When you are confronted with the challenge of choosing a caterer it is good to have a few recommended caterer's in mind that you can trust.


Before you make the initial call to the caterer, a few details must already be laid out.


• How many people do you plan to serve?
• When and where is the occasion going to be located?
• What is the purpose of the event?


At times, the location of the event has a lot to do with what caterer you will decide to use. Most often hotels, museums, and most meeting venues already have a preferred caterer or a list that you could choose from to best suit your needs and desires.


You may wish to inquire about the style of dress the caterer's employees use at formal settings. It is a wise to keep in mind that the service provided is a reflection of you and your special day. Also, ask about the decorations or centerpieces that are available, if any, for the occasion.


Finally, check with the guests that are coming if there are any diet restrictions or special requests you need to know about before the event. Some caterers will provide a few vegetarian meals at no extra charge and a few extra regular meals in case of unexpected guests.


Here's some advice when searching for the perfect caterer:

• Make sure the caterer is properly insured, licensed and has all the necessary permits.
• Make sure the caterer's employees are covered by workers' compensation. If something was to go wrong the caterer would be held liable, not you.
• Get references from friends and people in the community. Chances are reputable names will overlap.
• Find a caterer that has been established for a substantial amount of time and whose owner is an active part of the company.
• Tour the facility, especially the kitchen.
• Don't neglect the importance of the quality of the food. Make sure to sample several dishes that you will be serving at your event.
• Always choose someone that you feel comfortable and confident with. Don't neglect enthusiasm. It's important to find someone that will go the extra mile for you.

START PLANNING EARLY
A great party can take as long as a month to plan at a stress-free pace, so start early. Instead of a one-day event, the party turns into a month of fun.

PICK A THEME
Parties are fun when they reflect your personality or interests. A theme also sparks your imagination when it comes to invitations, decorations, food, favors and games.

CHOOSE A LOCATION
Home parties, either inside or in the backyard, are nice for any age. But out-of-home parties might spare you the wear and tear on your home and help you accommodate more guests. Try a restaurant , farmhouse or banquet. Call in advance to see if the place has any ready packages and inquire about the fees.

WRITE THE GUEST LIST
When deciding whom to invite, consider the size of your house (or the party lplace) and how many guests you can comfortably manage.

SEND AN INVITATION
An invitation sets the tone for a party, establishes the theme, and gets guests excited to come. Send invitations two weeks in advance. This allows guests plenty of time to respond while giving you the chance to finalize the amount of food and favors you need. Don't forget to include what the theme is (if any), the location, and the starting and ending times. Be sure to request an RSVP (include your phone number and a date you would like a response by).

DECORATE THE PARTY PLACE
A party calls for a festive atmosphere. When purchasing decorations from a party store, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. A few balloons and streamers say "It's a Party.