{"id":472,"date":"2021-10-13T19:50:29","date_gmt":"2021-10-13T19:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/?p=472"},"modified":"2021-10-13T19:52:03","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T19:52:03","slug":"the-difference-between-a-caterer-and-an-event-planner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/the-difference-between-a-caterer-and-an-event-planner\/","title":{"rendered":"The Difference Between a Caterer and an Event Planner"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">When preparing to plan an important event with food and beverage service, you are likely thinking about the professionals you will need to enlist to ensure a successful and streamlined outcome. For most, an event planner is the go-to option for designing, organizing, and arranging a medium to large-scale special occasion. But hiring a caterer is also a major element in the event planning process. So, what does the catering company do that the event planning company cannot? Or vice versa? Do you need a caterer and an event planner? Does the event planner hire the catering company?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are asking yourself these types of questions, it is important to understand that the roles of a caterer and event planner are much different. However, they form a unique partnership, working together to deliver a memorable celebration or reunion for their client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Continue reading to learn more about the differences between a caterer and an event planner, and how to get started on your special occasion preparations today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Large-Event-Catering-Peach-Tree-City-1024x522.jpg\" alt=\"Large Event Catering Peach Tree City 678-340-0510 \" class=\"wp-image-473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Large-Event-Catering-Peach-Tree-City-1024x522.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Large-Event-Catering-Peach-Tree-City-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Large-Event-Catering-Peach-Tree-City-768x392.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Large-Event-Catering-Peach-Tree-City-1536x783.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Large-Event-Catering-Peach-Tree-City-500x255.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Large-Event-Catering-Peach-Tree-City.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Large Event Catering Peach Tree City 678-340-0510 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Catering Versus Event Planning<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>It is true that in most cases, an event planner will take the lead with hiring the catering company. Once they have chosen the caterers they wish to work with, the partnership begins to form. From menu planning to on-site service, they work together as a team to create the best event outcome possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Role of the Caterer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The catering company is in charge of all food and beverage preparation, service, and breakdown. They are also responsible for managing all on-site service, including chefs, bartenders, and waitstaff, as well as all necessary bar stocking, buffet or food station setups, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is all quite obvious, but here is where the confusion comes into play: you see, many reputable and large-scale catering companies also provide decoration planning and setup, vendor outsourcing for tables and linens and such, and even audiovisual equipment setup. So, if a catering company can do all this, what is an event planner for?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Role of the Event Planner<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The role of the event planner is more comprehensive compared to the catering company. They work more as a single-source of accountability, overseeing all event planning aspects, from budget planning and cost analysis to venue selection, theme or culture design, entertainment outsourcing, guest lists, invitations, seating arrangements, transportation, on-site parking, and all other event logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>How They Work Together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Event planners typically meet with the caterers ahead of the scheduled event. This meeting entails a detailed discussion on all aspects of the menu, service, and pricing. The event planner knows the specifications and unique needs of the occasion, allowing them to work with the caterer to create the perfect menu within the constraints of the budget. During the event, they will both work within their roles, while also staying in constant communication to ensure a perfect guest experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">When you are planning a smaller event, you may only need to hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">local catering company<\/a> to plan and manage the project. For larger-scale events like weddings, an event planner is a wise choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Are you looking for a local and trusted catering company for your upcoming event?<\/strong> <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/contact.php\" target=\"_blank\">Contact Food for Thought Catering<\/a> at 678-340-0510 for superior <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/events-we-cater\/large-groups.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">large group catering in Newnan, Georgia<\/a> and its surrounding counties. We cater <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/events-we-cater\/social-events.php\" target=\"_blank\">social gatherings<\/a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/events-we-cater\/weddings.php\" target=\"_blank\">weddings<\/a>, large parties, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/events-we-cater\/corporate-events.php\" target=\"_blank\">corporate events<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You Should Also Read:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/recommended-venues-for-catering-events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Recommended Venues for Catering Events<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/14-types-of-tables-you-might-need-at-your-wedding-reception\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">14 Types of Tables You Might Need at Your Wedding Reception<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/what-to-look-for-in-a-large-event-caterer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What to Look for in a Large Event Caterer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/contact.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"987\" height=\"254\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/11.png\" alt=\"Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510\" class=\"wp-image-220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/11.png 987w, https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/11-300x77.png 300w, https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/11-768x198.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When preparing to plan an important event with food and beverage service, you are likely thinking about the professionals you will need to enlist to ensure a successful and streamlined outcome. For most, an event planner is the go-to option &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/the-difference-between-a-caterer-and-an-event-planner\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":473,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,318,15],"tags":[379,274,5,259,315,378],"class_list":["post-472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-catering","category-large-groups","category-wedding-catering","tag-caterer-event-planner","tag-caterers-near-me","tag-catering","tag-event-planning","tag-large-event-catering","tag-large-party-catering"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/472","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=472"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/472\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":475,"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/472\/revisions\/475"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=472"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=472"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fftcaters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}