If you are planning a large event, either corporate or personal, in Virginia then you're in luck. Party catering for Virginia is a thriving industry. If you are planning a corporate event you'll need to decide on one of the many Virginia caterers for your function. Depending on the size of your event, you may want to hire a caterer who also specializes in event planning and can help you plan everything from layout of table and chairs to the menu for food and liquor.

Before settling on a particular Virginia catering business, there are a few things you'll want to take care of first:

1. Decide what services you will need a Virginia catering business to perform.

2. Find the perfect location for your catered event in Virginia.

3. Prepare your questions to screen VA catering companies.

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

Decide what services you want from your Virginia catering business

When deciding between companies that provide catering in Virginia, consider choosing a caterer who offers event planning as part of its. They'll be able to coordinate everything from the menu to the room layout to centerpieces. On the other hand, if you are only in need of some light catering, such as for a business luncheon, try a smaller catering service. Virginia restaurants that cater should not be overlooked in your search for a catering company. Because of their buying power, many restaurants that cater offer better prices than independent caterers.

I recommend: Find a list of Virginia caterers through the Virginia Chamber of Commerce as well as WashingtonDC.com. You can look at caterers' website and compare prices, menus and services. You can find picnic caterers, Virginia caterers who specialize in ethnic cuisine, such as kosher, Italian or Mexican and much more.

Find the perfect location for your catered event in Virginia

The meeting space for your catered event is as important as the food. You want enough room for people to move around and visit with one another. However, you don't want to rent a space that is too big or else guests may feel lost. Another consideration when looking for rental space for business events, is access to AV equipment, the Internet and any other technology you may need.

I recommend: The possibilities for catering in Hampton Roads, Virginia are numerous. There are many caterers and meeting places perfect for events of all sizes. Stonewall Golf Club is another popular meeting place, servicing northern Virginia. It's beautiful country setting is ideal for personal and business events, especially company outings in Virginia.

Know how to interview a potential Virginia food catering business

Keep a list of questions handy when you interview potential caterers. Virginia is filled with many different catering businesses, so narrowing down the choices can be difficult if you don't know what to ask. Common questions include information about staff to guest ratio, dietary restrictions and serving alcohol. Make sure you ask the caterer if it is insured. If you don't like the answers you get from a caterer, then move on the next catering business on your list.

I recommend: Party On and USA Weekend both have a list of helpful questions to ask a caterer. Areas of questions about catering in Virginia include how to handle room set up, staffing, and menu prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't be afraid to haggle with caterers in VA. They will often throw in freebies and services in order to land a lucrative corporate catering job.