What to Ask Your Catering Company Before Your Event in Philadelphia

  • By Hanna Kogan
  • 12 Apr, 2017
When planning an event in Philadelphia, you must realize the importance of selecting the right catering company to do the honors. Catering is easily the most important factor in any event, and you can’t afford to work with people who do not deliver what they promise.

If your event is going to be a success, you need to make sure that you and your catering company are on the same page. That is the only way you can avoid misunderstandings and missteps later. But how do you do this?

Find Out About Their Operations

Before you tell a catering company about your event, you need to gauge their level of expertise and their openness towards you. Start off with basic enquiries like where they are situated, how long they’ve been in business, where they source their ingredients from, and if they have handled events similar to yours before.

Every Philadelphia venue has its own set of rules. Ask the catering company if it has experience catering to that venue. If not, can they meet the venue’s permit and regulatory requirements?

Catering companies in Philadelphia differ in the scope of services they provide. Some just cater food; while others have a whole list of supporting services they can offer. Ask them if they offer any such services. Maybe they can refer a decorator or entertainer for your event?

Get Into the Nitty Gritty of Your Event

Once you’ve asked these basic questions, you should have a good idea of what you are dealing with. Only caterers who took the time to satisfy your queries should be considered. It’s time now to start talking about your event.

Talk to the catering company and tell them what kind of budget constraints you are working with. Tell them the number of guests you want to invite and find out what they can do within your budget. The best catering companies will recommend a menu with your budget in mind. There might be certain dietary restrictions you need taken care of as well. Maybe the caterers offer special meals for children. Find out how they deal with these requirements.

Last but not the least is the small matter of pricing. Make sure you are clear on their terms and conditions. Does the Philadelphia-based catering company require an advance? Are the charges based on headcount or lump sum? If based on headcount, is there a discount for children?

Waterfront Gourmet is an established catering company in Philadelphia and we are happy to work with you and provide answers to any of your questions so that every little detail about your event is taken care of. Call us on 267-308-5108 or 267-227-1994 and let’s start talking, or order online for an event no one will soon forget.