Tips For Choosing the Best Catering in Phoenix
- By Mark Idzik
- Published 04/17/2009
- Food and Drink
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Choosing a caterer is a crucial decision for the success of your function. Whether you're planning a wedding, anniversary, shower, birthday, bah mitzvah, sweet sixteen or business meeting in Phoenix, asking the right questions will help you make the best decision for your event.
First, create a list of details that are important to you.
By detailing the crucial items that are vital for your occassion, you're sure to be able to ask and get your questions answered, making it easier to choose the right caterer for you. Don't forget timelines, special dietary considerations, location and bar and drink selections.
Next, create a budget for your event.
Knowing what you want to spend up front and sharing that with your prospective caterer will allow you to make better choices when faced with making meal selections and upgrades during the process. Your caterer can often make suggestions on how to get the most out of your budget.
Thirdly, request a tasting for your top menu item choices.
If you haven't tasted your caterer's meals, a tasting can be quite helpful in determining not only what meals to select, but what caterer delivers the taste and presentation you would expect for your event. Watch how the tasting is conducted. How is the presentation? Were
the meals presented in a timely manner? How was the cleanup? Pay attention to the details and see how they perform.
Fourth, do a walk through at your event location.
This helps your caterer with logistics and helps you go over any details that may come up as you walk through. Talk about the timeline, flow of guests and other details.
Lastly, ask questions.
Asking questions is vital, make a list of those important to you before you visit with your caterer and follow your instincts when listening to the answers. Important questions to consider include: Will the person running the tasting be running the event? Can the caterer help with other event functions in addition to the food? For example valet, renting equipment, location? What other events has the caterer put on? How long have they been catering? When is the final head count deadline?
Feel confident in asking questions that are important to you and don't be shy. Ask about anything that you don't understand or need clarification on. Ask for suggestions based on your needs. Caterers have planned and put on many events and can share their experiences and expertise. Letting the caterer know how you feel will allow them to help make your event exactly the way you'd like it to be. Once you make your selection stay in touch with your caterer regularly to answer any questions and make final arrangements for your special day.
First, create a list of details that are important to you.
By detailing the crucial items that are vital for your occassion, you're sure to be able to ask and get your questions answered, making it easier to choose the right caterer for you. Don't forget timelines, special dietary considerations, location and bar and drink selections.
Next, create a budget for your event.
Knowing what you want to spend up front and sharing that with your prospective caterer will allow you to make better choices when faced with making meal selections and upgrades during the process. Your caterer can often make suggestions on how to get the most out of your budget.
Thirdly, request a tasting for your top menu item choices.
If you haven't tasted your caterer's meals, a tasting can be quite helpful in determining not only what meals to select, but what caterer delivers the taste and presentation you would expect for your event. Watch how the tasting is conducted. How is the presentation? Were
Fourth, do a walk through at your event location.
This helps your caterer with logistics and helps you go over any details that may come up as you walk through. Talk about the timeline, flow of guests and other details.
Lastly, ask questions.
Asking questions is vital, make a list of those important to you before you visit with your caterer and follow your instincts when listening to the answers. Important questions to consider include: Will the person running the tasting be running the event? Can the caterer help with other event functions in addition to the food? For example valet, renting equipment, location? What other events has the caterer put on? How long have they been catering? When is the final head count deadline?
Feel confident in asking questions that are important to you and don't be shy. Ask about anything that you don't understand or need clarification on. Ask for suggestions based on your needs. Caterers have planned and put on many events and can share their experiences and expertise. Letting the caterer know how you feel will allow them to help make your event exactly the way you'd like it to be. Once you make your selection stay in touch with your caterer regularly to answer any questions and make final arrangements for your special day.
Mark Idzik
Pangea Catering in Phoenix specializes in unique flavors from around the world and making your occassion memorable and delicious. Capable of handling everything from food to valet, Pangea is also a full service event planner for your Phoenix weddings or other occassions. When searching for Phoenix Catering, contact Pangea Catering to create an event you won't forget.
View all articles by Mark Idzik