Catering Tips for Eco-Conscience Party Planners

Posted on February 4, 2021 by cateringfft17

One of the most environmentally-friendly initiatives that continues to gain moment here in Georgia is the resolve to Go Green. “Going Green” simply means to make changes to your everyday lifestyle habits and practices in a way that promotes healthier living, as well as the conservation of our natural resources. This is usually referred to as “living a greener lifestyle.” When you choose to Go Green, it implies the decision and commitment to using and practicing anything that supports both the safety of the surrounding Eco-system and our own personal health.

A wonderful advantage to adopting a green lifestyle is that it can be applied to almost everything that you do. Take catering and party planning, for instance. You can easily have your upcoming party, special occasion, or event catered with a verdantly Green, Eco-conscience theme with just a few simple ideas and changes.

Continue reading to learn some fantastic catering tips for those who wish to plan a party with an Eco-friendly ambience!

Custom Menu Catering Atlanta GA — Opt for Eco-friendly disposable tableware made from palm leaf or betel nut!

Environmentally-Friendly Catering Advice for Parties and More

🍴 Cut Down on the Disposal Stuff

Catering companies have long been against using plastic disposal forks, knives, and spoons for many reasons, with the environment being one of them. If you are looking to make your catered event “greener”, simply forgo the plastic disposal cutlery, and opt for some metal or wood utensils instead. The same principle applies to serving napkins. Paper napkins and paper towels can be replaced with cloth napkins.

🏭 Avoid Using Chemicals

The use of chemical-free cleaning products is a great method to achieving a “greener” position for your catered event. Standard cleaners, like glass and multi-surface cleaner, contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment, as well as our health. Inhalation of these chemicals can cause respiratory complications and illness in both people and animals, especially young children, elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems or preexisting respiratory illnesses. These chemicals can also harm plants, grass, wildlife, and trees, and even pollute water. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners at your catered event, and instead, opt for chemical-free products, like Lysol Daily Cleanser, which is free from ammonia, fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemical residue.

🔌 Minimize Electric Cooking

Although the use of electricity is not harmful to your health, nor the environment (arguably), avoiding the use of electric ovens, stoves, and grills significantly reduces the amount of energy consumption required to cater your event. Increased energy efficiency is great for the budget, plus it is an Eco-conservative practice that only renders benefits. Using open fires and wood burning ovens as an alternative is a great way to reduce the amount of electricity consumed while cooking.

Professional Specialty and Custom Catering in Atlanta, Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized menu catering in Atlanta, Georgia and its surrounding towns. Our expert catering coordinators and Executive chefs specialize in providing tailored menus and themes for all races, religions, ethnicities, and more. We can also accommodate special dietary requests and restrictions, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, food allergies, and kosher diets. Contact us to request a free estimate, today!

Georgia Catering FAQS You Want to Know for 2021

Posted on December 28, 2020 by cateringfft17

With any important party or special occasion, professional catering can impressively boost the theme and ambience for your guests and guest of honor. Whether it is a birthday, graduation, Bat Mitzvah, or other type of celebration, hiring a skilled catering company can be extremely beneficial for the host. But with all the ambiguous scheduling conflicts and CDC guidelines that are continuing to influence our Georgia event and party planning, how can you really know if professional catering is the right choice for your upcoming and anticipated affair next year?

If you are still unsure whether or not catering is right for your 2021 event, continue reading to review some frequently asked questions that have recently arisen over the past few months to help you make a more informed decision.

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Will I Need a Caterer in 2021?

First, you must ask yourself if your particular type of event or occasion is a good fit for professional catering service. Most often, the answer is always a YES, since professional caterers can customize any type of plan or menu, whether for 8 people at a private house dinner party, or for an entire grouping of wedding guests. Furthermore, catering companies offer infinite menu ideas, themes, services, food, and more.

You can customize your catering at a professional company because they retain the ample resources and training to provide the ultimate catering experience. Whether you are looking for something intimate and small, or plan to cater for an entire football team, professional catering services can make it happen at a price that fits your planned budget.

How Much Will Catering Cost Per Head?

The total cost of catering services is unique to every client. It all depends on several factors, including guest count, menu choices, alcohol selections, bar service, and more. It also largely depends on your chosen amenities, such as your venue, décor, tables, chairs, linens, cutlery, plate ware, wait staff, tray service, delivery, cleanup, and more. Caterers often offer these services along with their food and beverage services.

On average, you can expect a small to medium-sized party to cost anywhere from $25 to $75 a head, depending on the type of catering style you choose. For example, cocktail parties with minimal food service may cost less than a large family reunion. Similarly, a buffet style service may be cheaper than a 5 course plated dinner and wait staff. The total cost really all depends on you and want you want for your party.

Should I Choose On-Site or Off-Site Catering?

When you are having your party at a venue that will also be preparing and serving the party’s food, you are paying for on-site catering, also referred to as on-premise catering. On-site catering is food preparation and service facilitated on the premises of the venue location. The opposite applies to “off-premises” catering. Off-site catering occurs when a professional food service company (your caterers), prepare the food at their own commercial kitchen headquarters, and then transfers the food to the location of your party. With the current pandemic, most catering clients in Georgia are opting for off-site catering to appease CDC guidelines for social distancing and safety.

Can I Test the Food Before I Hire a Caterer?

If a catering company tells you that you cannot test the food before hiring them as your event cater, do not consider them as an option. This is not a good sign. Any reputable and professional catering company provides food testing services for any potential clients, especially for weddings. After all, how else can you be sure the food will taste great? Just keep in mind that it is common for companies to charge a fee for this service, especially during the busy season. However, keep in mind that changing conditions due to COVID-19 might impact pre-service tastings to a certain degree.

Which Georgia Catering Company Should I Hire to Cater My Event in 2021?

Food for Thought Catering, Of Course!

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional special occasion catering services in Georgia and its surrounding areas, including Peach Tree City, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and more. We offer full-service catering, along with a wide selection of authentic, custom-made menus and packages, for all corporate and private events. Request a free estimate, today.

Suggestions for Planning an Off-Site Catered Event in Georgia

Posted on September 11, 2020 by cateringfft17

To plan a successful off-site catered event, it is important to start early on and give yourself plenty of time to hammer out all the details. Although this will take some patience and a bit of finesse on your part, proper party planning is the key to a smooth and successful outcome. Continue reading to learn where to start, what to do, and how to get the best results for your catered event.

First…Decide on a Date

Setting a date is the first thing that should be on your to-do list. Once you have a date set, you can move forward with the remaining party-planning tasks. Be sure to set your date within a reasonable time; not too soon but not too far out. Give yourself a realistic amount of time to pull off a great event, while also making sure to not set it so far in advance that people become forgetful or unenthusiastic about it.

It is also important to consider seasonal factors like weather and climate. If you have your heart set on an outdoor event in Georgia, you don’t want to set the date in late November. Likewise, avoid rainy or humid seasons for outdoor events. Not only does rain and humidity affect food and beverages, it affects a long list of other things, like clothing, hair, windows, and more.

Set a Realistic Budget

Discuss what your total budget will be before planning anything else so that you and your team are on the same page in terms of finances. Knowing your budget up front helps you stick by it, and makes the selection process much easier. Let your services know what your budget is, and they can provide the options that fit best.

Select a Suitable Venue

As soon as the date is set, the very first thing you need to do is find and reserve a venue. Be sure to due ample research, and see what all the local indoor and outdoor venues have to offer in terms of location, aesthetics, packages, and amenities. Choose a place that makes sense for the size and type of the group attending. A space too small will create a cramped and hot event, and a space too large will feel empty, which can cause a disconnection among guests and make your event appear like it had a poor turn out. For a group that is elderly or handicapped, you don’t want to book your event at a place with lots of stairs, or without safety ramps, elevators, and other necessary conveniences.

Choose Your Entertainment

If you were to ask the guests, the catered food and beverages are the best part of any event. In fact, it is often the focal point of a party! For this reason, an exceptionally catered event doesn’t need much more entertaining. But if you do want to spice things up a bit, nothing will render a party more memorable than music. Hire a live band, or provide a platform for guest karaoke. You can also choose to hire a professional DJ, violinist, cellist, harp player, piano player, dueling pianos, and more, depending on the theme of your event. For events with children, bouncing houses, clowns, face painters, magicians, and exotic animals are a fun way to go.

Professional Event and Party Catering in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional Georgia catering services for parties and events of all occasions and sizes. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also aid with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Call 678-340-0510 to learn more about our Newnan catering services, or to request a free estimate, today!

Helpful Guide to Hiring a Catering Company

Posted on August 25, 2020 by cateringfft17

Do you have an upcoming event that requires careful catering and planning? If so, then you have come to the right place! Food is one of the most memorable components of any event, regardless of formality, which means it’s the most important part of planning. Continue reading to for some helpful guidance on how to hire a catering company that can deliver great service at the best cost to you.

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Start By Finding Real Qualified Caterers

Be sure to hire a catering company that is capable of meeting your event’s needs. See to it that your catering company can handle the expected number of guests. Go with a company that can handle the size of your event, especially if it is an extra-large one. It is important that the staffs are experienced to handle the number of guests attending the party, and can prepare and serve the food accordingly.

What You Need to Know About Catering on a Budget

Call around to various caterers and catering companies for estimates, consultations, tastings, and more. Shopping around will give you an idea of what the average cost will be to cater your event. This will help you analyze which company is giving you the best deal, as well as, filter out hidden costs, overages, and extra fees.

Guest Lists are Crucial to Catering Success

Be modest when indulging the catering company about the number of expected guests. Take your guest list and subtract twenty percent. Use the remaining eighty percent as the final confirmed guest count for the caterers. This will ensure you are not overspending on labor or service, as well as, providing an excess of food that can result as a waste of money.

Miscellaneous Catering Tips You Might Need

The service staff or waiters should be acknowledged when hiring a catering company. Do they provide waiters, or do they just serve the food? Also, discuss whether or not there are extra gratuities and taxes associated with requesting a wait staff. Also, discuss the leftovers with your catering company and the services they provide for them. Ask if boxing up the leftovers and packaging them for you is an extra cost, or an available service altogether.

Call Our Georgia Caterers for Exceptional Service!

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Georgia catering services that are guaranteed to exceed your expectations for excellence! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service catering. You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, and more. Call 678-340-0510 to request a free consultation, today!

Common Catering Mistakes That Can Easily Be Avoided

Posted on July 15, 2020 by cateringfft17

When it comes to planning a formal event, like a wedding or baby shower, there are several common catering mistakes to avoid. For occasions such as these, it is normal for the catering expenses to make up nearly half the total budget; or more! The level of investment is what makes it such a valuable part of party planning. Guests always remember and discuss the food portion of parties, so great catering can truly upgrade the pleasure and entertainment.

Continue reading to learn how to avoid common catering mistakes before planning your next special event.

Do Not Cater on Your Own

Many people think it’s a great idea to just cook the food themselves, perhaps to cater a party on a tight budget, or to impress guests with their culinary skills. Either way, both reasons will not be good enough when catering a special occasion. There are so many aspects of catering that non-professionals are not aware of, such as maintain safe food temperatures, hot plates and other catering equipment, plate ware, silverware, napkins, re-fills, cooking times, and more. All these aspects of catering are lost to the DIY type. If you plan to cater a party on your own, you can also plan to not be a part of that party because all your time will be used up cooking, cleaning, re-filling, and maintaining the food for guests.

Not only can catering your own event take up all your time and drive you mad, it is much more expensive than hiring a catering service. You must keep in mind that you will be expected to provide everything from food, serving trays, silverware, napkins, condiments, ice, drinks, alcohol, catering dishes (i.e. hot plates, cold plates, etc.), and possibly even tables and chairs. A professional catering company can provide all these things, as well as a staff, to coordinate catering responsibilities for your party. All for one inclusive price! In most cases, catering a special occasion on your own gives a party an unrefined and informal ambience. It is highly advised to always outsource professional catering services.

Keep the Menus Simple

Although you may have a well-refined palate, the guests at your event may not be so cultured. A common, but understandable, mistake people make when catering a wedding or other formal party, is choosing a menu of foods that are too sophisticated for most people’s tastes. It is understandable because a lot of people want their events to be elegant and formal, but it is still important to “cater” to everyone’s penchants for food. Also keep in mind that children might be present, and people may have food allergies.

Choosing a formal but simple menu can please everyone’s lunch, dinner, or snacking needs. Foods such as duck or quail, and roasted turnips and tamarind glaze, are a little too exotic for most people, and will go uneaten, wasting the money spent on such extravagant catering. Take in mind the general “culture” of people attending your party and use that idea to put together a menu. Keep it simple with popular fruits, vegetables, entrees, meats, appetizers, and desserts.

Hire a Skilled Company

It happens all over the country. Families hiring caterers that are not what they claim to be. Be sure to hire the right catering company that can satisfy all your catering needs. It is important that the catering company is extensively experienced and has a good reputation within the community. Read customer reviews and ask for references before hiring a catering service. Many people hire a catering service expecting certain amenities, only to find out too late that they don’t offer what they need. If you need staff, equipment, and a full service catering job, ensure that the company can offer more than just food that you have to pick up yourself. Food delivery, food maintenance, staffs, dinnerware, all the way down to the tablecloths, can be provided by a reputable and well-established catering company. Be sure you are getting what you paid for.

Professional Event Catering for All of Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional event catering in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all social events, occasions, industries, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Call 678-340-0510 to learn more about our Newnan catering services, or to request a free estimate, today!

Learn How Professional Catering Will Enhance Your Event’s Theme

Posted on June 8, 2020 by cateringfft17

One of the most anticipated moments of an event is the time in which guests get to eat and drink. In many cases, the food and drinks have the most powerful and lingering impression on guests. For this reason, professional catering is a wise consideration for any event or party. But when it comes to planning an event that also has a theme, professional catering is undeniably the best choice, as they can guarantee a memorable and successful outcome.

Continue reading to learn exactly how a custom catering plan can enhance your upcoming event’s ambience, philosophy, and overall quality, by bringing together the theme and the food, harmoniously.

Catering to Enhance Your Theme

One of the greatest things about catering is that it can be like a chameleon to any theme, event, or season. Let’s say a person would like to host a chocolate lovers’ party. It would be possible for them to have a catering company provide a beautiful chocolate buffet, with a menu spread unique to its theme. Catering services allow the possibilities of opening with a selection of hot chocolate beverages and adult chocolate-flavored cocktails for appetizers, followed by a beautiful spread of dessert finger foods for a chocolate fountain. You can even opt for a 4-course chocolate dinner if you wanted! These are fun and creative ways catering can add pizazz to a great party or event.

Healthy Events

The same custom catering service could be provided to a person hosting an event to promote healthy eating. The only difference is that healthy fruits and vegetables would take the place of chocolate. Catering services can step it up a notch by creating amazing carved fruit displays and elaborate fruit trays. There could be a juice bar blending fresh smoothies and juices or grilling station firing up chicken and veggie kabobs. The options are endless when a catering company is outsources for any event.

Formal Events

Custom catering can also be perfect for formal events, like weddings, memorials, conferences, and graduations. If there is an underlying theme behind the ceremonies, the food can reflect that theme. If a couple is getting married on the beach and wants a luau wedding reception, a catering service can produce an entire tropical-themed menu for the guests. Imagine a whole roast pig turning over an open fire, mango pineapple salsas, and guava margaritas! Key lime chicken entrees and grilled Mahi-Mahi could accompany the tropical spread as well! Again, the options are endless when it comes to creative catering ideas.

Where to Get Professional Party Catering Services in Newnan, Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized party catering in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding towns. Our expert catering coordinators and Executive chefs specialize in providing tailored menus and themes for all races, religions, ethnicities, and more. We can also accommodate special dietary requests and restrictions, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, food allergies, and kosher diets. Request a free quote, today!

How to Choose a Georgia Catering Service

Posted on May 11, 2020 by cateringfft17

Party planners and event coordinators alike, know just how important the food portion is at any event, dinner, celebration, or special occasion. When the professionals agree that catering services are one of the most significant parts of planning a special event, you should most certainly listen up! In order for the food to be great, and the service flawless, you must be sure to hire a reputable and capable catering company. Choosing the right catering company is easy, so long as you know what to look for when it comes to professional food service.

Continue reading to learn how to choose a catering service that meets and exceeds your food services dreams!

First Consider the Event

Before moving forward with just any catering service, think about the kind of event or occasion you are hosting, and if they provide the services you require. This means picking a caterer that fits your event. Ask if they are staffed to service the number of guests you are expecting, and whether or not they can offer the type of menu your guests prefer (i.e. vegan, vegetarian, kid-friendly, etc.).

Overall Costs

Talk about the budget before hiring a catering company. Ask about the various cost options, payment plans, and applicable discounts. Be sure to also inquire about any hidden fees or costs you may not be informed or aware of. Ask if they offer wait staff or servers, and if they add on extra gratuities and taxes for their services. Always request free estimates and outlined quotes, and confirm the menu and the cost of the services before signing a contract or agreement.

Discuss Event Agendas and Plans

Letting your caterer know exactly what plans you have for your event, and what agenda is set in place can truly assist them in handling any last minute changes, emergencies, or requests. It also eliminates any misunderstandings or confusion. Inform them of the event’s timeline, and give them a confirmed guest list. Open communication with your catering company is important and can assist in a smoother and flawless operation.

Leftovers

Talk to your caterer about what they intend to do with the leftover food and beverages from the event. You paid for them, so it belongs to you; but do they pack this up for you? Or do they leave the leftovers up to you? These are important questions to ask before hiring a company as to avoid conflict and misunderstandings later on, when it is time to pay up.

Professional Georgia Catering Services You Can Trust

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional catering services in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also assist with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a free estimate, information, or advice, today!

Milestone Occasions That are Best For Professional Catering Service

Posted on April 21, 2020 by cateringfft17

When the time comes to get people together for something fun or memorable, food is a staple for entertainment and comfort. The question everyone has to ask themselves when planning such an event is whether or not to supply the food on their own, or outsource the service professionally. Most often, people assume professional catering service is only meant for large get-togethers, ceremonies, and parties. But the truth is, catering services are meant for all types of occasions, regardless of the number of people in attendance.

Continue reading for some examples of everyday occasions that would be the perfect opportunity for professional catering service.

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Birthdays, Graduations, and Retirement Parties

Some of the best occasions for professional catering services are large get-togethers that celebrate a monumental life achievement or milestone. Birthday, graduation, and retirement parties are just a few important occasions that would benefit from professional catering. Additional celebrations include bat and bar mitzvahs, quinceaneras, baby showers, weddings, tournaments, fundraisers, and much more.

Weddings and Bridal Showers

Weddings are the ultimate event to have catered professionally. A wedding day is certainly a time to remember forever; and you do not want to remember store bough shrimp cocktail sauce and boxed wine. A professional wedding catering company can put a romantic and elegant touch on any wedding theme. The same applies to bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, lingerie parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and similar wedding celebrations.

Family and School Reunions

Whether for friends, family, sports, or school, reunions are the perfect time to hire professional catering services. Reunions are generally open to attendees and their plus ones, which means that these celebrations are very large. Providing all the food, beverage, setup, and cleanup for a large group like this would be a lot of work on top of everything else you would have to plan for a successful reunion. Instead, enlist all of these duties to a trusted and professional catering team.

Friends and Family Movie Nights

On a smaller scale, some gatherings are still perfect candidates for catering. Professional catering doesn’t have to be for a large group of people. Whether 10 or 100, catering can be customized to meet your needs and the needs of your guests. One great example is family movie night. These are great times to hire professional catering assistance. Order a taco bar, make-your-own-pizza buffet, flavored popcorn selection, cookie platter, chocolate fountain, sodas, milkshakes, smoothies, and any other enjoyable treats for the entire family. It will surely be a family movie night to remember forever!

Georgia Catering Services You Can Trust

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional social event catering services in Newnan, Georgia you can trust! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service catering, including decadent desserts like made-from-scratch cookies! You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, venues, and more. Request a free consultation, today!

Tasty Party Foods That Won’t Break Your New Year’s Resolution

Posted on January 13, 2020 by cateringfft17

Are you worried that an upcoming party is going to set you back from reaching your New Year’s resolution? If so, you can feel better knowing that you can easily maintain your positive health food goals by simply opting for some healthier dishes. By focusing mostly on natural, wholesome ingredients, you can cater a healthy spread without sacrificing quality or flavor.

Continue reading for some recommended healthy party food catering ideas.

Mini Handhelds

One of the most popular catering trends of 2019 was miniature finger foods, and the novelty has yet to wear off! Mini sandwiches are still among the top-requested items at catered events this year. The great thing about sandwiches is that they are so versatile; you can make them as gourmet or kid-friendly as you like, and even match them to your party theme. Other popular choices have been mini veggie wraps, turkey burger sliders, and mini chicken brats. Use a whole-grain or homemade bread, coupled with some tasty condiments that are good for you, like ground mustard, avocado, or an olive-oil based vinaigrette. Also, using real cheese slices really enhances flavor and texture.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

When you mix cream and fruit together, you get a delicious and better-for-you dessert loved by people of all ages. Fruit and yogurt parfaits are great because they can be made with an endless combination of fruits, creams, juices, and yogurts. And the fancy parfait glasses are usually a big hit as well. You can match your recipe you’re your party theme, or provide an array of options for guests. Parfaits are quick and easy to make, and provide a healthier, natural alternative to processed sugar. You can also make them with frozen yogurt for summer occasions.

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

Again, finger foods are a popular item for parties. And what better way to spice up veggies than to put them on a stick and grill them? Kabobs are convenient, no matter what you put on them, and vegetables are delicious when grilled. The flavors of grilled vegetables really pop, so people like them more when they are cooked this way. Putting them on a stick makes them easier to eat, so more people are likely to go for them too. The best part about veggie kabobs other than their healthiness is their versatility. You can mix and match a wide range of vegetables, and match them according to theme or season.

Custom Catering Services in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional custom catering in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a free estimate, information, or advice, today!

3 Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Caterer

Posted on October 25, 2019 by cateringfft17

Catering is arguably one of the most important and most memorable part of any event. Food plays an important role in most people’s lives, and the same goes for the success of an event, whether it be an extravagant wedding or an outdoor corporate cook out. So it is important to make sure the catering plans you’ve made are the best fit for whatever event is approaching on your calendar.

The greatest full-proof method to making sure your food plan is delicious, sufficient, and within budget, is to hire a professional caterer. But before you hire a caterer, it is wise to consider a few factors first. These factors will set the tone, budget, and plan for the entire catering process, and give you the tools necessary to create a beautiful event everyone will talk about for years!

Continue reading to learn about these factors and where to begin planning the catering for your special event.

❶ Type of Event

The first aspect to consider is the type of event you are catering. This will also help you narrow down the type of caterer you want to call. For example, a wedding will require a fancier menu, alcohol service, wait staff, prep and breakdown services, specific time schedules, and a caterer that specializes in wedding service catering. Whereas a corporate picnic might require a more relaxed food and beverage menu, buffet-style service, a caterer that specializes in large-scale outdoor catering. See our blog, “Types of Occasions Perfect for Professional Catering Service” for help with your party’s leitmotif and more.

❷ Budget

Your budget is one of the most important aspects of the catering planning process. This is the number that will place you in a particular bracket of service that best fits your type of event. One good tip for setting a budget is multiplying the number of people expected to attend the event by a personally-selected number “per head.” So for a nicer, upper-scale event, you might decide that each attendee is $50 a head. Multiply that number by the number of expected guests, and you have a base budget for catering. You may need to inflate this number just a bit to be more realistic with catering costs and needs. This is an area to discuss and customize with your caterer as well. See our blog, “Cost Saving Advice for Catering a Party.”

❸ Wait Staff and Service

Will your event require any type of wait staff? There are a few different types of service a caterer can provide in terms of bartenders, waiters, cocktail waitresses, food carriers, buffet attendants, and more. You can select a certain level of wait staff as well, from basic bartenders and tray carriers, to full-service formal wait staffs, and everything in between. See our blog, “How to Hire the Right Caterers for Your Event” to get started on the right track.

✨ Once you have all three of these factors planned out, you can contact your local catering company and begin bringing your plan to life!