If you're planning your own wedding reception, fundraising event for your business or an anniversary celebration to your parents, you'll have a myriad of decisions to consider, such as venue, theme, music, decor and food. Making the menu for your event might get confusing with all the options you can choose from and the many factors you have to take into account. Here are a few tips that will help you to have a good start in your planning process.
1. Make an amount for your budget.
A professional catering service offers a wide range of menu options suitable for different budgets. The caterer you choose should be able to provide some suggestions for menus to maximize the utilization the budget you have set. Certain menu items cost more due to the ingredients used and how long it takes to prepare. It will save you and your caterer plenty of time if you have an idea of how much money you're willing to pay for meals.
2. Know your audience.
It's pretty obvious that the menu you choose to serve and the amount of food you serve at your son's birthday party will differ from the meals you provide to your book club. In case you aren't familiar with your target audience well enough, variety is the key. Be sure to have plenty of options to choose from, don't forget to offer at least one vegetarian option. If you are certain that children will be in attendance and eating, consider putting some child-friendly options to the buffet. Inquire about special dietary requirements and allergies. Keep in mind that some foods, such as nuts and shellfish, can send your guests right to ER.
3. Be sure the menu matches the theme of your event.
Many people wonder whether buffets are uninspiring for a wedding reception. It's not a question of being tacky, or even not. It's all about the overall theme and style of your event. If you're planning a formal, luxurious wedding reception, a buffet style meal might seem out of place. However, if you have a trendy and chic event at your local art gallery, it is possible to have a "living room" style reception could be the ideal choice. If you are planning the traditional Greek or Russian wedding with a family atmosphere, a traditional dinner is typically the best. If your wedding has specific themes, take it into a consideration while planning a menu. Be sure your items go well together. You probably don't wish to combine fresh oysters and cheeseburgers.
4. Make sure you order the correct amount of food.
You don't want your guests to be starving, nor do you want to overload in the quantity of food you serve and end up with a lot of leftovers. Whenever possible, make your guests RSVP at your invite. It will assist you in keep your costs in check prepare your menu in advance, and order the right amount of food. Consider the timing of your celebration, its duration and purpose. If you plan to host your reception from 7 to 9 pm, your guests will be looking forward to a dinner. And if you don't offer one, manage the expectations of your guests according to their needs. Specify in your invitation what kind of food will serve (e.g. champagne reception with wine, a wine tasting, etc.)
5. Don't go by the personal tastes of yours.
We all make this error. We believe that what we enjoy, others might also like. Do not let your personal tastes get in the way while planning the menu for your event. You wouldn't want to serve a 100% seafood menu unless you know that everyone attending your function is as crazy about seafood as you are. If you happen be vegan and think pork chops to be disgusting it is a high possibility that your guests be adamant about it and may prefer a good old-fashioned steak to Tofu Cacciatore.
A bonus tip is to hire an experienced catering company! Make sure you do your homework before signing the contract. Review reviews, ask for recommendations and make an appointment. The time you put into finding the perfect caterer will be worth it. Take the stress from corporate catering menu your event planningby hiring an experienced professional.