If you're planning your own wedding reception, a fundraiser event for your business or an anniversary celebration to your parents, there are an incredible number of decisions to make including themes, venue music, décor and food. Planning the menu for your celebration can become difficult with all the options you have available to you and the many factors you have 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. Some items on the menu cost more due to the ingredients used and how long it takes to prepare. You'll save yourself and your caterer plenty of time if you've got an idea of how much money you're willing for food.
2. Know your audience.
It's obvious that the menu you choose to serve and the amount of food you serve at your son's birthday celebration would be different from the meal you offer for your reading group. In case you aren't familiar with your guests sufficiently, variety is the key. Make sure you have plenty of choices to pick from, and ensure that you have the least amount of vegetarian item. If you know that children will be present you should include some kid-friendly dishes in the food menu. Be sure to inquire about any special dietary requirements as well as allergies. Remember that some foods, like shellfish and nuts, may cause your guests to be taken right to ER.
3. Be sure the menu matches the theme of the event.
Some people ask if a buffet dinner is inappropriate for wedding receptions. It's not a question of tacky or not. It's all about your overall style and the theme of your wedding. If you are planning a formal, high-end wedding reception, the buffet-style meal may look unnatural. However when you are planning a hip and stylish celebration at the local art gallery, an "living room" style reception might be the best option. For the traditional Greek and Russian wedding the family-style dinner usually works the best. If you are planning a wedding with an underlying theme you should take that into aspect when you are planning a menu. Make sure the food items you choose to serve complement each other. You probably don't wish to combine fresh oysters with cheeseburgers.
4. Make sure you order the correct amount of food.
Your guests don't want to go hungry and you don't want to go overboard in the quantity of food and have excessive leftovers. If you can, have sure that your guest RSVP at your invite. It will assist you in stay within your budget prepare your menu in advance, and order the right quantity 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 will be looking forward to a dinner. And if you don't offer one, manage your guests' expectations according to their needs. Include in your invitation the type of meal will be served (e.g. champagne reception with wine, a wine tasting etc.)
5. Don't be influenced by your personal preferences.
We all make this mistake. We think that whatever we like, other people will also enjoy. Don't let your own personal preferences influence your designing the menus for your event. You shouldn't serve the only seafood-based menu unless you're catering menu sure that everyone at your party is as enthralled by fish as much as. If you happen be vegan and think pork chops disgusting There's a good possibility that your guests be adamant about it and may prefer good old-fashioned steak over Tofu Cacciatore.
And a bonus tip - hire an experienced catering service! Make sure you do your homework prior to signing the contract. Check out reviews, talk to friends and make an appointment. The time you invest in searching for the right caterer will result in a positive return. Eliminate the stress of the planning of your event by hiring a professional.