| Hosting a big event can be overwhelming and a | | | | month lead time in order to properly cater your |
| challenging task for even the most organised person. | | | | event. Therefore, you'll need to start looking at |
| The main thing you need to do to make things easier | | | | catering services as soon as you know that you are |
| on yourself is to get organised. You need a list of the | | | | going to need one. The further ahead you can book |
| people you're inviting to the event so that you can | | | | them the better your choices of caterers will be. |
| get a head count. The next thing is to decide on the | | | | 3. Sometimes bigger isn't better. Sometimes the |
| style of event and the food that you will be serving. | | | | biggest and most expensive event catering services |
| This is dependent on the type of event. If it's a | | | | aren't necessarily the best ones. A lot of the smaller |
| wedding, you might want a served meal but if you | | | | ones may work harder as they are still building a |
| are having a birthday or anniversary you might | | | | reputation. Plus, sometimes the bigger ones use |
| choose a more informal option such as a barbecue. | | | | canned or packaged foods while the small ones will |
| No matter what the event is, you going to need the | | | | typically make everything from scratch. |
| proper decorations, serving utensils, dinnerware, drink | | | | 4. Network. The event caterers typically have a |
| glasses and other decor such as napkins, candelabras, | | | | network of complimentary services like florists, |
| and flowers and so on. While planning a big event can | | | | decorators and disc jockeys so if you're looking for |
| be stressful, being organised and planning things out | | | | any of these services you might want to ask your |
| thoroughly can help your event be huge success. | | | | caterer who they might recommend. This could end |
| Catering Tips | | | | up being easier and maybe even cheaper for you. |
| If you are holding a banquet and need banquet | | | | 5. Do your homework. Before you hire anyone, you |
| catering ideas, here are some things to think about. It | | | | want to make sure you do your due diligence. Check |
| can sometimes be hard to get started, but if you | | | | all references to make sure that other clients were |
| keep a few things in mind you should be able to | | | | satisfied with the job of the caterer. Also you want |
| have a great banquet catering experience. | | | | to make sure that they are certified in safety |
| The first thing that you need to think about is what | | | | procedures as well as food handling. The certification |
| kind of banquet you are throwing. If it is a wedding | | | | is done by your local Board of Health and they should |
| banquet, you will usually be a bit more formal. A | | | | just have it posted right in their place of business. In |
| business meeting or corporate awards banquet or | | | | addition, get a copy of their liability insurance to make |
| recognition ceremony will also lend itself to a more | | | | sure they are covered. |
| formal atmosphere and menu. If it is a teen banquet | | | | 6. Make a visit. Before you make the final deal, visit |
| or other less formal occasion, you can be a little less | | | | the caterers in their place of business. Oftentimes |
| sophisticated with your menu. | | | | they'll have little samples of their food and you want |
| Before you choose a banquet catering company, it is | | | | to take advantage of this to make sure that the |
| wise to determine the location of your event. This | | | | production tastes good. |
| way, the caterer will have a better idea of how and | | | | 7. Payment. Usually you'll have to give the event |
| where they can set things up. If you need to rent | | | | catering service 50% up front to confirm the |
| additional items like plates, silverware, tables, or chairs | | | | reservation. The final payment is usually due a couple |
| the caterer may be able to help you. They cannot | | | | of weeks before the event. If you need to cancel |
| help you, however, if you don't know whether you | | | | you want to notify the caterer as soon as you know |
| need these things or not. They can also have a | | | | because the sooner you can let them know the |
| better understanding of how many servers they will | | | | more of your deposit you will get back. Usually, |
| need and what kind of set up is required. If you don't | | | | however, if you cancel less than 30 days before the |
| have a location in mind before you choose a banquet | | | | event you probably lose your whole deposit and |
| catering service, the caterer may have a | | | | maybe even a little bit more. It's always a good idea |
| recommendation. | | | | to read the fine print in your contract to find out |
| When you are planning a menu, try to discuss your | | | | what the penalties may be. |
| thoughts with the head chef. Don't just deal with the | | | | 8. Budget. When working with an event catering |
| banquet catering sales rep or the manager. The head | | | | service, you want to understate your budget a little |
| chef can advise you of any specialties that he or she | | | | bit so that you have a little wiggle room in case you |
| may prepare especially well or what dishes he or she | | | | have to make menu changes or add more guests. |
| would recommend with a particular main course. | | | | Most catered events usually end up costing more |
| Another great banquet catering tip is to serve small | | | | than the original quote so you can keep within your |
| portions of several different courses. By doing this | | | | budget if you simply understate it to begin with. |
| you ensure that your guests don't get too full and | | | | Here are some more things you might consider: |
| they also remain interested in the food. Focus on | | | | - Don't like what you see on the menu? As the |
| presentation to make the food attractive. This way, | | | | caterer if he can create a custom menu based on |
| no one feels deprived by the smaller portions. They | | | | your tastes and budget. |
| are just impressed by the looks of the dish. | | | | - Keep in mind that most caterers charge per person |
| Breads are universally expected in banquet catering. | | | | so the cost of the meals will be directly related to |
| To keep guests intrigued from the time they sit | | | | how many guests he was invited to a wedding. |
| down, make the bread basket a variety. Don't just | | | | - Sometimes caterers charge a service charge. This |
| serve plain rolls. Serve all different kinds of breads. | | | | largely depends on the style of serving. A buffet |
| This way everyone's tastes are satisfied and no one | | | | style might have less of the charge, but if someone |
| gets bored. | | | | is cutting the deal will be something extra. If it will be |
| Serve unusual desserts to impress your guests. They | | | | a sit down meal with waiters and waitresses that |
| don't have to be overly expensive, but make sure | | | | additional expense to cover their wages may be |
| they are pretty and delicious. This is the last food | | | | added. |
| item and your chance to make a positive lasting | | | | - If there is a bar with alcohol and hourly fee for the |
| impression so take advantage of it. | | | | bartender may be added. |
| Banquet catering can be a big job, but if you keep | | | | - Can you believe there is a cake cutting fee? Yep |
| some of these ideas in mind, you will be able to wow | | | | this covers the expense of cutting and serving the |
| your guests and have them talking about your event | | | | cake. |
| for months to come. | | | | - Typically wine or champagne is served for the |
| Here are some tips to think about if you are | | | | toast and a lot of catering businesses will charge a |
| considering hiring an event catering service: | | | | pouring fee for this. |
| 1. It is easier! The caterers will do all the work you | | | | No matter which way you look at it, hiring a wedding |
| just need to tell them how many guests and pick a | | | | catering service is good cost you some money but if |
| menu. You probably want to plan on meeting with | | | | you shop around you may be able to get a good |
| them about six times before the event to work out | | | | deal on the caterer that will do a fantastic job on |
| the kinks. | | | | your reception. Don't forget, this is your big day and |
| 2. Hire them ahead of time. Many of the really good | | | | you don't want to squirm too much or you might |
| catering services might be booked a year in advance | | | | just get what you pay for. |
| and certainly most of them will need a three to six | | | | |