When you need to feed a crowd, nothing quite matches the ease and convenience of catering. However, not all catering services are created equal, and some companies are better suited for your event than others. To help you find the best choice, consider asking these three questions.

Questions to Ask Potential Catering Services

1. How Do You Handle Dietary Restrictions?

Truly great catering services will account for a range of dietary restrictions, whether you have people in your party who are gluten-free or steadfast vegetarians. Your caterer should be willing to work with you to suggest options based on how many people you’re expecting. For example, your caterers can set aside a special a la carte dish for just a few friends in your party. For larger groups, they should make your buffet vegetarian-friendly.

2. When Is the Final Guest Count Due?

When you’re planning an event, everything can change on a dime. Reputable catering services will recognize the fact that the guest count will change as your event date approaches, and they’ll work with you to adapt your menu accordingly. As a rule of thumb, plan on sending over your final guest count and menu changes two weeks prior to your event date.

3. Are You Insured?

This is a question not many people consider, but it’s an important one to ask prospective catering services. Most vendors will require a certificate of insurance before your caterer is allowed in the facility. The company should have general liability insurance to protect their assets and pay for obligations, just in case someone gets injured during your event. It’s the last thing anyone wants to happen, but insurance provides peace of mind—a valuable item to have on the day of your event.

Above all, your caterer should be professional, reputable, and able to provide glowing testimonials from happy customers. Feeding people is an important job, so it’s worth asking extra questions to make sure you’ve found a company you can trust.

Food should look as good as it tastes, which is why the team at Lother's Catering believes in artful presentation and delicious cuisine. Based in Hebron, and serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, this reputable catering service specializes in corporate events, weddings, outdoor pig roasts, and large warehouse catering. To schedule your free consultation with a friendly representative, call (859) 689-4030 or visit them online to read their answers to frequently asked questions.