What to include in your catering enquiry
A useful catering enquiry explains the event, the food you would like and the practical arrangements at the venue. You can send an initial enquiry while some details are still being decided; make clear which points are confirmed and which you would like to discuss.
Event date and location
Give the event date, venue name and full postcode. If you are still choosing a venue, tell us the area and explain that the location is provisional. Include the kind of event and the name of the person coordinating the catering arrangements.
Guests and food
State the number of people you want catered for. Separate any different meals, groups or arrival times, including additional evening guests where relevant. Mention children or other people you want included in the meal count so these requirements can be discussed.
Look through the Fables catering menus and tell us your preferred food. Identify any menu choices, accompaniments or extras you already have in mind. If you are comparing options, list the ones you would like Fables to consider.
Timing and service
Give the proposed serving time and explain whether the food is the main meal, reception food or a later part of the event. Include any speeches, entertainment or staggered arrivals that affect when guests can eat.
Say how you would like the food served and what help you want with it. Ask for staffing, tableware and any additional equipment to be confirmed in the quote rather than assuming they are included with every menu.
Venue access and facilities
Explain where the catering team can unload and reach the proposed setup area. Tell us about gates, steps, narrow access or restrictions on arrival and departure. Photographs of the route and serving area can help you explain the site.
Describe the available cooking and serving space and tell us what electricity or other facilities the venue provides. Ask Fables to confirm the requirements for your selected service. Include any venue restrictions and the person who can answer practical site questions.
Requests and responsibilities
Discuss food intolerance requests before booking. Fables caters for agreed food intolerances only and does not cater for food allergies. A request is included only once Fables expressly confirms the arrangements; entering it on a form does not confirm acceptance. Read the full dietary requirements information and send portion counts without guests’ names or medical histories.
Check who will supply tables, plates, cutlery and other items you need, and who will handle guest waste, bins and venue cleaning. If you have a budget in mind, include it with the enquiry so you can discuss the food and service priorities.
Your enquiry checklist
Date, event type, venue name and postcode.
Guests to be catered for and any separate meal counts.
Preferred menu, choices and extras.
Serving time, setup access and relevant event timings.
Requested staff, tableware and equipment.
Access, facilities, venue restrictions and clearing arrangements.
Food intolerance requests for Fables to consider and confirm.
Send your enquiry to Fables. Check the resulting quote and booking instructions carefully so the agreed food, quantities and responsibilities are clear.