Wedding Receptions: The questions to ask prospective caterers include:

• How many wedding receptions has the caterer done? How many of the size you are planning?

• Does the caterer have a list of references you can see/contact?

• Does the caterer have the proper license?

• What kind(s) of insurance does the caterer carry?

• Where is the food prepared?

• Can you taste samples?

• Can you observe a wedding reception in progress?

• What is the caterer’s experience with the menu you are considering?

• What menu does the caterer recommend for the season? For the time of day?

• Can the caterer accommodate vegetarians? Children?

• What are the charges? Is there a minimum charge?

• Can the company take care of the whole package? (waiters, dinnerware, tables, etc.) At what extra cost?

• Can the caterer take care of the liquor? Flowers?

• Do you have to provide any of the serving equipment?

• How is the fee calculated? (Usually it is per head.)

• How much of a deposit is required?

• What is the cancellation/refund policy?

• Are the wait staff’s gratuities included in the fee? Taxes?

• Can the caterer provide the cake?

• If you provide the cake, is there a cake-cutting fee? (Make sure it is no more than you are paying anyway for waiters. If you have a buffet, family members can serve the cake, as an added homey touch.)

• What hors d’ouvres do you recommend? Which entrees?

• What are your specialty dishes (or desserts)?

• When do you have to supply the final head count?

• What arrangement does the caterer suggest for feeding other vendors (part of the head count, same menu)?

• Who will be in charge on site?

• Is there any reason the caterer can foresee that the final cost might end up higher than the quote or estimate?

• When is the final payment due?