How to Create a Corporate Event Catering Menu that Everyone Will Love

A successful event is a huge undertaking that requires planning months, even years in advance. There are so many details that need to be covered, from securing guest speakers and selecting an event space to determining your budget and guest list. But perhaps the most important aspect of any event is the food. That’s why determining your catering menu is one of the first steps you take as an events planner. From buffets to plated dinners, there are a number of different options available for any corporate event. But how do you know which option is best for your clients?

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a menu is the type of event your client is hosting. This will help you determine how much variety is required and how many servings are necessary. For example, if you’re organizing a health-focused wellness workshop for your client’s employees, you may want to feature items like smoothies and healthy salads. Alternatively, you could offer a more upscale experience at an evening fundraising event with a three-course seated meal.

Next, you’ll want to take a look at the schedule for your client’s event. This will give you an idea of how long attendees can dine for and when snack breaks might be needed. This will also help you gauge how much food you need to order from your caterer. It’s important to provide plenty of options for your guests, especially if you have a large number of people in attendance.

Once you’ve gathered all the relevant information, it’s time to start putting together your catering menu. It’s helpful to create a spreadsheet with all of the menu items you’re considering, including descriptions and prices. This will make it easy to select the best items for your client’s event, as well as compare price points. Keeping your spreadsheet updated as you select new items can also ensure that you’re providing the most up-to-date pricing and options for your customers.

When creating your catering menu, it’s important to think about how your client will display and distribute the menu. For example, if you are working with a client that has specific branding requirements, be sure to incorporate those into your menu design. This will make it easier for your clients to find exactly what they’re looking for while also reflecting the unique brand identity of your business.

Finally, it’s also important to consider if your clients will require any special dietary accommodations. With more than 56 million Americans living with a food allergy or intolerance, it’s crucial that you include enough dietary options for your guests to choose from. This includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.

Whether you’re planning a simple lunch buffet or a full seated dinner, our tips for How to Create a Corporate Event Catering Menu that Everyone Will Love will help you plan an unforgettable event. Reach out to Philly’s best corporate catering company today to discuss how we can help you create a unique, one-of-a-kind dining experience for your clients.

A well-planned catering menu is one of the most important elements of any event. It can make or break an entire experience. But creating a catering menu that everyone will love isn’t as easy as it may seem. There are many factors to consider, from dietary restrictions to seating capacity and much more. It takes a little bit of thought and planning to create a corporate event catering menu that will be remembered for years to come.

First and foremost, you need to understand the purpose of the event. Is this a team building event or an industry conference? The answer to that question will help you determine how upscale or casual your catering options need to be. For example, if you’re trying to impress a large number of guests with an elegant sit-down dinner, you’ll probably want to opt for a more upscale cuisine that would be difficult to serve in a buffet format.

Next, you’ll need to get a handle on how many people are expected to attend the event. This will not only determine your seating requirements but will also help you estimate food needs so that everyone is guaranteed to have enough to eat. In order to determine this, you’ll need to communicate with the client and find out if there are any known dietary restrictions or preferences. In most cases, you’ll want to include options that are gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan. It’s also a good idea to include at least one interactive food station that can be enjoyed by those with specific dietary preferences or limitations.

Once you have a clear understanding of the type of corporate event you’re hosting, you can begin to build a catering menu that will be perfect for your attendees. You’ll need to think about the style of the event, its duration and any specific theme or focus that might play into it.

For example, if you’re celebrating the end of a fiscal year with your top sales staff, you’ll likely want to offer a more festive menu that includes seafood or other rich and indulgent dishes. On the other hand, if you’re trying to energize a team of hard-working sales professionals during an all-day training session, you might go for a more light and healthy menu option with lots of fresh vegetables and nutrient-rich foods.

Lastly, it’s important to take into account the time of day and any event schedule when selecting your catering menu. You don’t want to overstretch your staff or overtax their ability to prepare and service the food at an event. You also don’t want your guests to be left hungry because you underestimated how long the event will last or didn’t leave enough time for serving. Taking all of these factors into consideration will help you ensure that your catering menu is a success. It will give your corporate event the attention to detail that it deserves. And it will be remembered for all the right reasons.