Planning a special event, such as your wedding, a milestone birthday, or a big corporate celebration, comes with plenty of moving parts. And one of the most important choices you’ll make? Hiring the right caterer.
Food is what brings people together. A well-planned menu and great service can make your event unforgettable, while the wrong caterer can lead to stress, delays, or hungry guests. If you’ve been searching online for “best caterers near me” or “how to choose a caterer,” you’re already on the right track to finding a team that fits your vision. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start!
At Randy Peters Catering & Event Center, we’ve spent decades helping our Northern California community celebrate life’s biggest moments. Along the way, we’ve noticed some common mistakes people often make when hiring a caterer, so we’ve put together this guide to help you avoid them.
1. Skipping the Tasting for Large Events
Before you sign any contracts or finalize a menu, make sure to experience the food for yourself. A tasting is your opportunity to confirm that the flavors, presentation, and service quality meet your expectations.
Do I really need a catering tasting before booking?
In most cases, yes! One of the biggest mistakes when hiring a large event caterer is skipping the tasting. Menus and photos can only tell part of the story, while tasting allows you to experience the flavor, presentation, and quality firsthand.
At Randy Peters Catering, we encourage tastings for both wedding catering and large event catering so you can feel confident your guests will love every bite.
2. Choosing a Caterer Based Only on Price
It’s tempting to choose the lowest quote when comparing caterers, but price alone rarely tells the whole story. Consider what’s included: staffing, rentals, service, setup, and cleanup can vary greatly from one company to another.
Should I pick the cheapest catering quote?
Budget matters, but going with the lowest price can mean cutting corners on food quality, staffing, or service. Instead, look for value and transparency. A caterer who offers clear pricing, flexible packages, and exceptional service coupled with longstanding experience, will often go above and beyond for your event and turns out to provide the better value in the end.
With over 40 years of experience, Randy Peters Catering knows how to balance quality and budget without ever compromising on flavor or presentation.
3. Ignoring Licensing and Insurance
When planning an event, peace of mind matters just as much as presentation. A reputable caterer should always have the right credentials and coverage in place to protect you and your guests.
Is it important for a caterer to be licensed and insured?
Absolutely. Always confirm that your caterer holds the proper food service licenses, liability insurance, and liquor licensure (if providing beverage or bar services). This protects you and your guests in case of unexpected issues and ensures your event runs safely and smoothly.
4. Underestimating the Importance of Staffing for Large Events
Great food is only part of a great event. Service staff can make the difference between a stressful experience and a seamless celebration.
Does staffing really matter as much as the food?
Yes! Service makes just as big of an impression as the menu. A professional, well-trained team ensures your event flows seamlessly from setup to cleanup, often picking up slack and fixing minor event snags or details before you even notice.
When you plan your event with Randy Peters Catering, we’ll guide you through recommended staffing levels for servers, bartenders, and chefs so you can relax and enjoy the day.
5. Overlooking Dietary Needs
Today’s events often bring together guests with diverse dietary preferences. A thoughtful menu that accommodates everyone shows care and attention while avoiding uncomfortable situations at mealtime.
How do I handle guests with dietary restrictions?
These days, it’s common for guests to need vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options. Forgetting or neglecting to plan for these needs is a common catering mistake that can leave people feeling excluded.
Our chefs design creative, inclusive menus so that every guest feels cared for and no one has to skip dessert.
6. Settling for a One-Size-Fits-All Menu
Every event has its own style and story. Whether it’s a wedding that reflects your personality or a corporate dinner that mirrors your brand, your menu should feel just as unique.
What if a caterer won’t adjust their menu?
That’s a red flag. Your event menu should reflect your theme, vision, and guest preferences, not only a standard package or nothing. No matter if you’re dreaming of an elegant plated dinner, a laid-back buffet, or festive small bites, look for a caterer who offers flexibility and creativity.
At Randy Peters Catering, we tailor our offerings for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings to fit each unique celebration.
7. Overlooking Communication with Your Event & Catering Team
Catering isn’t just about cooking. It’s about collaboration. The best caterers act as true partners in planning, keeping you informed, confident, and stress-free throughout the process.
How important is communication when hiring a caterer?
It’s everything! If a caterer and their team is slow to respond before you book, it might be a sign of what’s to come. Clear communication ensures expectations, timelines, and details stay on track.
We pride ourselves on being responsive and transparent, keeping you updated every step of the way so planning feels effortless.
8. Skipping a Venue Site Visit
Each venue is different, and even small details like parking access or kitchen layout can impact service. Taking the time to do a site visit ensures your caterer knows what to expect, and helps avoid surprises on event day.
Do I really need to visit the venue with my caterer?
Yes. Every venue is different, and logistics matter. Kitchen space, access points, parking, and layout can all impact service. Skipping a walkthrough can lead to day-of surprises.
Our team routinely visits venues across Northern California to plan for every detail in advance, ensuring a flawless flow on event day.
9. Relying Only on Reviews
Online reviews are helpful, but they only tell part of the story. For a full picture, look at photos, ask for references, and talk to past clients.
Can I trust online reviews when choosing a caterer?
Reviews and referrals are a great starting point, but they shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. Always ask for references and examples of past events.
Additionally, it is key to take time to review the caterer’s website, browse sample menus, and ask detailed questions about their approach. Seeing how they present their services and communicate in addition to community reviews will help you form an informed opinion of their capability, quality, and level of service.
10. Booking a Caterer Too Late
Booking early gives you the best selection of dates (which is a big factor), menu options, and staffing, especially during wedding and holiday seasons. Don’t wait until the last minute to secure your caterer and preferred event date.
How far in advance should I book my event caterer?
The earlier, the better. Quality caterers book up quickly, especially during wedding season and the holidays. Waiting too long can mean limited availability or rushed planning.
We recommend booking:
- Weddings: 6–12 months in advance
- Corporate & Social Events: 3–6 months in advance
While we do our best to accommodate last minute bookings, early booking will give you more flexibility, peace of mind, and time to perfect the details.
Must Ask Questions When Hiring a Caterer
How much should I budget for catering?
It depends on your guest count, service style, and menu. Our team helps you design a package that fits your budget while maintaining top-tier quality.
Do caterers provide tables, linens, and rentals?
Some do! We can help coordinate rentals like tableware, linens, and décor with one of our preferred vendors so you can focus on the fun parts of planning.
Can my caterer handle bar service too?
Yes! We offer full-service bar and beverage catering. From signature cocktails to coffee and tea stations, our team can handle all of your event beverage needs.
What makes Randy Peters Catering different?
If you’re looking for “top-rated caterers near Sacramento” or “wedding catering in Roseville,” our difference is experience, creativity, and a personal touch. We’ve built our reputation on memorable food and outstanding service for over four decades, training our team on what it means to have a servant’s heart and how to bring a touch of excellence to everything we do.
Event Catering Made Easy with Randy Peters Catering
Hiring a caterer doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With the right partner, it can be one of the most enjoyable, and delicious, parts of your event catering planning process.
At Randy Peters Catering & Event Center, we’re here to make your celebration unforgettable for all the right reasons. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or social event, our team will guide you every step of the way with warmth, professionalism, and exceptional food. Ready to start planning? Contact our sales team today or explore our Wedding Catering, Corporate Catering, and Event Center pages to see how we can help bring your vision to life.
