Do you run a catering business and you want to expand into event catering? If YES, here are 7 smart tips you must know to succeed as a party & wedding caterer. Thinking about organizing an event or a wedding party requires serious planning if you want the event or party to be successful. One of the major areas you need to pay attention to is catering for the event.
As a matter of fact, if every other aspect of your party or your wedding event went well but people aren’t satisfied with the catering aspect of the event, they might likely leave disappointed. So, if you are a caterer, an event planner or you have plans to host your own party, then it might really be expedient that you pay attention to this article. The intention of this article is to present to you all you need to know about party and wedding events catering.
The truth is that if you get your catering services right in your party or wedding event, then you can be rest assured that you are about 50 percent certain of success. No doubt the thought of catering for numerous people in a party or wedding event can be stressful and demanding, but if you are well informed and equipped, then you would not need to be afraid. Here go some of the basic things you need to know about party and wedding events catering;
10 Smart Tips for Successful Party & Wedding Event Catering
1. The Numbers of People Expected At the Party
One of the first things a good caterer or event planner may ask for when called upon to offer catering services for your event is the number of people who might likely be in attendance at the event. The truth is that, the numbers of people expected at an event or party is all that is needed to effectively plan for the party or wedding event.
For example; if you are expecting 100 persons in your party, it would be wise to plan for 150 persons so as to avoid running short of food for your guests. It wouldn’t be wise to just restrict your food arrangement to only 100 people.
2. The Sitting Arrangement
Another important factor that you need to put into consideration when planning for catering services for your party and wedding events are the sitting arrangement for the event. The truth is that if the party is a corporate event or just a small get – together, then you might just settle for small chops and soft drinks or Chapman, but if the sitting arrangement is such that there is enough space for each guest, then you should make plans for 2 or even 3 course meal.
3. The Caliber of People Expected in the Wedding or Party Event
The caliber of people you are expecting at your wedding or party event is a key factor that will determine your catering plans. For example, if you are expecting the crem-de-la-crem at your party or wedding event, you just might have to seek from them to know the kind of meal they would want to eat.
As a matter of fact, you would have to customize your services to suit the caliber of people you are expecting especially if they are top government officials or the high class people in your country. For instance, if you are hosting children, youths or the elderly, then you should prepare meals that will suit them.
4. The Budget for Catering for the Party or Wedding Event
The budget for catering for a party or wedding event is yet another key factor that must be considered. Even if you intend inviting the whole community to your party or wedding event, bottom line is that if you don’t have the money to feed all of them, there might be no need to invite them. Hence, it is important to first draw up a budget before sending out invites to people. Your budget for catering will also determine the kind of meal you will offer your guests et al.
5. The Type of Event
Another important factor that you might need to know when planning for a party or wedding event is the type of event you want to organize. It could be buffet, and it could be cocktail, et al. The truth is that as a caterer or event planner, the type of event you are planning for should determine the kind of preparation and cost for catering for the event.
6. The Choice of Venue
The choice of venue is yet another factor that you should put into consideration. The truth is that the type of venue whether outdoor or indoor determines the different positions of your food stands, and also the numbers of waiters and waitress that you would need to handle the guests.
7. The Culture of the People Expected in the Party or Wedding Event
The culture of the people expected in your party or wedding event is yet another factor that you need to consider when planning for catering services. There will be no point serving intercontinental dishes at your event when the bulk of people you are expecting are locals. So, ensure that you prepare local delicacies that would suit the culture of the people you are expecting for your party or wedding event.
8. The Cost of Food Stuffs
When planning for a party or wedding event catering, you need to consider the cost of food ingredients in your area before finalizing your plans and budget. The truth is that, if you intend organizing a party that will serve 2 or 3 course meal and you realize from your market survey that you don’t have the financial capacity to handle it; you can cut it down or even adopt small chops and soft drinks.
9. Cleaning Arrangement
Most caterers get it wrong when it comes to cleaning arrangements for any event they handle. A successful catering event goes beyond good meals but also properly cleaning of the dishes and the event menu.
10. Transportation Arrangement
Another factor that you should also consider when making plans for your party and wedding event is transportation of all you would need for a successful catering service to the venue. Be sure you have this figured out too.
There you have it; everything you need to know about party and wedding catering. These are steps that you have got to take seriously if indeed you want to come out tops as you strategize for your catering business.