Hiring a wedding caterer shouldn’t leave a bad taste in your mouth. Here are five questions to make the job a piece of cake.

Whether your wedding reception is for 3 or 300, you will most likely spend more money on food than on any other detail. Kirwan Flannery of Sedona Trail Catering shares how couples can avoid potential mix-ups that might otherwise ruin their appetites.

1.  Are there any additional charges that I need to know about that aren’t shown on the catering estimate?

“Read the fine print,” Flannery says. “Some caterers don’t inform you of certain charges that you will be responsible for until it’s too late. A buffet service charge, which is usually 20% of the total invoice, is just one item that might mysteriously show up on your final invoice. Other examples include delivery fees for rental items, decorations, and so on.”

2.  Is labor included in the price of your food? 

Expect labor charges for chef-attended action stations, servers for plated dinners, and cake cutting service if you bring in your wedding cake from a different vendor. “Make sure these charges are itemized in your written estimate from your caterer,” Flannery says. “Once again, read the fine print.”

3.  Should we budget some extra money for gratuity for the catering staff? 

“Yes, especially if you’re being served a plated dinner,” Flannery says. “Treat this situation the same as if you were in a restaurant: leave 15 -20% of the food portion of your invoice as a tip at the conclusion of your event. It’s also nice, but not required, to leave something for the catering staff if you plan to serve a buffet. The 20% buffet service charge on your invoice goes to the caterer for rental expenses - such as chafing dishes, serving utensils, buffet linens, and decorations - not the catering staff.” 

4.  What other vendors do you recommend?

Your caterer can be a great resource when it comes to selecting other vendors for your event; your caterer might know of the perfect venue for your event. “I’ve catered several events that I thought would be more appropriate, and less expensive, for a different venue,” Flannery says. “I always collect business cards from other vendors, such as DJs, bands, florists, and photographers, and I keep the ones that I’d like to work with again.  I’ve seen some DJs and photographers that were real doozies, acting as if they were the star of the show, and those ‘professionals’ should be avoided at all costs.”

5.  Should we hire a professional bartender to serve alcohol even if we’re having the event at our home?

“Absolutely, and make sure that they are licensed by the state and carry liquor liability in addition to general liability insurance,” Flannery says. “Hiring a friend, or your favorite bartender from the local watering hole, is not recommended. Your homeowners insurance probably won’t cover you if someone gets in an accident on the way home from your party, and you could be held personally responsible.” A bartender will also be able to provide direction as to what type and quantities of beverages to purchase.

Whether you plan for an hors d'oeuvres reception or a sit-down dinner, make an appointment to meet with potential caterers in person and sample their menu items. Don’t be afraid to ask about references and request to see photos - remember that presentation does play a part in how guests will experience the food. Be upfront in discussing issues like budget, and let your taste buds decide the rest.

Sedona Trail Catering is a full-service catering company based in Chandler, AZ. Offering a wide range of freshly prepared appetizers and entrees, Sedona Trail provides memorable meals for just about any special occasion.