4 Things To Understand About Your Event Before Hiring A Caterer

Whether you’re the new assistant to the CEO or the bride planning her wedding, you wouldn’t be here if this weren’t important. Planning an event that requires a corporate catering company is usually a daunting affair, and if the food isn’t right, there’s a good chance your guests will remember. Below are a few things that you MUST understand before you do that “corporate catering company” Google search. Once you’ve figured out these things, finding the right corporate catering company for your event will be far less overwhelming:
1. Be Friends With Your Budget
Make sure you know the upper limits of spending allowed for this event. This might mean asking the boss or asking the in-laws, but whatever supplementary research you have to do to get this bottom line, do it, as it is instrumental when brainstorming all your event catering ideas. Even if you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of good caterers out there on the low end of the price range–you just have to know what to ask for. For example, pre-plated dishes are usually more affordable than the buffet option. Day time events are also almost always less expensive than evening soirees, and most event planning and catering outfits now have a brunch menu or two to choose from.
2. Vet Your Venue
Once you’ve figured out the money side of things, it is important to choose a venue that reflects your budget and that facilitates good catering. For example, if you’re on a tight food budget, it’s actually not a good idea to plan a pastoral event site, such as a ranch or a park, because this will mean the events and catering company you’ve hired will have to bring in a lot of their own equipment, which will raise the price. You’re also going to want to choose an event space that jives with the culture of your office or guest list, which brings us to our third factor in choosing the right caterer…
3. Gauge The Guests
This one is SO important and it seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many event planners get thrown by this one. If you’ve got a family full of vegans, maybe don’t hire the caterer that specializes in Omaha steak products. Conversely, you don’t want to be the goober who orders the lavish Great Gatsby styled champagne tower for a meeting of the Missouri Agricultural Appreciation Association. Finally…
4. Track The Trends
Before you start Googling companies, do a search on catering trends. You’ve probably figured out by now that the heavy sauces and comfort food menus are a bit passe in this organic, health-conscious age, but there are other things to watch out for as well. Ultimately, seeking outside catering services is a delicate balance of finance, foresight, and finesse, so make a few lists and then walk that tight rope! Be sure to comment below with questions or good recommendations.