Advice on Event Catering

Chances are that sometime in your life you will need to cater for an event. It might be a birthday party, a wedding, a work function or a family reunion. If you are organising the catering, it can be quite stressful. What if they don’t like the food? What if there isn’t enough? You are not alone. Throughout history romances, wars and family relationships have been started or ended over a catered function. A climactic scene in Shakespare’s MacBeth is set during a catered banquet where ghosts appear and treachery is exposed. Thousands of years ago, it is recorded that, in the middle east catered functions were very important social occasions and woe betide the host who ran out of wine at a wedding feast (unless there was someone there who could turn the water into wine!) We attended a wedding breakfast a few years ago where the wine ran out. Fortunately this time, the miracle was provided by some quick thinking relatives who made a hasty trip to the wine shop. The guests were placated and a good time was had by all!

Catering can be your worst nightmare but it can be solved with good planning. Below is a short check list and some helpful websites to help you plan a smooth affair.

What type of event is it? Formal or informal, sit down or standing, finger food or plate and cutlery? A good guide for planning a sit down event is provided at: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-plan-organise-your-event

Can you do it yourself or do you need help? DIY catering can save money but also adds to the stress. If you can afford it, get professional catering help. Some good cost saving tips are at: http://www.bizbash.com/10_cost-saving_tips_for_event_catering/new-york/story/24947/#.Vi1abNIwjXA

Consider your guest list. How many are coming and who are they? Are they VIP’s, business people or friends and neighbours? Are there any special food needs e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, children's diet? Guests can be offended if their special diet needs are not provided for. A good idea is to include a space for notifying special requests on your invitation RSVP. There is some other good catering advice at: http://bidmyconference.com/747/

Work out a budget. What are the expectations of your guests and how can you meet them and keep in budget? Some good portion sizes are suggested at: http://www.caterista.com/blog/2010/06/23/how-much-food-is-enough-to-cater-a-special-event/

Allow plenty of time to plan: If you are running out of time, call in a professional catering company or consult your local baker who provides food platters. Better to bite the bullet and spend extra to avoid the embarrassment of a badly planned catered affair.

(Big Bake Bakery and Te Puke Bakery have very good catering services for your next event or function.)