Catering event planning is the backbone of a successful social gathering

Just about everyone has attended a gathering that involves catering event planning. Corporate parties, weddings, gallery openings and anniversary parties are all big events that are made special by the custom menu selection, service and environment created by a catering company. Experienced caterers can help make your special event a success.

Establish a catering budget

The most important decisions you will need to make for catering event planning is your budget. Your budget will determine your menu. Decide how many people you are planning to invite to your gathering. Be flexible and make sure to budget for a little more food than you need in case unexpected guests arrive.

Choose a catering company

Catering event planning doesn’t have to be stressful. It should actually make things easier for you, allowing you to time to enjoy mingling with your guests. It all starts with a reputable catering company. Start by asking around to find leading caterers. Ask co-workers, friends and neighbors about their experiences with event catering. Get as many recommendations as you can, then call to make appointments to interview them.

When you meet with a caterer to discus your catering event planning needs, they should be able to create a catering plan by suggesting menus and estimate the total costs. If you have no idea of where to begin planning your menu, ask to see sample menus. A professional caterer experienced with event catering should offer to make menu suggestions for the event that includes the foods you and you’re your guests will enjoy the most. Most catering estimates are priced per guest. Ask to review the catering company’s contract before you make your final decision.

When planning large, upscale events, make sure to negotiate a scheduled time to do a sample tasting of the items on your menu. Make sure that the food choices on your menu are seasonal foods to insure optimal freshness and taste. Before making a final decision, make sure that you get the most important information out of the way:

• Ask the caterer about whether a deposit is required for catering event planning. If so, how much is the deposit, and is it refundable if you need to cancel your event?

• Make sure the caterer selected to manage your catering event planning is licensed and insured.

• What is the catering company’s cancellation policy?

• Will the company provide you with a timeline of events for catering event planning which will include the arrival time of the catering staff, set up time, length of the event and the clean up when the event ends.

Create a catering plan

You want to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible when catering event planning. Most caterers are familiar with popular local venues, but if are planning an event in an unfamiliar location, you should ask your caterer to review the site with you a day or so before the event. Perform a walk through of the location to finalize your catering event planning details. Make sure you clearly understand the catering policies, including who will prepare the food, where the food will be prepared, who will be in charge of managing the catering event planning process, and who will be serving the food.

Establishing a good working relationship with your caterer is key for successful catering event planning. It all starts with how you select your catering company. You will work closely together to establish a catering plan to address important details of your catering event planning.