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Catering – Introduction to “Behind the Scenes”
If you’ve ever been to a wedding, corporate dinner, bar mitzvah, product launch or opening ceremony, then you’ve probably had a catering experience. Hiring catering services is an effective method of serving large amounts of food to a large number of guests while enjoying the occasion yourself. Very often catering food is tastier than the individual dish served at the local eatery. So how does a caterer cater for an event successfully?
Firstly, there is a lot of planning and preparation involved. Many catering companies now have moved from simply providing food to providing a complete event organising service. Caterers want to take pride in the whole event, not just the food aspect. Reputable caterers today are literally control freaks! Every aspect of the event is planned with precision and accuracy, every aspect is in sync so that guests experience a perfectly executed event.
So, just as the potential client intensely researches to select a good catering service, the chosen caterer must also investigate the requirements of the client. In terms of the venue choice, many caterers will assist in locating a suitable venue which means assessing the clients location preferences while also bearing in mind logistical and practical issues. Can the venue accommodate the size of the party? What are the kitchen facilities like? Can the venue host all parts of the day if there is a ceremony or presentation prior to the dinner reception? Is there a space for cocktails? When booking outdoor spaces, the caterer must consider a plan B if weather is not favourable. Does the venue fit the clients image of the perfect location? Is the location of the venue practical for guests?
With regards to the menu, clients very much depend on the advice of the expert caterer so there is an immense pressure to devise a menu which will fit the occasion and the tastes of the guests. The type of occasion will help determine the number of courses and the most appropriate service method, whether this be informal buffet, formal buffet or silver service. Detailed discussions with the client and food tastings have to take place before the menu is signed off by both the caterer and the client. The caterer has to be happy that the correct menu is served to the guests, the food is an all important part of any event.
It doesn’t stop there, the event planning caterer must also ensure that the ambience is fitting to the event and the venue choice. The cutlery, crockery and linens must be of a design in keeping with occasion itself. The décor has to be suitable in terms of colour and the items used. Balloons may be a tad cheap looking for a formal dinner in a five star venue but for a birthday celebration in a marquee will be a must-have. Choosing floral decorations which complement the event is again something the caterer can advise on – on napkins, in vases on each table or pedestal arrangements? Lighting is essential in creating the right mood. Chaircovers – to have or not to have? The event organising caterer will have the experience to advise on all these issues and will be prepared to recommend reliable suppliers and event manage on the day
Curry Special Ltd is a leading event organising and catering company based in London, for further information please contact 020 518 3003.