Catering for a quiet family get together is dramatically different from catering a corporate event or a wedding reception with hundreds of guests. We recognize that food service is incredibly versatile, and predictable packages won’t work for every event. The balance between the tone of the event, the size of the guest list, and the limitations of the venue is where the most effective event catering service exists. Knowing exactly what you want will take some time and ease the burden of planning the event.
Why the Size of the Event Changes What You Can Expect from a Caterer
The number of attendees influences all aspects of event planning, including catering. For example, a family reunion with only 20 guests could get away with just a simple drop-off catering service or possibly a self-serve buffet. In contrast, a corporate event with 100 guests would require a more elaborate and diverse catering service that would need to accommodate different dietary restrictions. Further, larger events that cater hundreds of guests, such as weddings or community celebrations, would require a more complex catering service. The balance between the kitchen staff, the catering staff, and the event itself would define the service. Because of this, catering services offer tiers of service.
Small Gatherings and Intimate Celebrations
Many smaller events focus on the details and the people attending the event, versus the elaborate setup for larger events. These smaller gatherings, such as a family celebration or an office lunch, often benefit from a selection of high-quality catering options. Our catering packages include a limited selection of entrees, sides, and desserts that can be delivered quickly, and set up without a full service team. This keeps the price down and provides a meal for attendees of an intimate gathering. We often find that hosts of an intimate gathering do not mind the limited selection and packaging as it provides a good variety of meal options and does not require them to scramble for a last minute catering solution.
Mid-Size Events and Corporate Gatherings
Once events reach a size of 50 to 100 attendees, catering needs begin to shift again. This size of an event often includes a corporate meeting or larger family event and requires catering packaging that provides a balanced catering solution. For this size of a corporate event, we provide a more refined catering solution that also includes a buffet setup. For this size of an event, we include a wider selection of entrees and set up an appetizer station. This size of event also requires us to provide a wider range of dietary options. For corporate events of this size, we often find that hosts appreciate the lack of last minute catering adjustments that our packaging provides,
Full-Scale Parties, Weddings, and Large Events
Catering large events of hundreds of people requires coordination of food service along with catering logistics. Large scale events of this nature require multiple food offerings with full catering staff; rental of linens, tables, and all service and food ware; and full rental set up and logistics support. Those that book wedding catering in Richardson find that food service and catering logistics have to be in sync; there is no substitute for quality service during a reception. Food service has to be in sync with the catering and reception logistics. These catering packages have a lot of versatility. This flexibility caters to a variety of food and cultural customs.
Finding Event Catering in Richardson That Can Accommodate Any Guest List
Anyone who has thoroughly looked into Richardson catering options has likely realized that offerings and pricing vary significantly based on the catering sizes. Because of this, aligning the catering package with the event is especially important. A catering company that is limited to one blanket option, be it small or large, means event hosts either pay for service that is not utilized or have to track down additional companies with larger service options. A catering company that specializes in multiple service packages, such as small drop-off catering to large, in-person catering services, makes it easy to naturally grow the service used along with the guest list. This also brings the added benefit of eliminating the need to pick catering services that fit your guest list for each event. The same catering team can be used for all events as they cater to the companies gathering size.
Selecting the Ideal Package for Your Next Event
The right package corresponds to your guest count, your space, and the experience you want your guests to leave with. Smaller events require personal, relaxed food service. Mid-size events require more structure to keep things efficient, while larger events require a team to coordinate the many aspects of the service. Instead of estimating the best fit for your event, it’s best to discuss the details of your event with a food and beverage team that has packages of varying sizes. In fact, it is not unusual for a team to clarify the best fit for an event and the guests they serve.
