5 Tips on Planning a Menu For the Catering Event

Whether you're planning your own wedding reception, fundraising event for your company or an anniversary celebration for your parents, you have an incredible number of decisions to consider, such as location, theme, music, decor, and food. Making the menu for your party can be overwhelming with all the choices you can choose from and the various considerations you need to consider. Here are a few tips that can help you have a good start in your preparation process.

1. Create the budget.

A professional catering service has a variety of menu choices that can be adapted to different budgets. The caterer you choose should be able to give some menu ideas that will maximize the use the budget you have set. Certain menu items are more expensive due to ingredients used and how long it takes to cook. It will save you and your caterer plenty of time if you have an understanding of the much you're willing to spend on food.

2. Know your audience.

It's evident that the menu and the amount of food that you serve at your teenage son's birthday party would differ than the food you serve at your monthly book group. If you don't know your audience well enough it is important to offer a variety. You should have several alternatives to pick from, don't forget to offer at least one vegetarian item. 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 straight to ER.

3. Make sure that menu fits the theme of your event.

Many people wonder whether buffets are inappropriate for wedding receptions. It's not about whether or not it's tacky. It all depends on overall style and theme of the event. If you're planning a formal, high-end wedding reception, the buffet-style meal may seem out of place. However when you are planning a hip and stylish celebration at the local art gallery and you want to host an "living room" style reception might be the best option. If you are planning an old-fashioned Greek or Russian wedding with a family atmosphere, a traditional dinner is usually the most effective. If your event has specific themes consider it a consideration while planning a menu. Make sure the food items you choose to serve complement each other. You don't wish to combine fresh oysters and cheeseburgers.

4. Make sure you order the correct quantity of food.

Your guests don't want to be starving and you don't want to overload in the quantity of food served and leave over leftovers. If you can, have sure that your guest RSVP to your invitation. This will allow you to stay within your budget and plan your menu accordingly, and order the right amount of food. Consider the timing of your celebration, its length, and the purpose. If you are hosting your reception from 7 to 9 pm, your guests are likely to be expecting a meal. If you don't provide one, then manage your guests' expectations in line with their expectations. In your invitation, specify what kind of meal you'll be offered (e.g. wine and cheese reception, cocktail reception, etc.)

5. Do not follow what you like to do.

We all commit this mistake. We assume that whatever we like, other people would enjoy as well. Don't let your personal taste get in the way while planning the menu for your party. It's not a good idea to offer an all-fish menu unless you are certain catering menu that everyone who attends your event is as passionate about seafood as you are. And if you happen to be vegan and find pork chops to be disgusting it is a high likelihood that your guests not agree with you and prefer traditional steaks over Tofu Cacciatore.

A bonus tip is to employ a reputable catering company! Do your research before signing the contract. Review reviews, ask for recommendations and set up an appointment. The time you spend looking for the right caterer will pay off. Remove the stress from your event planningby hiring an experienced professional.

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