When you're planning your personal wedding reception, a fundraising event for your organization, or anniversary celebration for your parents, you'll have a myriad of decisions to make , including the venue, theme music, décor and even food. The menu you choose for your event might get confusing with all the options that are available and all the aspects you must consider. Here are some suggestions to help you have a good start in the planning process.
1. Set an amount for your budget.
A professional catering service offers a wide range of menu options that are suitable for various budgets. The caterer you choose should be able to offer some menu ideas that maximize the usage of your budget. Certain menu items are more expensive due to ingredients and the amount of time it takes to cook. It will save you and your caterer lots of time when you have a clear understanding of how you're prepared to pay for meals.
2. Know your audience.
It's pretty evident that the menu and the amount of food that you serve at your teenage son's birthday celebration would differ from the meals you provide to your book club. If you don't know your target audience sufficiently and you're not sure what they like, variety is key. You should have a few options to choose from, make sure to include minimum one vegan option. If you're sure that kids will be there, arrange some kids-friendly items on the 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. 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 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, if you have a hip and stylish 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 catering NYC menu you are planning a menu. Make sure your items go well together. You don't want to mix fresh oysters and cheeseburgers.
4. Order the right quantity of food.
You don't want your guests to be starving, nor do you want to overindulge with the amount of food you serve and end up with a lot of leftovers. Whenever possible, make the guests RSVP on your invitation. It will help you to remain within your budget, plan your menu accordingly and ensure you order the appropriate quantity of food. Take into consideration the time of your wedding reception, the duration and purpose. If you host your reception for your wedding between 7 and 9 pm, guests will be looking forward to a dinner. And if you don't offer one, you must manage the expectations of your guests according to their needs. Specify in your invitation what type of meal will serve (e.g. champagne reception with wine, a wine tasting etc.)
5. Don't go 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 sure that everyone at your party is as enthralled by the sea as you. If you happen to be vegan and find pork chops disgusting, there is a good chance that your guests will disagree with you and might prefer good old-fashioned steak over Tofu Cacciatore.
And a bonus tip - Hire a reputable catering service! Research prior to signing 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.