Whether it’s an office party or family reunion, the food at your event will be the main focus, so make sure that it’s excellent. Before contacting any catering services, there are essential planning details to ensure the conversation with your caterer is beneficial, and your event gets the food spread it needs. Below are some critical aspects of coordinating gatherings when booking catering services.

What to Think About Prior to Booking Catering Services

1. How Much Food You Need

How much food you order is the first thing your caterer will ask you. Keep up with the RSVPs and have an approximate headcount for the event. When planning for events without reservations, order enough food for the people you invited. Even with underattendance, it’s better to have too much food than to run out and look unprepared. Your caterer will offer guidance on how much food you’ll need once you give them an estimated headcount.

2. What Food You’ll Get

Choose a food spread that fits the atmosphere. Staple crowd pleasers for casual or corporate gatherings include barbecue, Mexican and Tex-Mex, and pizza. Have at least two options of main courses and multiple sides to accommodate various fields of taste. It’s vital to ask guests if they have any food allergies or restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, and nut or fish allergens.

3. Where the Event Is Going To Be

Your event’s location directly affects the caterer’s delivery route and ETA. Some restaurants only deliver within a certain radius, so clarify where your gathering is located when you call. When you’re set on a specific caterer that doesn’t provide to your location, run through your other venue options in their designated delivery area; or arrange to pick up the food.

4. How It’s Going to Be Set Up

The venue’s set up is vital, since it’ll help you decide between buffet tables with large containers or having the caterer break up the food into smaller portions for multiple tables. Ensure the layout provides enough space for people to form a line and get their meal comfortably. You’ll also need to confirm the caterers provide the serving utensils and setup services. With providers that don’t offer either, arrange to offer your eating ware and have volunteers prepare the site for the event before the festivities begin.

Are you searching for crowd-pleasing catering services with mouthwatering food? Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Amelia, OH, offers slow-smoked, authentic barbecue meats, including brisket, chicken, and sausages, with classic sides. A third-generation, family-owned, and -operated business, they provide delicious catering with options ranging from full service, buffets, and individual lunch boxes. You can view their catering options online, and call (513) 802-2700 to get a free quote for your event.