Price per plate is the easiest thing to compare between caterers — and often the least useful, since it hides big differences in what's actually included.
Ask What's Included in the Price
Does the quote include serving staff, setup and clean-up, or are those extra? Two caterers quoting the same per-plate rate can end up costing very differently once these are added.
Ask to See Photos From Real Events
Not stock photos — actual events they've catered, ideally similar in size to yours. This tells you far more about real plating and buffet setup than a menu list does.
Ask About Their Backup Plan
What happens if the guest count jumps 15% two days before the event? A caterer with a clear answer to this question is one who's actually managed real events at scale.
Trust the Tasting
If a caterer offers a tasting and the food tastes noticeably different from what arrives on your event day, that's a red flag worth raising before you book, not after.
