Catering is a phenomenon – on the one hand, it makes things easier, but on the other, it can ruin everything. Firstly, catering becomes real salvation for celebrations held in unusual places or out of town. Secondly, a banquet and the food at the venture are more memorable than anything else.
To make sure that the catering does not fail, and the banquet becomes a success, we have made a small guide on how to choose a catering company. You are just a couple of steps away from an amazing celebration!
Things to keep in mind when choosing a caterer
When you are just about to start planning your event, it might seem like you don’t know where to begin. However, creating a plan and following it will ease the organization process enormously. This is why we recommend including these questions in your list:
- What is my budget?
- Where is the event held?
- What type of catering do I need?
- How many guests will be there?
- Are there any guests with food allergies or special diets?
- Is there anything else that can make the event unforgettable?
Let’s discuss this one by one.
The most important thing about organizing the event is the budget. Depending on the financial capacity, you can either throw a Gatsby party or make a cozy family celebration. Define the sum which you are able to spend on the event and go on with the planning while keeping the number in mind.
The second thing to consider is the location. It is important to decide whether the venture is going to take place inside or outside, in a small room or a huge open-space hall, in a modern loft, or in a Victorian castle. This will define not only the style of the food but also the ingredients.
Think about the gastronomic needs of the guests. If it’s a late-night event, maybe you should focus more on the cocktail menu rather than food. However, if it’s an 8-hour celebration, you will definitely need a caterer that provides appetizers, main dishes, desserts, and drinks on the table.
Take into consideration the number of guests. There should be enough food and drinks for everyone. Trust me, no one likes to leave the party with an empty stomach.
Do you have anyone with gluten intolerance or peanut allergy on the list? Are there any vegetarians or non-alcohol-drinkers among your guests? Make sure you do not ignore the special needs of your invitees.
And finally, think about additions to the food, which can create a good impression of the event – for example, decorations, music, entertainment, etc.
Not only the menu matters
You might get too focused on the food, but don’t forget to pay attention to the non-physical aspects too. If you found the menu that you love, now it’s time to consider these:
- Experience and specialization of the caterer
- Communication with the catering company
- Customer service
- Customer reviews
On top of these, remember about the legal aspects:
- Certifications
- Contract details
- Cancellation policy
It might seem like a lot at first glance, but do not worry! If you simply follow these rules, your event will become a sensation, and the guests will talk about it for a long time afterward.
