Event Catering Checklist

Organising an event of any description takes way more time than most people can appreciate. Catering and refreshments are a fundamental part to making the event a success, acting as the glue that binds everything together. Here are our tips for catering for an event.

Choose a catering operator you can trust. The caterer should be professional and be able to prove this with references from customers. The catering company should have the correct insurances, ideally offer a guarantee and they should agree a fixed price for your catering.

You want your event caterer to remove the stress of the day, not add to it, and in order to do that you should brief them thoroughly and pass on certain information:

• Date and time of the event your require catering for
• Location of the event you require catering for
• Number of people
• Type of food eg finger buffet or hot three course sit down dinner (your caterer should be able to recommend appropriate food for your occasion, should you not know)
• Allergens and dietary requirements
• Delivery access and times, along with security approval or permission
• Schedule of the event
• Opening reception refreshment catering needs and times
• Any breaks or intervals that require catering
• Additional drinks and snacks required
• Catering staff or serving persons needed
• The main contact on the day and beforehand
• Budget per head or total
• Payment terms and guarantees

Your caterer should confirm the equipment, crockery, cutlery etc available on the day and the presentation of your food and drink, so that you know what to expect and can request anything additional or specific if you need it.

Once you find a professional caterer for your event that and all the above is confirmed, you should feel confident that your catering and refreshments are taken care of. They should make a positive difference to you and your guests that will - even if other elements of the event don’t go exactly to plan! - ensure you and your guests enjoy a fantastic experience.