One of the most important parts of event planning is selecting the refreshments. If you run into a catering hitch during the event, your guests are unlikely to forget. Below are some important considerations to keep in mind before you hire a caterer for your occasion. Taking time to think about your catering plan now will ensure that your event is memorable for the right reasons.

3 Questions to Ask Before Making Catering Arrangements

1. What Type of Menu Do You Want?

Before you reach out to potential caterers, decide what menu style you want for your event. Are you planning a formal dinner reception with multiple courses, or a cocktail hour with light noshes? If you’re looking for a specific cuisine, such as a sushi or pupu menu, find a caterer who specializes in these dishes. You’ll also need to consider whether you want your guests to have a limited or wide variety of options to choose from. Being clear about your desires helps your potential caterer create a plan that best suits your needs.

2. How Much Food Do You Need?

Another important question to ask yourself is how many attendees need to be fed. If the number is high, be prepared to work with your caterer on menu selections and options to bring the price within your budget. Any additional room in your budget can go to extras, such as appetizers or side dishes. If you’re unsure how to calculate your needs, obtain the most accurate headcount you can and round up slightly. Your caterer will look at your tally and make suggestions.  

3. Will You Need Servers?

Lastly, choose if you want your guests to serve themselves buffet-style or if you’ll need to hire servers. Most caterers have access to a dependable staff to attend to your guests on the big day. Choosing to hire servers also helps take some pressure off you, as they’ll handle the refilling of platters, replenish dwindling supplies, and keep you abreast of any problems. 

Looking for a caterer to plan the perfect Hawaii event? Marians Catering is your go-to choice. With over 60 years of experience serving customers on Oahu, their friendly and hard-working staff will provide your guests with a memorable dining experience. They offer a variety of delicious options and will work with you to customize your event menu, accommodating special food preferences and your budget. To discuss pricing and learn more about their flexible service options, call (808) 621-6758. Visit them online for more information on their lunch and wedding catering.