CATERERS

Special note: Some halls you might book require you to use their caterer. Always ask if anyone can cater your event at the hall you want.

1.Ask Questions. How long have they catered, where and for whom?

2. Find out the total price for each meal (which might include tax and tip), and if there is a price break for a certain number of meals served. I have learned the tip could add 10% to 17% above the quoted meal price.

3. Ask if they offer a vegetarian plate. You might be surprised how many classmates make this their meal choice.

4. Ask if they offer a bar service. Hotels and certain halls require you to use their bar service. You may have the option to set the drink price slightly higher then what the bar service would charge. This money can be used to fund your next reunion. This option is hard to track.

5. If you get stuck using a required caterer and bar service because of the hall/hotel you have  selected, try and negotiate the price. You might get the room for free or a reasonable cost per meal. Think of it as if you were buying a car.

6.One thing that your classmates will remember is if the food wasn't worth the ticket price. They realize that the ticket price includes many things, but the food is something tangible. By choosing a caterer that cares about presentation and quality, you set the stage for your classmates to return to your next reunion.