One of the things I didn’t appreciate on most of the wedding caterers in Tagaytay is that they don’t offer free food tasting. Food tasting will only be complimentary if and when you book them and pay the down payment. Unfortunately, because I didn’t have the right guidance during our wedding planning or maybe I was just simply naïve about these things, I had booked this one caterer without trying out their food beforehand. I only relied on the feedbacks I’ve read over the internet from previous brides. On the day of the food tasting, I found their main course meals to be very disappointing (mas masarap pa ang ulam sa carinderia ni Aling Nena kumbaga). I ended up cancelling my reservation with them. I couldn’t bear the thought of feeding my guests tasteless food! And yes, our down payment was forfeited.
We all have different taste preferences. What may be delicious for others, may not be for you. So before paying the down payment, try out the caterer’s food first EVEN if you’ve already read/heard good feedbacks about them. Pay if you have to. What is 800 pesos compared to 10,000 pesos diba?
What else do you need to know? I find these tips from theknot.com very useful. Read it NOW.
Questions to Ask Your Caterer
- Does the caterer specialize in certain types of food or service? (They should provide you with sample menus to review.) Find a wedding caterer who can make a memorable meal.
- Can the caterer arrange for a tasting of the specific foods you're interested in prior to hiring? (They should.) Schedule a tasting if you get a good vibe.
- What is the caterer's average price range? Are costs itemized depending on the foods you choose, or is there an all-inclusive flat rate? What would that include (linens, tax, and gratuity)? Does the caterer have printed price sheets for food selections? Make sure there's room in your wedding budget.
- How involved is the caterer in a typical reception -- does she work like a wedding coordinator or banquet manager, cueing the band, telling the couple when to cut the cake, adjusting the schedule if guests don't seem ready to sit down to dinner? (You will need to find someone to fill this role -- if your site manager or caterer isn't going to do this, think about hiring a wedding coordinator.)
- Will the caterer provide tables, chairs, plates, table linens, silverware, salt-and-pepper shakers, and more? Ask to see these items to make sure they're acceptable. Do you have to rent tables, place settings, or other equipment? Or will they arrange for the rentals? If not, find wedding rentals in your area.
- Who is the main contact? Will the same person you work with when planning also oversee meal service on the day of the wedding? (You want this to be the case.)
- Will the caterer work any other weddings on the same weekend, the same day, or at the same time as yours? (You want to be sure they will devote sufficient attention to you.) You may want to pass on a smaller outfit who indicates they have another job or two scheduled for that day.
- Does the caterer handle all table settings? Will they put out place cards and favors?
- Will the caterer provide wait staff? How many would they recommend for the size of your wedding? What will the wait staff wear? (Top caterers say they always use their own serving personnel, even if the site's staff is available, because they understand the caterer's way of doing business.)
- Will the caterer be willing to include a recipe you provide, like a special family dish, or an appetizer with some sort of sentimental significance? Can they prepare vegetarian, kosher, kids, or halal meals for just a few of your guests?
- Where will the food be prepared? Are there on-site facilities, or do you, the caterer, and the site manager need to make additional arrangements? If the caterer must bring in his own equipment, is there an additional fee?
- Can the caterer provide alcohol? Or can you handle the bar separately? If you can provide it, is there a corkage fee? How and when will you get the alcohol to the caterer? If the caterer will provide it, do they have an flexible wine list, and can you make special requests? How is this list priced?
- How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet table or on plates? Can you see photos of previous work displays?
- Can you speak to previous clients? (Get at least two references that had a similar number of guests and a similar menu style.)
- Does the caterer also do wedding cakes? Can you use an outside baker if you desire? Is there a cake-cutting fee?
and more…….from other sources - How much do you charge for children’s meals?
- How much do you charge for supplier meals?
- Can you show me photos of cakes you’ve done in the past?
- What types of linens, glassware, plates and flatware do you provide?
- Do they have any other events or weddings the same day or weekend?
- What is your policy on cleanup? TIP: Be very clear about what “cleanup” means and who’s responsible for handling it—and be sure to get it in writing. We’ve heard many tales about caterers that left dirty dishes, trash and uneaten food behind. In most cases, when you rent a location it will be YOUR responsibility to leave the place in acceptable condition. You want to spend your wedding night with your honey, not picking up empty bottles from the lawn!
- If there is leftover food from my event, can we have it wrapped up for guests to take home or have it delivered to a local shelter?
- If my event runs longer than contracted, what are your overtime fees?
- What is the last date by which I can give you a final guaranteed guest count?
- How much of a deposit is required to hold my date? When is the final payment due?
Are there any fees that won’t be included in the proposal that we should be aware of? - Once we book with you, how quickly can we expect a contract? And if we make changes to menu choices or other items, will you update us with a revised estimate and contract?
- What is your refund or cancellation policy? – very important! Unexpected events can happen that will force you to cancel, so know your way out!
Tip from me: Try asking for a sample contact which may contain their general terms and conditions.
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