Every good event needs food. Whether planning a birthday party, retirement party, a formal event for your company, or simply celebrating a national holiday, your event needs appropriate catering to ensure that all guests are satiated and that you’re adding an additional element to the day.
But what type of food should you consider? With so many different options for your event to choose from, it can be easy to get overwhelmed when deciding what type of food to serve at your event and how to narrow down your choices.
If you’re overwhelmed by choosing the perfect food for your event, you’re not alone. Many event planners face this challenge. Read on for tips on navigating this decision and ensuring a memorable dining experience for your guests.
Consider The Theme
The theme of your event needs to play a massive part in your food choice. For example, if you’re hosting an outdoor event in summer or a garden party, bbq catering or a selection of finger foods and light bites can be great options for your guests. If you’re hosting a more formal event, a sit-down meal or tasting menu can be preferable.
If you’re hosting a particular theme, this, too, should dictate your menu and catering. For example, you could create foods around a certain topic, such as a holiday or event like a sporting final or the 4th of July.
Demographics
Who is attending your events? The more you know the type of guest, their age, ethnicity, background, and more, the easier it will be to narrow down your food choices. For example, a local community cookout will require an entirely different standard of food than, say, a high-brow function aimed at the elite members of society for a fundraising gala. The age and interests of attendees will also be stated, as well as the food you choose for you. Young children’s menus for birthday parties or family events need a simpler menu with food that will appeal to your attendees than if you’re hosting fitness events with guests who prefer a healthier choice of food and drinks.
Allergies and Restrictions
Your guests’ health and well-being should be a top priority. By catering to their allergies and dietary restrictions, you’re not just serving food but also showing that you care about their comfort and safety.
If you’re hosting a vegan cookout, it’s vital to adhere to all meat-based products and equipment. The same goes for any religious restrictions, too, such as avoiding non-halal foods, alcohol, shellfish, and insect-based foods for Muslim attendees. The more inclusive your menu is, the more you can anticipate what you need to include or avoid.
Consider The Time of the Year
Another great way to decide on your menu for your event is to use the time of year to help you plan your options. Summer events are ideal for finger foods, hotdogs, burgers, salads, night bites, etc. In contrast, winter events can be significant for offering more hearty, substantial meals to help warm up guests and give them something to make them feel comforted. Examples are soups, casseroles, and baked dishes.
Regional Menus
Incorporating regional or specific meals into your event timings can help you prepare your menu for greater success. This might be a Chinese menu for Chinese good year or a majority of Chinese attendees; it can be incorporating local delicacies, i.e., a seafood-heavy menu for those events in coastal towns or areas known for seafood, or using the fresh foods the area is known for such as potatoes in Idaho or breakfast tacos and Texas toast in Texas.
Presentation
Lastly, you need to make sure you are not overlooking the presentation of the food. Using all the data you have collected from the above point, you can create the perfect presentation of your food choices. From self-service buffet tables with dinnerware and cutlery to help themselves, table services and wait staff to serve your guests, having attendees choose their own choices from a selection of independent vendors, i.e., at a festival or festival-themed event to the type of dinnerware and accessories you use to help you incorporate the theme to meet the standard for the event you are choosing, don’t overlook the kind of event you’re hosting to help you determine the presentation for more significant impact.
While not extensive, this list can help you determine the right type of food to host at your next event to wow your guests and ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the offerings and sample everything on offer.
