But Jenny...What do I ask the caterers?

Well, my dear readers, have a read of this post to see just what you should be asking your caterers!

1. Are they available on my date? - MOST important question. If they're not available, discard them straight away.

2. Do they have a food service business permit? Do they have insurance coverage including liquor liability (if being served)? Do they have a caterers license? - Again, if they lack the proper licenses they cannot legally serve you so discard them.

3. How long have they been in business? - This will give you an idea of their experience level.

4. How many events do they cater to each year? Do they do multiple on one date?

5. If they do multiple on one date, do they have another one booked for your wedding day? If they have 2 on a day, depending on what they are doing, it could mean reduced quality. If it's just a simple dropping off of a buffet, chances are you'll be fine with them having multiple on one day but if it's a full meal, I would suggest finding one that has only one booking that day and that's yours. This is to ensure top quality and their full attention to your catering.

6. How many guests will the catering allow for?

7. Is there a cost for setting up and taking down? How much time is needed?

8. Are waiters included or are they extra? How many will there be? What will they be wearing?

9. Do I need to provide food for the catering staff?

10. What are the different food options available?

11. Do they provide foods fresh or frozen? Are they locally grown? Organic?

12. Do they cater to specific requirements i.e. vegan/vegetarian/Gluten-free etc?

13. What are their options for alternative meals for those with different diets?

14. Can you arrange a tasting? Does it cost?

15. How many choices can I offer my guests for a meal?

16. Do they provide beverages/alcohol? What brands do they serve? Do they have a liquor license?

17. Is it charged per person or per meal/alcohol consumed?

18. How many bartenders/bars are provided?

19. Does the caterer provide the cake? If so, is there a cake-cutting fee?

20. Do they offer desserts?

21. Is the tables, chairs, crockery etc provided?

22. Do they offer any packages?

23. What is the tip rate? (even in the UK, it is polite to give them a tip on top of their fee).

24. Total cost? What's the deposit? Is it non-refundable?

25. What's the cancellation policy?

26. What kind of payments are available?

27. Are payment plans available?

28. Have they worked with your venue previously? - It's not an issue if not but if they have, then things will go a little smoother as relationships will have already been made and they will know the layout of your venue.

30. Can they provide references?

31. When do they need final numbers and food choices?

32. Can leftover food be packaged to take home or donated?