Food tends to be the centre of any celebration. From a lively birthday party to a classy corporate office party, a reputed caterer can help your soiree stand out in a good way. But choosing the right caterer is more than browsing over an impressive menu or reading a few reviews online. It’s about understanding what to ask, what to anticipate and how to prepare ahead of time so that your event is a success and the guests depart content.

If you are going to arrange catering for corporate party or a family party, these nine tips will prevent last-minute stress and enable you to make better choices.

Define Your Requirements Clearly

Before you call any catering company, have your guest numbers, dietary needs and desired service style, such as buffet, sit-down or live counters, identified. This will enable the caterer to provide you with a better estimate and tailor the menu according to your needs.

Request Experience with Similar Events

Not everyone is accommodating for all kinds of events. If you are searching for corporate office party catering services Mumbai, opt for one with a good track record of professional setups and one who knows corporate event timeframes and expectations.

Inspect Menu Variety and Flexibility

Food habits differ extensively nowadays. A good caterer must be able to provide vegetarian, vegan, Jain and gluten-free dishes. The higher the flexibility they provide, the higher the chances of making all your guests happy.

Ask for a Tasting Session

Never ever skip the tasting session. It provides you with a firsthand experience of food quality, presentation and quantity. It’s better to discover this ahead of time than be disillusioned on the actual day.

Be Clear on Inclusions and Exclusions

Some caterers throw in crockery, cutlery, serving personnel and setup fees as part of their package. Others don’t. Get a proper explanation of what is included and what is not to prevent surprise bills later.

Ensure Hygiene Standards

See what they have in their kitchen or request a sneak peek behind the scenes. Cleanliness and hygiene should never be sacrificed, particularly when you are employing catering for corporate party where the reputation of your organisation is on the line.

Check Reviews and Request Referrals

Reviews online may be useful, but direct word of mouth from past clients usually provides better insight. Don’t be afraid to request references from the caterer that you can call.

Ask About Contingency Plans

What happens if it rains at your outdoor party? Or the chef gets ill? See what contingency plans they have in case of such a situation.

Put Everything on Paper

Ensure that the agreement contains information such as the menu, number of servers, setup time, service period and payment terms. A written contract keeps both parties safe.

The Concluding Note

Spend time choosing the right service, and you’ll be free to enjoy your event while the experts handle the rest. After all, when the food is great, everything else falls into place.