Are You Planning an Event? Here’s How You Can Effectively Select the Right Food Menu

Many elements make up the perfect event. Whether you’re hosting one for your business or organization, family, or that special someone, it takes a lot of effort. Also, you need to have a meticulous eye for detail. Of course, you have to think about the big picture, but consider the finer elements as well. Be it the suitable seating, beautiful and tasteful décor, an excellent beverage list, and a stunning venue. But it’s not surprising that there’s one other element that can make a huge difference. We’re talking about the food you serve at your event. Of course, you want to choose food that all your attendees will enjoy and appreciate. So are you planning an event? Here’s how you can effectively select the right food menu.

• Start with the details
  

Before you pick a catering company, make sure to create a list of event details. Get the date, location, number of guests, and other relevant information to have a better vision. This will help you to narrow down the options that you will have before you out to a vendor. Never be in a hurry to pick any random catering company. After all, you will be investing your money. Additionally, the catering company will host the guest on behalf of you. So, you need to make a wise decision, and it should not come in a hurry.

• Choose the right caterer

There’s a lot of emphasis on choosing the right partner in catering who can help you decide on your event menu. A lot of planning is involved, and you need someone who is a professional who can work with you. When looking for a caterer, it is important to keep certain factors in mind. Some of them are like your budget, their reputation, and their flexibility and versatility in regards to your food options. You should also consider the other services they provide, such as the servers and the setup and cleanup.

• Think about the type of event you are having

As confirmed by specialists in party planning in Oxfordshire, when you’re conferring with a caterer, one of the first questions they will have is what kind of event you are planning. For example, if you are hosting a black-tie affair, opt for delicate items and entrees like filet mignon or salmon fillet. But if you are having a social event or party, you could choose appetizers and finger foods. Your choice of venue can also affect your food option. It is because if you have a formal venue with a table setting, you can have food served per plate. On the other hand, if your event is more interactive and social, get the food served by mobile servers and waiters. It is also a great opportunity to discuss your theme if any.

• Remember special religious or dietary requirements

Make it a point to know your attendees, as this is vital to selecting the food you are serving. That said, take special religious or dietary requirements into account. There are specific standard requirements, such as kosher, vegan or vegetarian, or people who don’t consume pork. As you come up with your food menu, make sure you have an ample selection to accommodate your guests’ needs. You may need to add another chicken viand, for example, or think about particular vegetarian or vegan entrees. You may also need to let your caterer know about allergies to shellfish or peanuts. Ask your attendees in advance regarding their religious or dietary requirements so you can be sure to accommodate them.

• Accommodate all the guests

The menu option of the catering company are flexible, and everyone likes is because of the variety. Get families with the background of the attendees. This will help you to narrow down the menu. Younger ones might prefer to have spicy food. But on the contrary, fitness freaks or health enthusiasts might go for seafood or veg options. Nowadays, veganism is also very trendy, and you can consider it also for setting your menu. Food allergies or dietary restrictions should get a significant amount of importance. The best way to go is to have both veg and non-veg options on the menu. Having an allergy or dietary restriction section of the event invite would be an ideal thing to consider.  After all, you don’t want to overlook this info giving to the caterer.

• Determine your budget – but be realistic

Perhaps the most crucial factor is your budget.  Thus, it is important to strike a balance between giving your attendees a nice meal and making sure you can afford it. It makes sense to assess your budget before making any selection and give the figure to your chosen caterer.  This will help you to find the best options that can fit your budget as well. Never plan or go for options that is beyond your budget. Even if you manage it by bargaining on the budget, the quality will not be that superior. So, it is better to plan for something that is feasibly possible.

• Have adequate food

Just imagine the situation when the caterer comes to you and tells you that they are out of food. Your guests will leave hungry and angry too. Undoubtedly, the entire event will end, and you will have tons of embarrassment. This will happen if you do not plan for adequate food. For this, it is important to have a proper count of the guests coming to the event. And it is good to have 10-12 people additional in hand in order to deal with additional guests coming to the event. Have proper planning before hosting the event and discuss all these with the caterer. If the event is on a large scale, make sure to pay attention to this. It is because people will remember the reception they got in the event and not the food.

• Make sure to choose seasonal dishes

The seasonal food menu concept has been very effective and keeps the menu fresh. At the same time, it also keeps the cost of the food down. While you choose the menu items in seasons, make sure that you get the freshest options available. Check out the produce around the season of your event. You can do this with the fish dishes as well. While you plan for the event menu, it is also important that the meals accommodate the year’s time. In case you are planning for an event in winter, guests will expect warm food.

On the contrary, if it is in summer, they will want something cool. Also, consider the food items that people love to have during a specific time of the year. You’ll certainly don’t like to have pumpkin in the middle of July.

Make sure that the catering company you choose has years of experience in dealing with big events. They have to be extremely professional. The cleanliness and hygiene standards should also get utmost priority because people are so concerned about them. Ask the catering company whether they have any specialty. In case they have one, plan for it to add an extra level of excitement to the event. Hopefully, the post was useful for you. Please feel free to share your insights regarding the discussion below in the comment section.