The right catering provider can make all the difference when planning a corporate function. Whether it is end of the year party or corporate awards dinner, choosing a professional caterer can take a great deal of pressure off your shoulders. However, if you plan to hire a professional caterer for your next event, there are a few basic points you need to consider to help you choose a caterer who is best suited for your needs. When looking for great corporate catering Los Angeles residents will find the following tips very useful.
For a start, you need to ask around for recommendations. You can ask from friends, relatives or even co-workers. Apart from your friends and co-workers, you can also ask your other vendors like event planners for recommendations. Culinary schools and event venues are also very good sources of recommendations. In fact, most event venues nowadays have a list of partner caterers that they work with.
Another very important factor is the caterers specialty. Most caterers nowadays specialize in specific cuisines. As such, you need to look for someone who specializes in your best cuisine. The food you present to your guests should always reflect your tastes and preferences as most of them will associate it with you.
Unless you are very rich, you will also want to compare quotes from a number of caterers. As such, it is important that you request for quotes from at least three caterers before making a choice. This will help you choose someone whose charges are within your budget. In addition to comparing quotations, you should also seek to know the particular items and extra services you will be receiving for the quoted price.
It is also a legal requirement that all caterers be licensed before they can start practicing. This is the only way you can be sure that he/she observes all codes of conduct in his/her practice. Using the license number, you can also check whether your potential caterer has any bad records, violations or complaints.
When you entrust a caterer to handle food for your event, it is only natural that you ask for references. Do not just ask a potential caterer to give you names; he/she should also give you referrals to some of their recent events. Talking to past clients will help you know whether you have made the right decision.
You must also not hire any service provider without a written contract. A written contract is very important as it will help safeguard your interest should the caterer fail to follow through. Once you settle on a particular contractor and agree upon the price, you need to read through the contract carefully and sign it only if you are satisfied with it.
In addition to all the above tips, the caterer should also know exactly what your vision is. He/she should also be able to listen to your ideas and turn to a reality. It is also advisable that you book your caterer several months in advance.
For a start, you need to ask around for recommendations. You can ask from friends, relatives or even co-workers. Apart from your friends and co-workers, you can also ask your other vendors like event planners for recommendations. Culinary schools and event venues are also very good sources of recommendations. In fact, most event venues nowadays have a list of partner caterers that they work with.
Another very important factor is the caterers specialty. Most caterers nowadays specialize in specific cuisines. As such, you need to look for someone who specializes in your best cuisine. The food you present to your guests should always reflect your tastes and preferences as most of them will associate it with you.
Unless you are very rich, you will also want to compare quotes from a number of caterers. As such, it is important that you request for quotes from at least three caterers before making a choice. This will help you choose someone whose charges are within your budget. In addition to comparing quotations, you should also seek to know the particular items and extra services you will be receiving for the quoted price.
It is also a legal requirement that all caterers be licensed before they can start practicing. This is the only way you can be sure that he/she observes all codes of conduct in his/her practice. Using the license number, you can also check whether your potential caterer has any bad records, violations or complaints.
When you entrust a caterer to handle food for your event, it is only natural that you ask for references. Do not just ask a potential caterer to give you names; he/she should also give you referrals to some of their recent events. Talking to past clients will help you know whether you have made the right decision.
You must also not hire any service provider without a written contract. A written contract is very important as it will help safeguard your interest should the caterer fail to follow through. Once you settle on a particular contractor and agree upon the price, you need to read through the contract carefully and sign it only if you are satisfied with it.
In addition to all the above tips, the caterer should also know exactly what your vision is. He/she should also be able to listen to your ideas and turn to a reality. It is also advisable that you book your caterer several months in advance.
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Find a review of the benefits of using corporate catering Los Angeles services and more info about a reliable caterer at http://www.culinarydelightcatering.com right now.
