Five Recommendations on Planning a Menu For Your Catering Function

When you're planning your personal wedding reception, fundraising event for your business, or anniversary celebration for your parents, you'll have a myriad of decisions to make including venue, theme music, décor and even food. The menu you choose for your celebration can become difficult with all the options you have available to you and all the considerations you need to be aware of. Here are some suggestions that can help you have a good start in your planning process.

1. Set a budget.

Any professional catering company offers a wide range of menu choices that can be adapted to different budgets. Your caterer should be able to give a few menu suggestions to maximize the utilization the budget you have set. Certain menu items cost more due to the ingredients used and the time it takes to cook. It will save you and your caterer lots of time if you've got an understanding of the much money you're willing for food.

2. Know your audience.

It's fairly obvious that the menu you choose to serve and the amount of food that you serve for your teenage son's birthday party will be different from the meals you provide at your monthly book group. When you're not sure of your guests well enough, variety is the key. Make sure you have several options to choose from, ensure that you have at least one vegetarian dish. If you are certain that children will be present and eating, consider putting some child-friendly options to the buffet. Ask about any special dietary needs and allergies. Keep in mind that some foods, like nuts and shellfish, can take your guests right to ER.

3. Check that the menu is in line with the theme of the event.

Some people ask whether buffets are uninspiring for a wedding reception. It's not about tacky or not. It all depends on your overall style and the theme of your event. If you're planning a formal, luxurious wedding reception, then a buffet style meal might be out of place. However, if you have a hip and stylish event at your local art gallery and you want to host a "living room" style reception could be the ideal choice. For a traditional Greek wedding or Russian wedding with a family atmosphere, a traditional dinner is usually the most effective. If your wedding has specific themes you should take that into factor when planning your menu. Also, make sure that your items go well together. It's unlikely that you want to mix fresh oysters and cheeseburgers.

4. Order the right amount of food.

Your guests don't want to be starving and you don't want to go overboard with food served and leave over leftovers. When you can, ensure that the guests RSVP at your invite. This will allow you to stay within your budget, plan your menu accordingly and make sure you have catering menu the proper quantity of food. Take into consideration the time of your event, the length, and the purpose. If you host your reception for your wedding between 7 and 9 pm, guests will expect dinner. If you do not provide one, then manage the expectations of your guests accordingly. In your invitation, specify what kind of meal you'll be served (e.g. wine and cheese reception, cocktail reception etc.)

5. Do not follow the personal tastes of yours.

We all commit this mistake. We believe that what we enjoy, others would enjoy as well. Don't let your personal taste hinder you from planning the menu for your party. You wouldn't want to serve a 100% seafood menu unless you're sure that everyone who attends your event is as passionate about seafood as you are. If you happen be vegan and find pork chops appalling, there is a good likelihood that your guests be adamant about it and may prefer a good old-fashioned steak to Tofu Cacciatore.

A bonus tip is to Hire a reputable catering company! Make sure you do your homework before you sign the contract. Read reviews, ask around, and schedule an appointment. The time you spend finding the perfect caterer will result in a positive return. Remove the stress from the planning of your event by hiring an experienced professional.