10 Things Your Caterer Won't Tell You

1. "Did I mention this is my first time?"

As any stressed-out host can attest, planning a social event of any scale is hard work, be it a small cocktail party or a formal wedding. With the time constraints of daily life – those related to work, family, and other commitments – on the increase, more and more people are turning to the pros for relief. By some industry estimates, there are now more than 100,000 caterers doing business in the U.S.

And since anyone can call himself a caterer, that means a huge disparity in the level of service, skill, cleanliness, and general professionalism you might find out there. The best way to choose a caterer you can trust? Word of mouth. Talk to people in your area whose opinions you trust; even better, ask anyone who has held a catered event you've enjoyed. And when speaking to a potential caterer, be sure to request at least three references.

2. "You could probably do this a whole lot cheaper."

Most full-service caterers like to handle everything from the food and the alcohol to the coat check. They say this makes things easier on the host, but it's also more profitable for them. There are some easy ways to save money, though. Starting with buying your own liquor. Some caterers charge above-retail prices on alcohol; if you buy it yourself, you'll pay roughly half their price. Even if your caterer then charges you a $2 to $5 corkage fee per bottle, the savings can still be significant, especially if your retailer accepts returns of unopened bottles, which many do. A word of caution: Liquor laws differ by jurisdiction; in some areas it's illegal to provide your own alcohol at a catered event, so check first.

You can also save big by renting your own supplies if your caterer will allow it, such as tables, chairs, or dishware. You'll save on the markup, which can be as much as 30 percent, and you can still ask your caterer to handle the setup.

Finally, be flexible about the date. If you hold your event on a Friday, Sunday, or even midweek, you can save up to 15 percent, says Michael Roman, president of Catersource Magazine, Conference and Tradeshow in Minneapolis, Minn.

3. "You may not want to know what's in my secret recipe."

Ingredients can become an issue when it comes to caterers and their dishes, many of which include surprising and not always healthy additions. If you have any special requests such as vegetarian offerings, be sure to let your caterer know, and ask to review lists of ingredients. And don’t forget potential food allergies. While most caterers are alert to reactions to ingredients ranging from milk to wheat, there are still slip ups. You don’t want a guest who is allergic to peanuts touching a plate that had held chicken satay. If any of your guests has such a condition, it's vital to tell your caterer in advance, even if the guest knows what to avoid. Some troublesome ingredients -- like peanut oil -- may be hidden in preparations.

4. "That staggering drunk wants another round? No problem!"

Alcohol gets almost any good party flowing, but serving it in your home presents potentially dangerous situations. Liquor concerns "are a very hot issue in catering today," says Catersource's Michael Roman, who adds that hosts often expect bartenders to cross the line by serving minors or by continuing to serve guests who've already had too much to drink. If something goes wrong, you're the one who could be held liable. "This is something that's up to everyone to enforce," Roman says. "The host should back up the bartender."

Such situations require diplomacy and finesse, so ask for experienced bartenders and ask the caterer to keep a watchful eye. An added safeguard: While you may pay much more for it, if you do purchase the alcohol through your caterer, you are generally covered by the caterer's liability insurance.

5. "This spread will easily serve 50 . . . dieting models."

A host's worst nightmare is running out of food.

Experienced caterers know that some groups eat more than others, but they should never run short. If you expect your guests to be served a full lunch, be sure to tell your caterer. If a finger-food buffet will serve as a light meal at your reception, make that clear, too. On the flip side, if your budget is limited, don't skimp on portion size.