To get the perfect Corporate Event or come reasonably close to it you have to do business with the right people. But since no one can get enough "practice" at picking party caterers, how do you know the good ones when you see them?

1. Testimonials and complaints are both equally revealing if you can read them right. When you read a testimonial, always do so with a checklist of items in mind. A review commenting on the excellent quality of food and cutlery, for instance, tells you nothing about the quality of service. Reading CAREFULLY can make all the difference.

2. Try out the standard of their food during food tasting. This is a great opportunity to know the standard of a catering company. During food tasting, you should share with your caterer your likes and dislikes so that he or she will know what food to recommend to you. Do not be afraid to ask question. You are the customer, and you should ask anything that you have in doubt before booking.

3. Presentation: Speak to the caterer's chef and/or representative. How involved are they with their food? Do they help you plan the menu with love and devotion, or do they simply tell you they can do anything? Always look for caterers who understand menu planning, and can speak eloquently about dishes and their combinations. This is a good time to find out more about their plate presentation. Is dressing served on the side? And will the courses be delivered in succession or at once? These are some of the questions that you should ask your caterer before booking.

4. Compare quotes: You do not know if you are being overcharged until you compare. Getting quotes from different places will help you get the best deal, as long as you choose from places with better similar quality. Also, find out which caterers offer the most services for a definite sum of money.

5. Past experience: Most people tend to remember the best events they have ever attended. If you want to plan in the long term, ask caterers for their cards at these memorable events - you will probably avail of their services later on. Do share your honest opinion and feedback with your caterer. Caterers see tasting as an opportunity to improve the standard of their food and presentation. Therefore, be sure to share comments and questions and give them your honest feedback. This will help them to improve so that they can serve you better in the future.

6. Be sure to find out whether the caterer charges for tasting. Some caterers do charge for tasting. So be sure to understand the charges and procedure before you arrange a food tasting session with your caterer.

7. The proverbial grapevine: Last but not least, rely on the recommendations of processional friends. Even if you can't remember the caterers who served up that lovely foie gras, your processional friends just might have saved up their business cards.

The caterer is largely responsible for an event's success or failure. Many corporate catering deals come as part of a package that includes performances, perhaps hall bookings, flowers and decoration, power supply, equipment rentals and such services. For your event to be successful, ALL these services must be up to the mark. Alternatively, you could choose entertainers, florists and equipment suppliers individually - a task which is more time consuming, and may leave you spending more than you bargained for. While an experienced event planner will provide you the best in all these services, a package deal with a caterer can be a much more affordable way to have a memorable Corporate Event.