Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, but few are as important as choosing the right food service. Your guests will remember the delicious meal you served almost as much as they’ll remember your beautiful ceremony.
Finding the perfect caterer requires more than just tasting samples and comparing prices. You need someone who understands your vision, works within your budget, and delivers exceptional service on your special day.
Whether you’re considering local businesses or chain restaurants that offer catering, asking the right questions will help you make a confident choice. This guide from Modern Food Catering will walk you through the essential questions to ask your wedding caterer before signing any contract.
8 Important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Caterer
What’s Included in Your Package Price?
Understanding exactly what you’re paying for prevents unwelcome surprises later. Some caterers include tables, chairs, linens, and serving staff in their base price, while others charge separately for these items.
Ask about setup and cleanup services, serving utensils, plates, and glassware. Knowing whether taxes, gratuity, and service charges are included helps you budget accurately and compare different catering companies fairly.
Can You Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Today’s weddings often include guests with various dietary needs. Your caterer should handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals without hesitation.
Discuss how they mark special meals and ensure servers know which guests receive them. Understanding how to select a wedding caterer means finding someone flexible enough to create delicious options for everyone attending your celebration, regardless of their dietary requirements.
Do You Provide a Tasting Session?
Never book a caterer without sampling their food first. Most professional companies offer tasting appointments where you can try menu options and make adjustments.
This meeting lets you evaluate food quality, presentation style, and portion sizes. It’s also a chance to assess the caterer’s professionalism and responsiveness to your feedback. Schedule this tasting several months before your wedding to allow time for menu refinement.
What’s Your Staff-to-Guest Ratio?
Proper staffing ensures your guests receive attentive service throughout the reception. A good rule involves one server for every fifteen to twenty guests for plated meals, or one for every twenty-five to thirty for buffet-style service.
Ask about the experience level of their team and whether they’ll assign a coordinator to oversee everything. Adequate staffing prevents long wait times and keeps your celebration running smoothly.
How Do You Handle Last-Minute Changes?
Unexpected situations happen, even with careful planning. Your guest count might fluctuate, weather could force venue changes, or timeline adjustments might become necessary.
Discuss the caterer’s policies regarding final headcount deadlines, cancellation fees, and menu modifications. Knowing their flexibility and problem-solving approach gives you peace of mind. A professional caterer should have backup plans and remain calm under pressure.
What Licenses and Insurance Do You Carry?
Professional caterers must hold proper business licenses, food handler certifications, and liability insurance. These credentials protect you from potential legal and health issues.
Request copies of their insurance certificates and verify their validity. If they’re working at your venue, confirm their insurance meets the location’s requirements. This protection is essential when serving food to large groups of people.
Can You Provide References from Recent Weddings?
Speaking with previous clients reveals valuable insights about a caterer’s reliability and quality. Ask for contacts from weddings similar in size and style to yours. When calling references, inquire about food quality, professionalism, punctuality, and how the caterer handled any problems. Online reviews offer additional perspectives, but personal references often provide more detailed, honest feedback about the overall experience.
What’s Your Cancellation and Refund Policy?
Understanding contract terms protects your investment if plans change unexpectedly. Review the deposit amount, payment schedule, and cancellation deadlines carefully. Some caterers offer partial refunds if you cancel within certain timeframes, while others keep all deposits regardless.
Clarify what happens if the caterer cancels on you and whether they’ll provide a replacement. Reading the fine print prevents misunderstandings and financial losses down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you order lunch at Wendy’s in the morning?
No, Wendy’s serves only breakfast items during morning hours. Lunch menu items become available when breakfast service ends, typically around 10:30 AM on most days at participating locations.
What time does Wendy’s change from breakfast to lunch?
Wendy transitions from breakfast to lunch at 10:30 AM most days. However, timing may vary slightly by location, so checking with your local restaurant ensures you know their exact schedule.
Does Wendy’s have a secret lunch menu?
Wendy’s doesn’t maintain an official secret lunch menu. However, many locations accommodate reasonable customization requests, allowing you to modify regular menu items to create personalized combinations if ingredients are available.
What’s the earliest time to get a Baconator at Wendy’s?
You can order a Baconator when lunch service begins at 10:30 AM. This signature burger isn’t available during breakfast hours, so you’ll need to wait until the menu switches over.
Can you get Wendy’s chili during breakfast hours?
No, chili is part of the lunch and dinner menu. It becomes available when Wendy’s switches from breakfast to lunch service at 10:30 AM at most locations throughout the week.
Final Words
Choosing the right caterer significantly impacts your wedding day experience. By asking these questions to ask your wedding caterer, you’ll gather the information needed to make a smart decision. Take time to meet with several companies, compare their answers, and trust your instincts.
The perfect caterer will not only serve delicious food but also help reduce your stress and create lasting memories. Remember that good communication from the start leads to a successful partnership. Your wedding meal should reflect your personality and leave guests talking about the wonderful celebration for years to come.
