You might be thinking of hiring an Orange County catering company to take care of your catering needs at your event. Finding the right company can be quite difficult especially if you are a first-timer. There are a lot of options you can choose from and you should be knowledgeable about what matters the most. Here are a few important things to consider when choosing the right catering company for your needs.
Experience
You should think about the type of event you are planning. It is crucial to go through their past work so that you can determine whether they have what it takes to offer services at your event. If your event is being hosted at a specific venue, you should ask the caterer if they have worked at the venue before. If they have worked at the venue, it will be easier for you to trust them with getting the needed supplies.
It is also a great idea to ask for testimonials and references from past clients. Caterers have a list of values they cater for so you might want to contact the venue and find out if the catering company has worked there before. These things will give you a good idea of how professional the caterer is and whether they will be able to deliver services on your requests.
Services and offers
You should ensure you know what the catering company can provide for your event. You should bear in mind that each catering company is unique in terms of the services offered. If you want to host an event where guests will be allowed to choose whatever they like, your catering company should have a wide range of options. Catering companies also offer different types of services such as renting utensils and arranging tables. Some catering companies charge extra fees for these whilst others include them in their total cost of catering. It is crucial that you know what you are getting into and that all your needs are met.
Payment and pricing
When it comes to catering services, there is no standard price because the costs differ from one caterer to another. The most important thing you need to consider is that you set a budget so that you can compare the prices with other companies. It is good to set aside some money for catering because it will ensure your guests are served.
If you do not want the hassles of having to pay upfront for services, it is possible to pay in installments or after the event is done. You should ensure that you get everything set up with your catering company beforehand so that there are no future misunderstandings.
Availability
There is no point in choosing an Orange County Catering company only to find that they are not available on your event day. You should schedule a meeting with your caterer to check out whether they are available. You should also find out which days and times they are free for consultations and food testing.