Weddingbee boards

Next week, FI and I will be traveling to my home state (where our wedding will be) to meet with three caterers and (hopefully) make a decision. All three offer similar menus (which are fully customizable!) and similar prices. As such, we're having a hard time getting a feeling for which we should go with. On top of it, I've heard great things about all three from friends/other brides/guests at weddings they've catered.

So, my question is, what questions should we ask/what should we look for to help differentiate between them?

Basically, I'm hoping that despite their price similarity, once we meet with them, we'll get a sense of who can do the most with our budget. But if that doesn't happen, I don't know how we'll choose :-) I guess there are worse problems to have!!

Sorry for the bump, still hoping for any helpful advice :-)

First of all, with your caterer, are you needing other supplies? Meaning plates, napkins, utensils, glassware, etc? If so, you need costs for those as well.

Do you need serveware? If so, find out if it's included.

Staff - make sure to ask for staff charges and their estimates on hours needed, etc. Ask if there will be an event supervisor on site, and their experience.

Make sure ALL taxes and gratuity is included in their estimates. Ask about other hidden charges, i.e. delivery, set-up, tear-down, garnishes for bar (if applicable), water charges, coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, ice charges etc.  (Yes, some caterers charge for ice!)

Also, find out if they've catered at the venue that your wedding is at. Find out their experiences, etc.

Hope this helps!

Thank you both so much! This is great info!

@Lara Bee, We will need the caterer to coordinate all the rentals.