The next time you find yourself planning a large event, either personal or business, hire an Alabama catering company to take care of all the details. Hiring one of the many Alabama catering companies will leave you free to mingle with guests, network with clients or simply impress your boss.

Catering companies used to be reserved for big events, such as weddings, annual corporate meetings or fundraisers. Today caterers in Alabama offer a myriad of services, including everything from simple employee picnics to full-scale event planning. When deciding upon an Alabama catering company, you'll need to:

1. Select a list of Alabama catering companies to screen.
2. Interview the Alabama caterers you are considering using.
3. Choose a location to host your catered event.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify Alabama catering companies to screen

You should screen several catering companies to determine which one will be the best fit for your function. Ask friends and family for recommendations. You will also find listings and ads for Alabama caterers by checking in event planning publications or in online directories such as those hosted by area chambers of commerce.Once you have links to a caterers website you can check out their menu and price range, as well as any other services they may offer.

I recommend: Alabama-Wedding.com has an Alabama caterer directory that includes catering company profiles along with links to the caterers websites. The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce also have listings for Alabama catering companies.

Get the right answers from food service companies in Alabama

Once you narrow down your choices of Alabama caterers, have list of questions to ask them about your function. Common questions might include: Do you provide alcohol? Are you licensed and insured? What is the staff-to-guest ratio? If you don't like their answers move on to the next caterer on your list.

I recommend: To help ensure you ask all the right questions, Party On and USA Weekend both offer thorough lists of questions to ask when interviewing Alabama caterers.

Select a location for your event

Alabama caterers work in a variety of banquet halls, conference centers and country clubs. When you are looking for a place to host your catered event, consider the feel of the room. It should be big enough to accommodate all of your guests but not so large that you feel like you are in a cave or sports arena.

I recommend: Riley, Inc., out of Daphne, Alabama, offers a lovely catering hall and extensive menu for parties of all sizes and occasions. The Carraway-Davie House and Conference Center is one of the most popular places to hold meetings and events in the Birmingham area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The prices and fees for catering jobs in Alabama are not always set in stone. Don't be afraid to haggle with Alabama caterers for a deal on catering services in Alabama, especially if you are booking a very large function or will be giving the caterer repeat business.