Catering FAQs

A. As soon as you have decided on the date of your event or party. The more lead time you have the more likely you will be able to work with the caterer of your choice. For a wedding or large scale event it is recommended that you start your search at least 12 - 18 months in advance. Remember that peak times for catering companies are weekends and holiday periods such as Christmas. Spring and Summer are peak wedding times in Australia so allow additional time if you plan your wedding between September to March.

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A. A full service catering company is a caterer who, in addition to taking charge of food preparation and service, also handles other elements of the event such as table settings, decorations, bar service and event coordination. Depending on the caterer, the cost for additional services will either be itemised as an additional charge or included in a package price.

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A. A personal chef is someone who comes to your home to prepare a meal or meals based on your needs and food preferences. Personal chefs will either provide a packaged meal service or one time special event services such as dinner parties. The menu is planned with you and the personal chef handles everything from shopping, preparing the meal, serving the meal and cleaning up. If you are looking for personal chef try our free online referral service. Complete the short registration form and up to 3 prescreened personal chefs will call you with quotes!

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A. Yes. You should ask each caterer to provide you with a written proposal (See: The Catering Proposal). The proposal should contain: suggested menu, rentals, labour, service charges, taxes and times for delivery, set-up, tear down and service. Before you sign any contracts, carefully read through all terms and conditions. Ask questions and if you don't get a straight answer then consider choosing an alternative caterer.

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A. Most people are apprehensive about talking about budget upfront but it is a good idea to have a general idea of how much you want to spend per person on your event. This will save you and the caterer time and it will enable the caterer to develop menu with your budget in mind. It is far more important to choose a caterer on their overall approach to your event or party than solely on price. Most good caterers work within a wide range of budgets. For ideas on saving money, see our ways to save on catering costs article and catering cost and budgeting advice guide.

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A. Every event is different and every caterer will have a unique approach to their business. Catering costs depend on a number of factors: the type of menu, the style of service, the length of event, the location and the complexity of the event. In most instances caterers will custom build their menus to meet the needs of their clients. Prices range from $8.50 per person for finger foods up to $100 and over for formal sit-down style dinners, see our article on budgeting advice for detailed cost breakdowns.

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A. It is important that you quiz your caterer about food safety and preparation. Food that is not properly prepared, transported and service can lead to food poisoning. If the food preparation is to take place at the caterer's kitchen, visit the kitchen. Make sure it is clean and has proper refrigeration space. Ask about food transportation, the health act requires that food be transported at below 5 degrees or above 60 degrees.

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A. Some caterer's will be holders of a caterers liquor license which means that they can provide bar service at your event. If you plan on selling alcohol at your event you may need to apply for a temporary liquor license. There are very specific laws regarding the sale and service of alcohol, see our Catering-and-Alcohol advice on serving alcohol article or ask your caterer for recommendations.

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A. Yes. Your caterer should have public liability insurance and all staff should be covered for workers compensation. This means that if an employee has an accident on your premises they are covered by the catering companies insurance.

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A. A food tasting is an opportunity for you to taste the menu that you have selected for your event or to finalise menu items. While some caterers will use tastings as a sales point, most caterers will either charge a small fee or only offer tastings once a booking is confirmed.

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A. Not necessarily. Buffet meals can be very similar in cost to a sit-down menu depending on the food you choose. Sit down meals often require more wait staff but when choosing which type of food service to have at your event cost shouldn't be your only consideration. Other factors include venue space, formal versus informal setting, guest ratios and food preferences.

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