Firstly ask friends and family if they know of any good reliable caterers, or ring around local catering companies in the area of your wedding, find out their availability and price range.  Once you have narrowed them down according to this, arrange an interview and a tasting.

Before the  interview, make sure your prepared with a list questions that you would like answered. here are a few questions that should definitely be asked, when you attend.

1. Do they specialise in a certain type of food or service? Ask to view their menus

2. Are they able to take requests for a different menu for example  special family recipes or cook different religious  foods.

3. Can they arrange tastings and if so, do they charge for this and how much?

4. Is there a deposit required? How much is it and when is the final payment due?

5. Do they supply tables, chairs, linen, plates etc.  Would it cost any less if you arranged that separately?  It may be worth checking rental prices else where for the extras, it may work out cheaper for you.

6. How many other weddings are they catering for that day or weekend.  You want them to be dedicated to your day and not rushing to get things done, so that they can make another event

7. How many weddings have they catered for? Ask if they have references that you could get in touch with and photos of displays that you take a look at.

8. What is the price of a buffet compared to a sit down meal?  Buffets are usually cheaper so if you have a smaller budget, this may be a better option.

9. What is included in the price per person?  Is it just the food or does it include services, such as preparing before hand, cleaning, the waiting staff etc?  You need to know exactly what is covered in the price, so that your not surprised about anything when it comes to paying the bill.

10. Will the catering staff be responsible for setting the table? Will they put out place cards and favours?  Be sure you know what is going to be done, you may need to make other arrangements, if something won’t be done by the company.

11. Where will the food be prepared? Will it be done on-site or off-site?  This will really depend on where you are having your wedding.  If for example you are having a beach wedding, there may not be anywhere to prepare the food, so the catering company will have to provide the food preparation area as well as any other equiptment  that maybe needed, such as ovens etc.

12. If you choose to provide the alcohol, is there a corkage fee? If they provide the alcohol how is it priced? is there a list of wine option to choose from?

13. Do they serve fresh or frozen foods?  Obviously the fresher the better, so make sure you are aware.

14. Does the caterer have a license and proper insurance? A license will ensure the catering company has met specified health department standards and has adequate liability insurance. If alcohol will be served, make sure the caterer also has a liquor license.

15. Will they provide meals for on the day vendors, such as the photographer, videographer and DJ etc? Is there an extra charge and if so how much is it?

These are only  some questions which I feel are most important, if you have any other other burning questions make sure to ask them.  Remember get everything in writing, ask for a contract to look through before agreeing to anything, and also a quotation out lining everything you are paying for so that there is no confusion.