Questions to ask a caterer for a wedding reception?

We are planning on meeting with caterers beginning next week for our wedding reception.....what questions should we ask?



-Besides, the obvious questions such as the prices and types of food.

-Any answers due to experience would help.Questions to ask a caterer for a wedding reception?
Are the caterers providing more than just food, like dishes, glasses, flatware? What do they look like? Glass or plastic?

Do they guarantee hot food will be hot? Plate waited or buffet? How many staff provided (figure out how many that is per table or the guest/staff ratio) You will want to see and taste actual samples, not see "representative" pictures so you can judge both the quality and the quantity of food. What time will they arrive? Get the name of the person who will be in charge at your reception. If there's a problem, you don't want to be trying to reach somebody at an office that closed an hour before the wedding started.
Some caterers don't allow you to have "leftovers" - check with them about that. Some people have counted on having them for the next day at the gift opening, then found they couldn't get them.Questions to ask a caterer for a wedding reception?
I'm sure you will find that the caterers will tell you everything you need to know and provide answers to your questions. They usually give you a printed sheet of everything that is included in the cost. If you think of anything later you can always ring them up and ask. You don't necessarily have to think of everything on your first meeting.
besides the obvious, ask how long they will need to set-up, how much staff is included with the package, obviously any cancellation information, ask them for some references from other weddings they have done (and call and check those references - ask what they liked the best and worst and an overall opinion). Find out if they are open to preparing any of your family recipes - that might be a nice touch to have one thing from each of your families served.



You'll be fine, they do this a lot - they'll have a routine and it will roll out just fine!



Congratulations %26amp; good luck!
make sure all the details are in writing, you know, what kind of food, what time they will be there, how long they will be there; what happens if you need to cancel ...what besides food are they providing; don't assume anything......
-if you are going to have candles will they light them before you arrive?



- are they putting up a sign to direct your guests where to go? if so make sure they know how to spell your name!!!



-does anyone attending have an allergy to any food or any special dietry requirements? make sure they know !!



-Can you set up the day/night before?



-if it's raining can you hold the ceremony at the reception venue?



-is there easy access to the outdoors for smokers?



-will they let you come back the next day to pick up your centrepieces or will you have to take them on the wedding night?



-when will the dj or band be able to set up?



-what will be in the room on the night?



-how will they set out the tables?



-How many people will fit at a table?



-Can they show you pictures from a wedding of similar size held at the venue? can you contact other people who have had their recptions there?