Party hosts take on a significant amount of responsibility when they agree to entertain family and friends. When such gatherings are especially large, some hosts opt to hire a catering company to feed their guests.

Catering companies are often associated with weddings and graduations, but such businesses also can be hired for less momentous occasions. Hiring a catering company for a home party is not necessarily the same as hiring one for a wedding.

Couples about to tie the knot often receive a list of recommended caterers from the venue hosting their receptions, and that list gives them a starting point for their caterer search right away.

Such lists are not provided when hosting at home, but the following tips can help home hosts connect with the right caterer for their next get-together.

* Seek recommendations. Just because there’s no wedding planner there to offer advice with respect to caterers does not mean you don’t have some resources at your disposal. Seek recommendations from friends, family and professional colleagues. If a coworker is tasked with planning your company’s events, speak with that colleague about the nature of your party and ask if he or she can recommend some local caterers who might be able to meet your needs with respect to both budget and menu.

* Comparison shop. Even if the first caterer you visit presents an incredible menu that’s within your budget, it still helps to comparison shop, as the catering industry is competitive and you might be able to find an equally impressive caterer who can offer a similar menu for less money. If your favorite caterer provides an estimate that’s considerably more expensive than the competition, try to negotiate a lower price with that caterer. Caterers are often creative enough to find something to work within your budget, but you will never know if you do not attempt to negotiate.

* Ask if the caterer specializes in a particular cuisine or type of event. When speaking with various catering companies, ask each if they specialize in a particular type of food and if they are used to catering specific types of events. If your party has a theme, then find a caterer who specializes in foods that fit into that theme. Similarly, you will want a caterer who has experience catering your type of event. Many caterers can effectively handle a range of events, from smaller soirees like a child’s birthday party to more elaborate corporate affairs, but knowing how much experience they have with your particular type of party can provide some peace of mind.

* Insist on a tasting. Once you have found the caterer you want, schedule a tasting so you can experience the caterer’s menu firsthand. Many caterers offer an array of cuisines, and the tasting allows you to narrow down those choices so your menu is not all over the map come the day of the party. During the tasting, ask if the caterer uses frozen or fresh foods when preparing meals. Fresh foods are more favorable than frozen, and the bill likely reflects fresh food prices, so do not hesitate to request that only fresh foods are served at your party.

* Get a contract. Every host’s nightmare is inviting friends, family members or professional colleagues over only to have something go wrong with the food. Avoiding such stress is why many people hire caterers in the first place. But that stress is only avoided when hosts get a contract in writing that carefully details what the caterer is providing and when food will be served. Read the contract carefully before signing to ensure the cost and timing of the party is clearly illustrated. 

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