Whether you're planning your own wedding reception, fundraising event for your company or an anniversary celebration for your parents, you have an incredible number of decisions to consider, such as location, theme music, décor, and food. Planning the menu for your celebration can become difficult with all the options you have available to you and the many factors you have to take into account. Here are some suggestions that will help you to begin the planning process.
1. Make an amount for your budget.
Any professional catering company offers a wide range of menu options that are suitable for various budgets. Your caterer should be able to offer a few menu suggestions that maximize the usage of your budget. Certain items on the menu are more expensive due to ingredients and the amount of time it takes to cook. You 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. 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 right to ER.
3. Be sure the menu matches the theme of your event.
Some people ask if a buffet dinner is inappropriate for wedding receptions. It's not a question of tacky or not. It all depends on your overall style and the theme of the event. If you are planning a formal, high-end wedding reception, the buffet-style meal may seem out of place. However when you are planning an elegant and trendy party at the local art gallery and you want to host an "living room" style reception might be the best option. If you are planning an old-fashioned Greek or Russian wedding, a family style dinner is typically the best. If your wedding has a particular theme to it you should take that into factor when planning your menu. Be sure your food items are compatible. 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 in the quantity 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 order the right amount of food. Consider the timing of your celebration, its duration, and the reason for it. If you are catering NYC menu 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 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 not agree with you and 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 set up an appointment. The time you put into finding the perfect caterer will be worth it. Take the stress from your event planning, hire an expert.