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It takes more than booze to keep your guests happy—don’t let the food be an afterthought.
Hiring a legit caterer can be one of the most challenging tasks when planning a wedding. But don’t
stress! The Bacon and Fig Events Team in Baton Rouge has put together a few tips on
choosing your caterer.
1. Research Your Caterer
When choosing your caterer, you want to go with a reputable business that is accessible and accountable. Reviews and referrals are great, but your catering company should be easy to find, have a functioning website, active social media with easy accessibility and contact information. Your catering company should be fully insured and can produce their Certificate of Insurance (COI) up to $1-$2 million. They should have a plethora of culinary and hospitality experience. They understand how to build a timeline, map, and agenda. They are problem solvers and understand not every meal, event, reception or wedding is the same. A professional catering company is transparent, and they can pivot while accommodating your needs. Customer service is very important along with amazing food, desserts, and bar services. Each caterer and client should have a healthy relationship understanding the steps before, during and after the event.
2. First impressions Really Do Matter
Kindness and professionalism go a long way. If the online images and articles from their social media and the website don’t match, then you might have a problem. Bacon and Fig Events takes time to develop relationships with their clients’ specific needs, wants, and understands the information shared is accurate. It is important that when you hang up the phone, read an email, shoot a text or finish a meeting that everyone is on the same page. Everyone should understand the next steps and the current situation. These first impressions should help guide your decisions.
3. Create A Budget
We live in a world that is changing by the minute. Venue rental, food, drinks, vendors and hospitality all come with an increasing price. It is imperative to know your financial limits and see if the caterer is the right fit. Building a budget is different for everyone. Some are getting help from other family members, some are paying on their own. A legit caterer understands this. When you meet with your caterer you might not know what you can afford. After meeting with a caterer, you should have a better assessment. Building a budget might be a challenge, just know a good caterer wants to help. They should not scare you with hidden costs or fees. If you really want peace of mind, ask for a sample quote. This will help during the process of finding the best caterer for your event.
4. Dietary Needs and Restrictions
Very important, please share any dietary needs or restrictions as soon as possible. Once again, things are changing fast but a good caterer can accommodate all types of cuisine while addressing food allergies. Whether it's paleo, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc. Please share the types of food you like or dislike. Professional caterers, cooks, chefs, bartenders, they like to make people happy with their food and drink. Instant gratification should be available for all palates.
5. Don’t Settle Until You Are Happy 😊
Your caterer should just get you! You waited for years to find your spouse, so don’t settle on the first caterer unless they check all of the boxes. Accessible, accountable, transparent, professionalism, they do what they say, they say what they do. Forget a sales pitch, go with your gut, try their food, meet their team, check out their facilities and work to celebrate some of your most important moments together. A professional caterer will treat you, your vendors, family, and friends with respect and understanding.