Let’s be real: if the food’s bad, people will remember. And if it’s unforgettable? You’ve just created a celebration that lingers on everyone’s lips.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed cocktail-style vibe or an elegant plated dinner, selecting the right caterer is crucial. You’re not just hiring someone to feed your guests—you’re trusting them with a huge chunk of your budget, your schedule, and your vibe.

That’s why we’ve created this ultimate checklist of questions to ask your vow renewal caterer—so you don’t miss a single detail, surprise fee, or miscommunication.

Caterer Background & Credentials

• How long have you been catering in this area?
• Have you catered many vow renewals or weddings?
• Are you licensed with health permits and liability insurance?
• Are you licensed to serve alcohol?
• Will we need special permits, and do you obtain them?

Catering Budget & Recommendations

• Do you have a minimum catering budget?
• What catering styles (plated, buffet, stations) work with our budget?
• Do you offer budget-saving tips or swap suggestions?
• Are there pre-set packages, or is everything à la carte?

Date, Availability & Experience

• Are you available on our vow renewal date?
• How many other events are you catering that day?
• Have you worked at our venue before?
• Will you do a venue walkthrough? Is there a fee?
• Who will be our point of contact leading up to and on the day?

Food, Menus & Presentation

• What’s your signature style or specialty cuisine?
• Based on our theme and guest count, what would you recommend?
• Can you create a custom menu, or is it all pre-set?
• Where do you source your ingredients? Any organic or sustainable options?
• How do you handle dietary restrictions or food allergies?
• Will food be prepared on-site or delivered?
• Can you accommodate a family recipe or cultural dish?
• Do you offer menu tastings? Is there a charge?

Desserts, Cake & Creative Add-ons

• Do you also offer cake services?
• Is a cake-cutting fee charged if we use an outside baker?
• What other dessert options do you offer?
• Can you do fun stations (ice cream, hot cocoa, smoothie bar)?
• Is coffee & tea service included? What brands?

Rentals & Setup

• What linens, plates, and flatware are provided?
• Do you handle tables, chairs, or lounge rentals?
• Any upgrade options like Chiavari chairs or chargers?
• Will your team set up place cards, candles, and favors?

Bar & Beverage Service

• Do you offer alcohol and bartending?
• What types of bar packages are available?
• Can we have a signature cocktail or specialty drink?
• What brands of alcohol do you serve?
• Can we supply our own alcohol? Any bottle/corkage fees?
• How are drinks priced—per person or per consumption?
• Will staff serve wine with dinner?
• How long will alcohol service run?

Timing & Team

• Will you provide a banquet manager or coordinator?
• What’s the staff-to-guest ratio?
• When will your team arrive and leave?
• What’s your cleanup policy?
• How will staff dress?
• Do you handle tips, or is that left to us?
• What do you do with leftovers?

Venue Requirements

• What are your power and water needs?
• Do you need any equipment from us?
• What do you need from us before the day?

Payment, Contracts & Finalization

• What’s your deposit and when is it due?
• When is final payment due?
• Do you offer a payment plan?
• What is your cancellation/refund policy?
• When do we need to finalize the menu and guest count?
• When will we receive a contract and itemized proposal?

Print This & Bring It With You

You only get one chance to feed your guests well—so don’t wing it. Use this list of questions to ask your vow renewal caterer as your planning secret weapon.

It’s not just about the menu—it’s about the experience.