Here are some of the basic corporate catering questions, as well as what to look for in an answer:

May I have a list of references? References are key when choosing a provider. You need to be able to talk to people that have used the caterer, and find out what their experience was like. Make sure you actually call a few of them, and get a good idea of what to expect at your event.

Do you cater multiple events at the same time? This tells you whether the corporate catering service will be focused only on your special events, or whether it may have other priorities at the time of your event. Scheduling multiple events at once shouldn’t automatically disqualify a caterer, but it is something you should be aware of.

How much is the corporate catering service, and is there a refundable deposit? You have a budget to work with, and cost is certainly going to be a factor in your decision. Remember, of course, that you get what you pay for. The least expensive service is often that way for a reason.

Can you meet at the special event site to create a floor plan? The layout of your event is pivotal to its success. Making sure that the caterer can conform to your needs in this regard is key. If they’re not willing to work with you in this way, it can indicate that they really don’t have the time, resources, or desire to earn and keep your business.

Do you have a business license, liability insurance and a health department permit? You need to insure that you’re working with a legal entity that is able to perform corporate catering services. You also need to make sure your company is safe in terms of liability, as well. Make sure to follow any of your company’s specific policies when it comes to hiring vendors, as well.

How many staff, and of what type, will be at the event? Knowing how many chefs, waiters and other staff will be on hand ahead of time helps you know whether the company has sufficient resources for your event.

How much time will you need for set up? This is an important question, as well. If your event is being held in a facility not owned by your company, you need to be able to have enough time to get things ready for your event, and to get things cleaned up afterwards.

Do you remove the trash when you leave? Disposal of trash is an important question, especially for larger events. If the venue doesn’t provide for trash disposal, you’ll need to see if the catering company can.

One of the first things you need to do when planning your company’s special event is to decide exactly what kinds of services you’ll need to hire, and what things you can do in house. Obviously, you’re going to need a corporate catering company. But, will you need other services? Will you need a DJ, an LED projector for a computer, or other special services? Identifying the particular tasks involved in the event and then deciding who will do them is one of the most important parts of the planning process.

You also need to think about what the intention truly is for your special event. If you’re revealing a new product or service, you’re going to create a very different atmosphere than if you’re celebrating someone’s retirement. The purpose of the even should affect everything from the guest list right down to the venue in which you choose to hold the special event.

Marketing is a key part of your event, as well. Obviously, an internal celebration is easier to market than a sales luncheon, but many of the principles are the same. You need to figure out who your target audience is, get the word out, and then give them a good reason to come.

One of the most important things you can think about when it comes to planning your company’s event is the corporate catering company. A good corporate catering company can make a good event into a truly memorable one. A bad catering company can turn a good event into a disaster. You’ll want to choose a company you can work with, and one that’s willing to listen to your needs. A catering company is about more than just food; a good company will care about the success of your event, not just whether the rice pilaf is correctly prepared. Choose only a catering company that holds to the highest standards, and one that comes highly recommended.

Your choice of corporate catering service can also make other areas of planning easier. Many catering services can help with other sorts of details, from decorations to entertainment to marketing. In terms of vendors for your event, the caterer is probably the single most important. Talk to your caterer to find out what exactly they can do for you, and how they can work for you to make sure your event is as successful as it can possibly be.

While exact options can vary greatly from one corporate catering company to the next, here are some of the kinds of things you can expect them to offer for your special event:

Location ideas. Many catering companies have agreements or contracts with event hosting locations, and may be able to offer you some suggestions about the best location to host your particular event. In some cases, a catering company may even have an exclusive contract with a venue, or may be able to provide you with a special rate based on the location of the venue. Be sure to ask your caterer if they have any particular ideas when to comes to locations.

Decorations. While it is true that there are some corporate catering companies that work solely with food, most also offer decoration services. They can help you to communicate the purpose of your event through decoration, and to do a lot of the legwork that can be so time consuming. At the very least, the caterer is likely to be able to provide centerpieces for your table settings.

Sound, lighting and entertainment. Your corporate event might be an internal, casual event, like a company picnic. If so, you might have a band playing at the event. On the other hand, you might want to host a dinner for potential clients in order to showcase a new product, and need some audio and visual equipment. Some catering companies work closely with other service providers, from DJs to AV equipment rental facilities, and can put you in touch with all of the various components you need to make your event a success.

Food. This is the obvious reason you hire a corporate catering provider. Whether they prepare the food onsite or whether they bring it in, the menu and selection should be the centerpiece of what a caterer does for you. Make sure you have the opportunity to sample some of the dishes, or that you choose foods that have come highly recommended to you from former clients.

Tables, chairs and place settings. In addition, catering services can often provide you with the necessary furniture for your event. If your event it being hosted outside, for example, you’re going to need tables and chairs. Even if your event is indoors, there is a chance you may need extras. Your caterer should be able to help with these kinds of details.

Ultimately, the success of your event depends on how well you’ve planned it, along with how competent your corporate catering service proves to be.