What To Look For When Choosing Corporate Event Catering

Food at Corporate Event is a big thing, break times will be something your guests will be looking forward to and you need to impress your guests with the food you lay on as much as the Event itself.

Keep in mind that when stopping to eat and drink this gives your guests the chance to sit and socialise with those around them at your Corporate Event giving the opportunity to relax and network which will be advantageous to the event itself.

Your Corporate Event Catering needs to be tailored with your guests in mind treating them whilst they are taking their break and providing them something to keep them talking about even after they have left your event and gone home!

Type of Corporate Event Catering Service Required

The Type of Corporate Event Catering you choose should reflect the needs of your event, it might be that you opt for a formal sit-down dinner or a less informal Food Van or Buffet.

Your choices could be limited if you have been given a budget you need to stick to so it is best to shop around to see what you can afford as you might be surprised by what you can find even with a smaller budget.

Event Caterer Terms of Payment

Corporate Event Caterers will supply a quotation as required this may be a set amount or based upon the number of guests you will have at your Corporate Event.

The Event Caterer will also have details of their payment terms and every Event Caterer will differ in their requirements with regards to payments so you should ensure that you ask for this information before you take on a booking.

You may have to pay a holding deposit to your caterer before the event starts to secure your date and this could be followed up by a subsequent payment before or after the event itself. You may even be required to pay the full amount on booking

Make sure that you ask about all the charges that will be included in your quote, most Event Caterers will be honest and upfront about what they charge whilst others could have “hidden costs” which can only be identified by scrolling though their terms and conditions, this includes things like staff hire, setup and pack down charges, serving times, and non-standard menu items.

Corporate Event Catering Supplier Requirements

Whatever you choose it is important to understand exactly how your Catering Suppliers will operate whilst they are on site and delivering their service this should include;

• Whether the Event Caterer has their own Preparation Area or if this needs to be provided

• Setup and pack Down times required on site

• Equipment that your Catering Supplier will require

• What your Event Caterer will want access to whilst on site such as Water, Wastage, and Power

Normally your Event Caterer will outline these requirements from the outset and if they are experienced they would have standard requirements but if you are in doubt you can just ask.

Catering Service Delivery

You will need to work with your Corporate Event Caterer to provide the optimum service for your guests. 

Your caterer will need to understand your requirements, the type of food you require and how much time you will be allocating to the food service.

Think about the whole service delivery from start to finish and ask your caterer how each step will be covered you should consider;

• Will you be providing food that can be eaten standing up or sitting down?

• What seating areas will be laid on?

• How will your guests get their food, will this be delivered to tables or Self Service?

• How long are you allocating to the eating times at your Corporate Event?

• How will Cutlery, Napkins, Sauces and Condiments be provided?

• Will there need to be staggered serving times or will service be all at the same time?