8 Helpful Tips for Planning Food Catering for Your Big Parties

Planning a social event or a corporate party can be overwhelming, especially when you have so many aspects to look after. From decorating the entire space and planning various fun activities to hiring one of the best caterers in Hyderabad for big parties, there’s so much to take care of. But with the right food catering for big events, you can put up a great party since the visitors are mostly here to taste some great food. You can take cues from the best catering tips for big parties to have a blast.

Ideating and planning the perfect food menu can also be tedious, but with an experienced and knowledgeable catering service, you can find quick and efficient solutions. We know you don’t want a single person to leave the event unsatiated. But you should remember that you cannot please each and everyone that attends your party.

So, while you are planning an exceptional menu, you should also consider your budget and try sticking to the common menu items that most people prefer to have every time they attend an event. That being said, here are some of the best catering tips for big parties to help you plan the desired food catering for parties. These catering tips for large events will help you deliver the best experience.

Best Catering Tips for Big Parties

1. Get a Head Count

First things first, take a proper head count of your total number of invitees who will be coming over. The best thing is to send out all the invites and record all the RSVPs. It’s not a good idea to either overestimate or underestimate the amount of food you might need. Reliable food catering for big events can help you out. 

Moreover, party guests often tend to take up more on their plate, especially if the food looks appetizing. And don’t worry, a professional caterer will always make your food look sumptuous with amazing presentation and table decor. So, a general rule of thumb is to add a buffer of around 15% of your total headcount. So, you can rest assured that none of your visitors leave the event hungry!

2. Determine Your Budget Appropriately

We know hosting events often burns the pocket, especially if the host is not careful about budgeting. Therefore, make smart budget plans beforehand. You will get an option to choose from a range of menu options and packages that most caterers provide to meet the different budgets of their clients. Besides the package, you must also consider other costs, such as taxes, table rentals, delivery charges, chafing dishes, linens, serveware, etc.

3. Discuss Your Preferences Clearly to the Caterer

Many clients hesitate to discuss the party’s theme. But that would be a huge mistake! From decoration to food, everything depends on your theme, so you must convey it properly to your caterer and event manager. Be it a specific menu that you wish to have or want to get your table decor done in a unique pattern, convey all your preferences to your caterer.

4. Create a Menu that Suits Everyone

We understand that different individuals have different food habits and diets. But you should design a menu that suits everyone. It’s okay to offer 1-2 exotic dishes, but prepare a menu that most of your guests will love. An ideal menu includes a good mix of starters or appetizers, drinks, main courses, side platters, soups, salads, desserts, etc.

Besides, there will be some dietary restrictions as some guests prefer vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan diets. Whereas, a few of your guests may also be allergic to some ingredients, like peanuts, soy, eggs, etc. Whatever the special dietary requirements of your guests, convey the same to your caterer. Also, many party food catering services make allergen-free dishes to ensure all visitors are satisfied and happy.

5. Consider Your Venue Requirements

Consider the capacity of the venue and how much crowd it can handle. Also, check the requirements and rules of the banquet hall or dining space you are booking. Even if it’s a house party, you should consider whether your dining space has enough room to accommodate your guests.

Furthermore, some local venues have specific cooking instructions and regulations, too. For example, many banquet halls don’t allow the use of charcoal for cooking. So, keep in mind all these aspects and convey the same to your caterer.

6. Don’t Miss the Drinks

It’s not always about addressing the hunger pangs. One needs to be comfortable with some special welcome drinks after they arrive. It will make your guests feel more special, and they will engage themselves in the night’s activities with greater zeal. Focus on your guests’ preferences. You can have separate counters for alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks based on the taste of your guest list.

7. What’s the Night’s Activities?

Consider the activities of the event night before the party commences. Go through the order of all the events that are going to take place in the evening. Wait till everybody turns up, and make them comfortable with a platter of appetizers and a glass or two of welcome drinks. Let the evening flow at its natural pace before starting with the main course.

8. Focus on the Presentation

There’s a popular saying, “Eat with your eyes first”. Food aesthetics matter as they create positive first impressions and make the food more appealing. Food should not just taste good – it should also look attractive and appetizing. Come up with more visually stunning buffet table decor that becomes a treat to the eyes as well as the senses. Get super creative by experimenting with unconventional plating designs, especially at the salad counter. You can take help from party food catering services for the best ideas. 

Why Choose The Good Food Guys?

What’s more, our skilled and experienced chefs ensure that every ingredient retains its nutritious value, striking a good balance between health and taste. The company offers a wide variety of gourmet delicacies and culinary tastes to meet the growing demands of modern-day clients and foodies. We house skilled staff members handling catering for parties with expertise while aiming to develop strong relationships with our clients. Moreover, the best catering tips for big parties will help you deliver the best services. 

Final Words

We hope the above catering tips for large events will help you plan an appealing food menu for your upcoming party. Don’t compromise on choosing the best caterers in Hyderabad for big parties to provide exceptional dining experiences. Also, never hesitate to ask questions to your caterer about their catering styles and exclusive menu items. A good caterer will always be willing to listen to your requirements and fine-tune their usual menu items according to your guests’ tastes.