene standards in food handling.

Some venues may not have a bar service or a licence to sell alcohol. If that is the case, you may ask your catering service provider to supply one, or you can hire in a bar service. Whichever you choose, always check that they have the appropriate license to sell alcohol.

A Fairbanks caterer will supply terms and conditions of service and a quote in writing. Their contract will spell out the service they undertake to provide. It should also contain a breakdown of their costs.




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