BY Subham SahaDec 11, 2020

Leading event managers are of the opinion that catering is one of the most important aspects that contribute to the success of any occasion. If you are able to avoid the mistakes of catering, you are well on your way to ensuring that your guests have the best possible time. Catering is more than just ensuring that the food is of high-quality. It also includes that the service is timely and that the catering staff is well-behaved and efficient. If you are someone who is planning your next event and are looking to find the best possible corporate event catering County Durham, or wherever it is you are, you need to avoid making some key mistakes. In this article, we take help from leading event managers and ask them about the top mistakes when choosing a catering service. List of Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Choosing a Catering Service 1. Not looking at the Licenses or the Certifications- A common mistake, which is done by many is overlooking the licenses and official certifications of the catering service providers. Like all businesses, they need to ensure that they have updated Food Licenses, Alcohol Service Licenses, and other prerequisites. If you are not sure that the catering company has them, you should ask them to immediately clarify the same. However, if you are unsatisfied with their response making you still suspicious of them, maybe you think they are hiding something like their alcohol license, then you could consider hiring a private investigator to take this further. They will be able to uncover if your suspicion has any evidence to back it up and put your mind at ease; the last thing you want is the local enforcement authorities showing up at your event and telling you that you cannot serve alcohol as the license of the caterer for the same is void. Therefore, these checks are best to do before hiring an external company! 2. Not checking for their Catering Experience- Experience matters, especially when it comes to handling large events. According to experts, a specialised event catering company has years of experience and trained staff members, which ensures that they always bring their A-game to any event. Experience not only in terms of food but also in service. If you are working with inexperienced catering vendors, it can lead to a number of issues. From the quality of the food to ensuring timely delivery and efficient management of logistics, many things can go wrong. This is why experience matters a lot for a catering company. 3. Not having a Food Sampling Session from the Caterer- [caption id="attachment_2812" align="aligncenter" width="626"] Food buffet catering on the table[/caption] Many times, we are parties to an event and fall in love with the food. If the person is a good friend or a relative, we ask them for the contact details of the caterer. In such an instance, tasting the food can be overlooked as you already have an idea for the same. However, if you are getting in touch with a caterer for the first time, it is best to sample their food. This will allow you to gauge whether the quality is up there for you to select them for your upcoming event. Do not make the mistake of not tasting the food before hiring the caterer. 4. Not doing Online Research about the Catering Service- While referrals are a good starting point, you should make sure that you are doing your own research as well. This means looking at online reviews, checking for ratings, etc. This will give you a better idea about the quality of the catering company and what customers are saying. Do not go by the customer testimonials of their website pages. Check their social media feed and GMB pages for negative reviews. See if there are any in the first place, and how have they responded to the same. This will tell you a lot about whether your selection is going to be right. 5. Making Choices based on the Cheapest Catering Price on offer- Many people make the mistake of prioritizing the price factor when choosing a catering service. Yes, price is important. However, it should not become the deciding factor. The cheapest option does not necessarily mean the best. Low prices in the world of catering can also lead to poor quality food and service. While you can avoid going for companies who charge exorbitantly, you should look for catering services that are affordable and not necessarily the lowest in terms of prices. The Final Word If you are looking at choosing the right catering company for your next event, you can take help from the article and avoid making these mistakes. From tasting the food before hiring to looking at their licenses and certifications, it is important to do your research when choosing the right catering company for your needs. Read Also: 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip Cooking In Dublin: 7 Restaurants To Dine In With Your Family Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia World’s Legendary Locations That Will Mesmerise You