How to Hire a Caterer for a Sweet Sixteen Party
Whether the food served at a sweet sixteen party is down-home fare or a chef-created menu worthy of a Michelin star, the caterer you pick for your sweet sixteen party will be among the first decisions you make in your party-planning process. Several factors may affect your final decision, including your budget and venue. Ultimately, you should choose a caterer with the skills to make your sweet sixteen party live up to your expectations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Shop for a Party Caterer
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Talk to the event planner at prospective party venues before you make a decision about where your party will be held. Venues are often required to use a specific catering company, locking you into a catering choice you may not like.
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Start interviewing potential caterers based on the recommendations of the venue or your party planner. These caterers are typically most familiar with the venue and may have specific menus designed to suit the venue's setting.
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Use a wedding planning website to hire a caterer in your area. Though your sweet sixteen may not be as important as the "big day," wedding caterers are particularly equipped to deal with menus for large crowds.
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Contact a local culinary arts school to enlist the help of chefs-in-training in catering your event. Many of these schools have student-run catering companies that offer services at lower rates than more established professionals in the industry.
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Consider catering your event yourself if you are on a tight budget or running short on time. Your neighborhood deli can act as your caterer by assembling trays of appetizers, sandwiches and desserts for your event.
Discuss Your Menu Options
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Decide on a budget for catering before your hire someone. While your budget may be one lump sum, you should also determine what it breaks down to per guest, since most caterers' rates are charged per person.
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Choose a "cocktail" hour menu if you are on a budget. The caterer you hire should be able to provide a selection of hors d'oeuvres suitable for serving at a before- or after-dinner event.
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Put your large party budget to good use by planning a menu for a sit-down formal dinner. This style of menu is typically the most expensive and appropriate for the most formal of sweet sixteen parties.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk to your caterer about how she will deal with excess food created for your event. You may be able to request that it be donated to a food bank or homeless shelter.
