When you're planning your personal wedding reception, a fundraising event for your organization, or anniversary celebration for your parents, you have a myriad of decisions to consider, such as 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 consider. Here are a few tips that can help you get started 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. Your caterer ought to be able to give some menu ideas that will maximize the use the budget you have set. Certain menu items cost more due to the ingredients used and how long it takes to prepare. It will save you and your caterer plenty of time if you have an understanding of the much you're willing to spend on food.
2. Know your audience.
It's obvious that the menu you choose to serve and the amount of food you serve at your teenage son's birthday celebration would be different from the meal you offer to your book club. In case you aren't familiar with your target audience sufficiently, variety is the key. Make sure you have a few choices to pick from, and make sure to include the least amount of vegetarian dish. If you're sure 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 directly to ER.
3. Check that the menu is in line with the theme of the event.
Some people ask if a buffet dinner is tacky for a wedding reception. It's not a question of being tacky, or even 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, if you have a trendy and chic celebration at the local art gallery or museum, a "living room" style reception is a good idea. If you are planning a traditional Greek wedding or Russian wedding the family-style dinner usually works the best. If you are planning a wedding with an underlying theme, take it into a aspect when you are planning a menu. Make sure the food items you choose to serve complement each other. You don't wish to combine fresh oysters and cheeseburgers.
4. Make sure you order the correct quantity of food.
Your guests don't want to be starving and you don't want to overload with the amount of food served and leave over leftovers. Whenever possible, make sure that your guest RSVP to your invitation. This will allow you to stay within your budget and plan your menu accordingly and make sure you have the proper amount of food. Consider the timing of your celebration, its length, and the purpose. If you are hosting your reception from 7 to 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 make this mistake. We assume that whatever we like, other people would enjoy as well. Don't let your own personal preferences hinder you from making the menu for your party. It's not a good idea to offer an all-fish menu unless you are certain that catering NYC menu everyone who attends your event is as passionate about the sea as you. If you happen to be vegan and find pork chops appalling, there is a good chance that your guests will disagree with you and might prefer traditional steaks over Tofu Cacciatore.
As a bonus, Hire a reputable catering service! Research before you sign the contract. Read reviews, ask around, and schedule an appointment. The time you put into searching for the right caterer will be worth it. Take the stress from your event planning, hire an expert.