Food is a huge part of any event. From weddings to birthdays, it is important that guests are well fed and that there is enough of everything to go around. Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you’ll have different needs. Clearly, a 30th birthday with a Phantom of the Opera Theme will have a different set up and serve different foods than a four year old’s carnival party. Before you begin looking for a Columbus catering firm, it is advisable to have an idea what you want. Without some sort of direction, all the choices you will encounter could set your head spinning.
Do Your Homework
Some information you need when you begin your quest for a caterer is the number of guests attending and your budget. Be aware that the smaller your budget, the smaller your offerings. A party on a tight budget may want to opt for a dessert bar or hors d’oeuvres instead of a full buffet or a sit down meal. Be prepared to ask the caterer for creative ideas that will fit within your budget.
If you don’t already have a caterer in mind, there are a few places you can go for reliable referrals including your party planner, friends and family, event centers, and other party vendors. Of course, asking a favorite restaurant if they cater is a great way to ensure that you will enjoy the food. Any caterer worth his or her salt will have a list of references for you. Use them! Call people who have worked with this caterer and ask them about the demeanor of the staff, the quality of the food, and whether the service was efficient. People will usually be honest about their experiences and tell you if it will be worth your money.
Be a Tough Boss
After doing your homework on the catering company, you will want to meet with them to taste the food. Treat this like any other job interview. Make it clear that you want a tasting to be part of the interview as well as a sample menu for your event. When it comes to price, make sure the caterer has a definitive price per person. If they start using words like, “about” and “around” try to nail them down or walk away. A good columbus catering company will be able to give you exact prices per person for any given service and presentation style.




