Hiring a caterer is a great way to elevate your next event without adding too much stress on yourself. However, entrusted someone else with your event's success or failure can seem overwhelming, which is why choosing the right professional is essential.

With so many catering service providers in the Greater Los Angeles area, though, finding the ideal caterer is often easier said than done. Luckily, we have some helpful tips you can use to ensure you're partnering with someone who can make your event truly remarkable.

How to find the right catering service.

Ask for references and testimonials.

Word of mouth is paramount in the catering industry, so you can start by asking friends, family, and coworkers if they have any preferred caterers. You can also search online and check any reviews that are available to narrow the field. Once you have a few different options, reach out and ask if they'll provide testimonials from their previous events. Any caterer who is worth the investment should be happy to provide these references.

Find out what level of communication you can expect.

It's rare when hosting a big event that everything goes exactly as planned. More often than not, something will go wrong or there will be a last-minute change, so it's helpful to have a catering service provider that you can reach easily. Ask about their preferred method of communication, whether or not you will have a dedicated point of contact, and what to expect in terms of hard deadlines.

Understand the true scope of your event.

When you're interviewing potential caterers, you need to ensure that they have the necessary capacity to handle your event. Let them know about the venue, what the headcount is, and what style of catering services you need. Being completely upfront and honest is essential to determine if they are a good match and will help get you a more accurate quote.

Look for a certain amount of flexibility.

Some caterers are set in their ways and are reluctant to alter their menu, and while that's perfectly within their rights, it's not always the best fit for a big event. That's why finding one that is open to suggestions is helpful. This is particularly true if you know that anyone attending the event has any food allergies or sensitivities. With the right provider, you can cater to those individuals' needs and personalize the meal to better fit your specific event.

Set up a food tasting.

Once you've narrowed your choices down to two or three catering service providers, the last step is to experience their offerings firsthand. This is your chance not only to taste their food, but also to inspect their kitchen for cleanliness, inquire into what type of ingredients they use, and see what kind of customer service you can expect your guests to receive on the day of the event.

Are you in the market for catering services in the Greater LA area?

Then make sure your next event is a big hit by partnering with The Butler Pantry Catering Co. As a service-driven catering company in Los Angeles, we take great pride in feeding our community. That's why we always deliver high-quality food that looks as beautiful as it is delicious.

We offer a wide range of catering options, so whether you want a chef-inspired dinner at home for two or need to feed a large-scale event, you can have peace of mind knowing you're in good hands with The Butler Pantry Catering Co. Check out our digital gallery for inspiration, or send us a message and tell us about your upcoming event.