The menu might not be your top priority when planning a corporate event, but the guests are just as likely to remember bad food as they are a good speech. In fact, the food you serve is the centrepiece of transforming your corporate event into a memorable one. There are many things to consider when choosing a menu, especially if you plan on preparing it yourself in which case you will need to hire catering equipment. But, to remove the stress of doing so, you should hire a professional catering company that will be able to handle the food on your behalf. But, they won’t be able to plan out the menu for you. There is still a process you will need to go through which we are going to cover during this short but insightful article.
Plan In Advance
If you want your event to be successful and go ahead without any glitches, then you need to plan in advance. You need to give yourself enough time to select a catering company, choose the menu and prepare for the event early on.
Do Your Research
Once you have done your planning and have a list of event needs in hand, then you can begin researching catering companies. Once you have found a few that you like the look of, check their testimonials. Have a look online to see if some of their past clients have left them reviews to get an idea of their experiences.
Consider Your Budget
When speaking with catering companies, make sure you ask if they have any additional costs such as service charges. Understanding if your budget covers their hire fees will save a lot of headaches further down the line. However, if you do find a catering company that you really like the look of, but they don’t fall within your budget, let them know what budget you are working with to see if they can offer a solution.
Know Your Attendees
Most catering companies offer flexible menu options because the key to satisfying guests is having a variety of choices. Knowing your attendees and what they like can help when narrowing down the menu. For example, younger guests may be more adventurous, whereas a group of health-conscious professionals may prefer vegetarian options.
Understand The Numbers
You need to establish how many people will be attending your event with pinpoint accuracy. This is very important when you are choosing the menu together with other aspects such as tables and seating. You will need to determine how many of the guests have special dietary requirements and find ways to accommodate them with your catering company before the date of the event.
Consider The Event’s Theme
The menu that you choose should match the theme of your event. If it does, then, it can make your event even more memorable. For example, if your event is going to consist of a lot of networking, then you are far better designing a menu that is heavy on cocktail food and canapes. Additionally, ensure that your drinks match your menu options.
Buffet or Sit Down?
You will need to consider whether the food is going to be served to guests while they are seated or whether a buffet is a better option. With a plated service, your guests won’t need to get up, which means it’s more convenient for them. On the flip side, a buffet will allow them to get up and interact.
Consider the Bigger Picture
While a menu is an important aspect of any corporate event, its only one aspect of the overall event. Think about how your food ties into the event as a whole. Consider how the menu will be presented, whether it will be a buffet or a plated service. But, most importantly, keep in mind that the catering company that you choose are experienced professionals who are there to support your event.