There are a multitude of on-going tasks involved when planning an event. Whether it’s a lunch meeting or a large celebration, one of the most significant duties you have is hunting down a good, reputable caterer. Reserving your available event date with that caterer before another eager group of folks beats you to it is even more important. It can all seem overwhelming. 

Whether you have 50 guests or 500, it all boils down to one thing: finding a caterer that knows how to please your group. The solution lies in the hands of a caterer with the know-how and background experience it takes to make your event a memorable one. And before venturing out with hopes of finding that caterer, read the following guide we created just for you.

Finding the perfect caterer for your event doesn't have to be time consuming or a hassle. Once you’re done reading this short report you’ll be ready to choose the best caterer for your next event. So let’s get down to business here!

1. Don’t base your decision on price only.
The old saying, “You get what you pay for” rings truer today than ever. You can always go for the lowest price, but when you have a caterer offering a lower price, they’re probably cutting corners somewhere for YOUR party. Is cleanup included in the price, or are they sticking you with the cleanup?  Are desserts and beverages included in the price?  Do they make your event memorable with free games, party favors, festive decor, music and a photographer, or do they just show up with food only? 
All caterers are not created equally. You owe it to yourself to make sure you know what you are paying for. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The second part of the equation is your budget. Knowing in advance how much money you have to spend will save you time in exploring options. There is nothing more frustrating than having a specific meal in mind without the budget to see it through.
[While we’re definitely not the cheapest option, we have some of the best offerings around with our all-inclusive, themed menus that include food, music, décor, party favors and games. We bring the whole party!]

2. Does your caterer have extensive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers?
Ask your potential caterer to supply you with proof that they’ve catered events successfully in the past.  If they are unwilling to give you references or testimonials, keep shopping. You should be able to search for the caterer online and find satisfied customers.  Many caterers are just restaurants that deliver, but running a restaurant and operating a successful catering operation requires a different set of skills.
[At E! Brand, all we do is cater so we’ve gotten good at it. We have extensive reviews from groups big and small. Just ask us for a list of our happy customers.]

3. Does your caterer offer a money-back guarantee?
Guarantees are part of doing business for most industries. This protects you from receiving less than you expect. Look for a caterer that guarantees their product. Make sure you go into your event knowing you are covered. You’re giving up valuable dollars; you have every right to expect a guarantee for your important event. If your caterer does not offer a money-back guarantee you should ask them WHY.
 [We have a No-Risk Guarantee. Good Food & Good Fun or you can demand a refund of our service/gratuity charge. Period.]

4. Is your caterer insured properly and able to provide any permits needed for your event?
Most commercial properties and office property management require a minimum of $1,000,000 insurance policy and want to be listed as named insured’s on the policy. Also, in the event that something happens, there should be a policy in place that covers you and your guests. Your caterer should also have the proper health licenses and a fire permit in place, if necessary.

[E! Brand carries a $2,000,000 Commercial Liability Policy and can readily have your property management company named as an Insured on our policy. Although we have a large policy, there has never been an incident in all the years we’ve been catering. We also carry the proper Food Handling Permits and can even handle Fire Permits if your event calls for them.]

5. Do they provide turn-key service?
Can you provide rental equipment like tables, chairs, tents, and decorations?
Most party planners have a busy schedule and more to do than focus all of their time an energy planning the party. That’s why a one-stop-shop comes in handy. Who has time to go shop for decorations, call the tent rental company and deal with the hassle of making arrangements for tables and chairs? Having a party is supposed to be fun! Right?

[At E! Brand Catering we do all the work. Our turn-key services make it easy for you. We have our own rental company that handles your tent, table, and chair rentals, along with decorations, music, and more! Just ask and we’ll be happy to take care of this hectic process for you.]

6. Does your caterer have different options to please all your guests?
Most group meals consist of a minority of guests that have special diets or requests. Years ago you could order one entree and be sure everyone was happy. Today, you need to consider adding another entree. Perhaps a vegetarian dish or a chicken dish added as another main course would accommodate all. Will you be having a group of children at your event? Be sure your caterer provides kid-friendly meals as well. A professional caterer should have options available to please everyone.
 
[E! Brand has Vegetarian options and Kid’s options. We can even create Vegan and Ethnic friendly meals. Just ask and we’ll send you some options.]

7. Does your caterer have a backup plan for you?
Nothing is worse than having an event where more people show up than expected or your guests eat more than you planned. An experienced caterer can plan ahead and make arrangements to anticipate additional unexpected guests, plan the best food portions, and crowd control to make sure you have enough food for your anticipated guests and you get the most bang-for-your-buck.

[We plan out all the fine details of your event with you well in advance so you can be at ease and know things will run smoothly. Our planning system includes portion control and anticipates how much food you’ll need for your group. We always bring a little extra and coordinate things to make sure everyone gets served properly.]

So whether you choose E! Brand Catering for your event or not, these suggestions will help you plan and enjoy your event, free from stress and get the maximum value for your dollar!
Let’s Recap:

Here’s another quick look at the 7 Mistakes You Should Avoid When Planning Your Event…

1. - Basing Your Decision On Price Alone
2. - Not Getting References/Testimonials
3. - Not Having A Guarantee In Place
4. - Using A Caterer Without Proper Insurance, Permits, and Licenses
5. - Not Having A One-Stop-Shop For All Event Rentals
6. - Failing To Choose Options That Please Everyone
7. - No Plan For Extra Guests That Might Show Up

 

We have the answers to help you avoid these 7 Mistakes and MORE.

So what happens when you follow the 7 Rules before hiring your next caterer?

Imagine this. It’s the day of your big event. The catering crew shows up early and is prepared to serve before your start time.

All day long everyone is giving you compliments about how much they are impressed with your event planning skills. The décor, the music, and the games…everyone LOVES it! You’re a HERO.

You’ve never had so many compliments…all because you picked a great caterer.

You’ll definitely have a memorable catering. The right choice will make it a pleasant memory.

I look forward to personally working with you on your successful event.

Now, you’re armed with some real “food for thought.” Use this information as a guide when selecting the right caterer for your event. The right answers will make you look like a HERO!

Call or visit us online today for details on how we can help you host an outstanding event.

Talk to you soon,

E! Brand Catering

P.S. – Be on the lookout for special discounts and coupons we send to our VIP members via email.