By Spit Roast Caterers Sydney

10/02/2024 Planning a large corporate event involves many moving parts, with catering being one of the most critical components. The food and beverage offerings can significantly impact your guests' experience, making it essential to get it right. Ensuring there's enough food, accommodating dietary preferences, and choosing the right serving style are just a few of the challenges you'll face. Here are five key considerations to keep in mind when ordering corporate catering Sydney for a large event at your company.

1. Accurate Headcount and RSVPs

One of the first and most crucial steps in planning catering for a large event is obtaining an accurate headcount. While it's tempting to estimate or hope for a certain number of attendees, a miscalculation can lead to either food shortages or significant waste. To avoid this, send out invitations well in advance with a clear RSVP deadline. Use tools like online RSVP systems that allow guests to update their status easily, which can help you track attendance more accurately.

Additionally, consider overestimating slightly to account for last-minute attendees or unexpected guests. A common practice is to plan for 5-10% more than your expected headcount, especially if your event is open to additional staff or clients.

2. Consider Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

In today's diverse workplace, it's likely that some attendees will have specific dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether it's allergies, religious dietary laws, or lifestyle choices like vegetarianism or veganism, it's essential to cater to everyone's needs to ensure all guests are comfortable and satisfied.

When collecting RSVPs, include a section where attendees can specify any dietary restrictions. This information will help you work with your caterer to design a menu that accommodates everyone. A good rule of thumb is to include a variety of options, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based dishes, alongside your standard offerings.

3. Choose the Right Serving Style: Buffet vs. Plated Meals

The serving style you choose can have a significant impact on both the amount of food you need and the overall guest experience. Buffets allow guests to serve themselves, typically resulting in more variety but also potentially more food waste. On the other hand, plated meals provide portion control but may be less flexible in terms of accommodating dietary restrictions.

For large corporate events, buffets are often the preferred option because they allow guests to choose what they want and how much they want to eat. However, if your event is more formal or includes a tight schedule, plated meals offered by the best corporate catering Sydney may be the better choice. Discuss your options with your caterer to determine which style best fits the nature of your event.

4. Timing of the Event

The time of day your event takes place should influence your catering choices. For example, a breakfast event may require lighter fare like pastries, fruit, and coffee, while a dinner event calls for more substantial entrees and a broader beverage selection.

Also, consider the duration of your event. If your corporate event spans several hours or includes breakout sessions, providing snacks or refreshments between meals can keep energy levels high and guests engaged. Work with your caterer to plan the menu around the event schedule, ensuring food is served at appropriate times and in sufficient quantities.

5. Budget Constraints

While it's important to provide enough food for everyone, it's equally crucial to stay within your budget. Catering can be one of the most significant expenses of an event, so careful planning is necessary to avoid overspending.

Start by setting a realistic budget that accounts for all aspects of catering, including food, beverages, staffing, and any additional services like rentals or decor. Communicate your budget clearly with your caterer and work together to create a menu that meets your needs without exceeding your financial limits. Opting for seasonal ingredients or simpler menu items can also help you save costs while still offering delicious food.

By following these tips, you can ensure your event is a success with satisfied, well-fed attendees. Search "corporate catering near me" online today to get started.

The author is an experienced caterer working in a recognised catering company for over 4 years. In this article, he explains some of the benefits of serving canapes at an event. For more information, visit https://www.spitroastcaterer.com.au/