Few things can make or break an event as the quality, flavor and appearance of the food and beverages you serve. A lot rides on your decision to pick the right caterer who will not only come up with a creative menu, but will also take your budget, theme, guests' food allergies, taste preferences, and even the venue and event's tone/mood into consideration. Catering is often at the top of the list of line-item costs for most events, which means that the caterer you choose is also a significant budgetary decision and can influence how much money you have left over to spend on other areas.
When picking a caterer, make sure to look for one that's responsive, flexible, professional, certified, organised, and well-reviewed. The catering company you pick will have to be able to accommodate the number of guests that will be at your event. The size of the catering company should match the size of your event. It’s also a good idea to consider the location of your event. A local caterer might be familiar with the venue and will be less likely to experience delays due to a long journey. How much money you have set aside in your event budget for catering will also help narrow down your search. Try to find a caterer with a good mix of value and price. Many venues have a list of caterers they prefer to work with. Choosing a caterer from their list can not only reduce the risk of misunderstandings, but might also get you a sizeable discount.
Good caterers are easy to reach and will respond to your calls and emails promptly. If you’re experiencing issues with communication up front, then it’s also likely to be a problem down the lineIn addition to their communication skills, you should look for caterers that are organised and deliver proposals, quotes, and other deliverables in a timely manner. Just like most event planners specialise in a particular type of event, many caterers will do the same. Make sure that your caterer has experience working with your kind of event - whether it's a corporate mixer to an intimate wedding. If you have guests that have medical, dietary or lifestyle requirements, check to make sure that your caterer is flexible in regards to the menu and serving of the food, and can create meals that are free of allergens, meats (if necessary), and other ingredients like sugar and salt, which can affect people adversely. If in doubt, look at the reviews! Online reviews and personal recommendations are very telling when it comes to a caterer’s ability to carry out the job. Do your due diligence and research the caterer before hiring.
Interested in getting some delicious bites for your next board meeting, event, or at-home gathering? Take a look at some of our favourite, lip-smacking caterers in Doha, Qatar listed below and give your guests something to talk about!