6 Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Caterer for Your Event

Planning an event in Perth? Be it a corporate function, private party, wedding, or even a backyard gathering, one thing is clear; the food you serve can make or break the occasion.

Luckily, Perth has many excellent catering services. But choosing the right one can feel difficult & confusing. From finding a menu that suits your guests to staying within budget, there’s a lot to consider.

That’s where we come in.

This guide will walk you through every step involved in choosing the best event catering in Perth. From defining your needs and exploring event catering packages, to asking the right questions and comparing menus, we’ll help you feel confident about your choice.

Let’s make sure your event is remembered for all the right reasons, especially the food.

6 Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Caterer for Your Event in Perth

1. Identify Your Catering Needs First | Weddings, Corporate Functions or Private Events

Every event has its own vibe. A formal corporate lunch or a black-tie wedding will call for different menus and service styles than a casual birthday barbecue.

So, start by defining your event:

How many guests?
What’s the theme or dress code?
Are there dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.)?

For big occasions like weddings or corporate functions, food quality should be a top priority. In other words, at a large event no one will remember the speeches if everyone complains about bad food.

So, list out the guest count, the formality (buffet vs. plated dinner), and any special needs. This will guide every other decision:

Guest count & type: Confirm how many people will attend and their general profile (business colleagues, family with kids, etc.).
Event style: Decide on buffet, family-style, seated dinner or casual finger-food reception based on formality.
Venue details: Ask if the venue has kitchen facilities or restrictions (some halls have no kitchen). This affects what caterers can do.
Date & timing: Peak times (Friday nights or weekends) book up fast. Be flexible if you can, or secure your date early.

2. Start with Local Research | Compare Catering Companies in Perth

Next, compile a list of Perth caterers to consider.

A simple online search for “catering near me” or “Perth catering company” will turn up options in your area. Check out their websites and social media. Look for event catering menu samples and testimonials.

For example, Ma Mooney’s Kitchen has handled functions of any size and style. We manage private catering in the Perth city for events and even supply equipment and venues alongside food. These are signs of a full-service caterer who can scale to your needs.

Tips to narrow your list:

Check reviews and referrals: Read Google or Facebook reviews. Customer feedback plays a big role in assessing quality. Personal referrals or recommendations from friends can also be invaluable.
Verify credentials: Make sure the caterer has the required licenses (e.g. food safety) and insurance. A reputable Perth company will mention these or be happy to show certificates.
Local expertise: Local caterers mostly leverage fresh WA produce. Like we use fresh WA ingredients to make our party food a local legend. That true-blue local touch can make menus memorable.

3. Review the Catering Menus and Services Offered

Now look at each caterer’s menu. Most companies post their event catering menu online. Check that they offer the types of food and service style you want.

Good questions include:

Can they do a BBQ or spit roast?
Do they offer canapés vs plated dinners?
Is there variety for all diets?

For example, Ma Mooney’s Kitchen’s catering menu includes a wide range of items:

Sandwich Platters (classic, vegetarian, vegan)
Hot Options section (sausage rolls, jambons, curry puffs and mini quiches)
Fully Vegan Pastry Selection

This versatility shows that a caterer can accommodate vegetarians and vegans easily.

If you have a specific cuisine theme in mind, ask if they can customise. Some caterers specialise in certain styles. As we offer traditional Irish cuisine like cottage pie, boxty and soda bread. You might choose a cultural theme (Irish, Mediterranean, etc.) or seasonal menu.

In any case, browse the sample menu carefully. It will give you ideas for event catering packages (e.g. number of canapés, main courses, dessert selections) and show what’s included.

Don’t hesitate to contact the caterer for a printed catering menu or event package brochure.

4. Compare Event Catering Prices & Packages

Catering can range widely in cost. It seems obvious, but reviewing costs is crucial. Catering can get expensive quickly, so make sure to:

Get a detailed quoteto understand exactly what you’re paying for, including food, staff, and extra charges.
Watch for hidden feesand unexpected costs like delivery or setup.
Balance your budgetto ensure you’re not overpaying or going too cheap.

On the flip side, very expensive quotes aren’t automatically better food.

Aim for value: a good caterer strikes a balance between quality and cost.

Many Perth caterers (including us) offer event catering packages to simplify things. These packages may include food and drink packages, equipment arrangements, or even venues to give you a complete service.

That’s why when comparing quotes, ask each caterer to list exactly what’s included (food items, number of staff, glasses/plates, delivery fees, etc.). See if they have set packages or if they will customise a package for you. Sometimes a package price per head is given; other times an a la carte menu is used.

Be sure to clarify fees for extras like travel distance, special equipment (like a spit roast), or peak-day surcharges.

5. Taste Test the Catering Menu Before You Commit

Before finalising your decision, make sure to taste the menu. A professional caterer will offer a tasting session so you can check the quality, flavour, and presentation of the food. This is to confirm the food matches your expectations. Especially if you haven’t worked with them before.

So, test the food quality and taste. This should be non-negotiable. The food can make or break your event. After all, guests will remember an amazing meal

Check that the food matches their portfolio and descriptions. Confirm you’re making the right choice for your event.

6. Consider Your Event’s Location when Picking Catering Staff

When choosing a caterer, location matters. Think about the distance they need to travel to your event. If they aren’t familiar with your venue, they may struggle with logistics.

It’s helpful if the caterer has worked at your venue before. Additionally, a professional caterer should be willing to go the extra mile, like setting up a temporary kitchen if needed.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Event Caterer

Once you’ve narrowed down the list, interview each caterer with some key questions. Don’t be shy. Their answers will reveal a lot about fit and professionalism. For example:

Availability: “Is our event date open?” If they’re already booked, move on. If they are flexible, great.
Budget: “Can you cater within our budget?” Be upfront about your budget cap. This is a must-have conversation early in the interview to see if they can make it work.
Specialties: “What is your catering specialty?” Some caterers excel at plated dinners, others at BBQs or buffets. Make sure their strengths match your vision. For instance, if you want traditional Irish cuisine, we have exceptional expertise in delivering that, bringing the flavours of Ireland to all kinds of events, from weddings to corporate functions.
Dietary Requests: “Can you handle special requests?” Ensure they can handle allergies or specific menu items. For example, ask about allergies and off-menu items now, so there are no surprises.
Tastings: “Do you offer tastings?” A reputable caterer will let you sample their food (sometimes for a fee) so you can be confident in the flavors.
Workload: “How many events do you cater each month?” This reveals experience level. If they handle dozens of events regularly, they know what they’re doing.
Venue Experience: “Have you catered at our venue before?” Familiarity with the site means fewer hiccups (kitchen layout, access, power, etc.) on the day.
What’s Included: “What do your fees cover?” Is staffing included? Dishes? Cleanup? As fees can cover everything from service staff to linens so make sure you know what’s extra.
Cancellation Policy: “What is the cancellation policy?” It’s important if plans change.

Final Checklist for Choosing the Best Catering Services in Perth

To sum up, the recipe for choosing the best caterer in Perth is:

Plan carefully
Research thoroughly
Ask smart questions
Define your event style and budget
Check online for trusted Perth catering companies
Examine their sample menus and reviews
Don’t forget the practical details; staffing, rentals, and dietary needs.
One last tip: start early as the best caterers get booked fast for popular dates.

With the right caterer, you’ll free up time to enjoy your own event instead of running around stressed about food.

Ready to make your event unforgettable with mouth-watering food?

Hire Ma Mooney’s Kitchen: Perth’s Trusted Event Catering Experts

We bring years of experience and a passion for fresh, flavourful food to every occasion. Our team specialises in everything from corporate luncheons to weddings and family gatherings, and we tailor our event catering packages to fit your needs.

We handle all the details; chef, staff, hire equipment so you can relax and enjoy your day.

Explore our catering menu to see sample packages and classic offerings.

When you’re ready, contact us to order a perfect menu for weddings, events & more in Perth.