e of life’s happiest and most exciting occasions call for special food. Whether you are planning a wedding, holiday party or other large get-together, if your event is large enough you will likely be looking for special catering services. Hiring a caterer frees you up to enjoy your own party and ensures that the food is a memorable and positive part of the event for everyone attending. Before you can begin the process of hiring your catering services, you first need to gather some information about what kind of event you will be hosting.
A good starting point is your guest list. Who is the party for and who is invited? Some catering services specialize in serving large parties while some can only supply small gatherings. Decide how many people you will be inviting.
The next consideration is the menu. The food you serve should match the theme of the event. For an outdoor party you may want a casual barbeque, while a black-tie affair calls for a formal plated meal. Consider too your guests’ dietary needs—do you need to accommodate food allergies, religious or moral diet restrictions, or picky eaters?
There are many logistical factors to consider as well. Some venues require you to use their on-site food prep services while others allow you to outsource to a third party catering service. Consider whether you want a caterer who can provide things like dishes and linens, wait staff, or equipment. Decide whether you need a caterer who can provide drinks or one who can deliver to your location.
One of the most important things to consider of course is budget. Prioritize the qualities that are most important to you, whether that is the length of the event, the quality of the food, or the extent of the amenities. Once you know what it is you value the most, you are ready to begin your search for a caterer.
