When you're planning your personal wedding reception, a fundraising event for your organization, or anniversary celebration for your parents, you'll have a myriad of decisions to make , including the location, theme, music, decor and even food. The menu you choose for your event might get overwhelming with all the choices you can choose from and the various considerations you need to be aware of. Here are a few tips that can help you get started in your preparation process.
1. Create a budget.
Every professional catering business has a variety of menu choices that can be adapted to different budgets. Your caterer ought to be able to provide some suggestions for menus to maximize the utilization on your funds. Some items on the menu are more costly due to ingredients used and the time it takes to prepare. You'll save yourself and your caterer a lot of time if you've got an idea of how much money you're willing for food.
2. Know your audience.
It's fairly obvious that the menu and the quantity of food you serve for your teenage son's birthday party would be different from the meal you offer for your reading group. When you're not sure of your guests well enough it is important to offer a variety. Be sure to 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 uninspiring for a wedding reception. 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, luxurious wedding reception, then buffets may seem odd. On the other hand If you're planning an elegant and trendy party at the local art gallery and you want to host it is possible to have a "living room" style reception could be the ideal choice. For the traditional Greek and Russian wedding, a family style dinner is typically the best. If your wedding has a particular theme to it consider it a consideration while planning a menu. Be sure the food items you choose to serve complement each other. You probably don't intend to blend fresh oysters with cheeseburgers.
4. You must order the proper amount of food.
It isn't a good idea for your guests to go hungry or to go overboard in the quantity of food and have excessive leftovers. If you can, have your guests RSVP at your invite. It will assist you in stay within your budget prepare your menu in advance, and order the right amount of food. Be aware of the time of your event, the duration, and the reason for it. If you plan to host your wedding reception between 7 and 9 pm, your guests are likely to be expecting a meal. If you don't provide one, manage your guests' expectations in line with their expectations. Include in your invitation the kind of meal you'll be served (e.g. the wine reception or a cocktail reception etc.)
5. Don't be influenced by 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 event. It's not a good idea to offer an all-fish menu unless you know that everyone attending your function is as crazy about seafood as you are. And if you happen to be vegan and think pork chops to be disgusting it is a high likelihood that your guests be adamant about it and may prefer a good old-fashioned steak to Tofu Cacciatore.
A bonus tip is to employ a reputable catering company! Make sure you do your homework before signing the contract. Review reviews, ask for recommendations and set up corporate catering menu an appointment. The time you spend finding the perfect caterer will pay off. Remove the stress from your event planningby hiring an experienced professional.