When planning an event, catering services are a crucial part of the day. Outsourcing food and drinks takes a great deal of pressure off of hosts, but you’ll need to plan carefully to ensure all guests are satisfied. Below are some tips for creating the perfect menu when working with a catering service.

A Guide to Catering Service Menus 

1. How Many People Are You Serving?

Arrange catering services once the guest list is finalized. Having an approximate headcount in mind will help avoid ordering too little or too much food. Be as precise as possible. Many event planners use a drop percentage to account for how many “no-shows” to expect. This can range anywhere from 2% for paid events to 5% for free events.

2. Whole Meal or Finger Foods?

Decide whether you’ll be offering guests an entire meal or cocktail party-style finger foods. This will narrow down your ideas. For example, you might want to serve chicken sliders during a networking event that encourages mingling, while an entire piece of fried chicken is more appropriate for a catered lunch.

3. Will Children Be Attending?

Your catering menu should appeal to as many guests as possible. If children will be present, offer dishes that are kid-friendly or a separate kid’s menu. Meals like chicken tenders, French fries, and sandwiches tend to be the best options to serve younger guests.

4. Do Any Guests Have Dietary Restrictions?

During the RSVP process, leave a space that lets guests alert you to any dietary restrictions they have. This shows special consideration to vegetarians, those with food allergies, and guests who need to follow a gluten-free diet.

It’s a breeze to plan an event menu with Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken. They offer an extensive menu of classic chicken, jumbo breast strips, that are guaranteed to be fresh and flavorful. Their delicious side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and warm biscuits, will remind guests of the home-cooked meals they had growing up. Learn more about their catering services and party food ideas online or by calling (513) 244-2536 today.

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