In part 2 of our series, we will share 4 tips to help you save when ordering catering for virtually for any type or size of event. The best place to start is knowing that you are in control of your order. Sounds simple, right? The reality is with so many choices it’s easy to overlook your budget and end up with more food than you can afford (or can eat!). The following four tips will help your caterer save you time and money when ordering for your next event.
Know Your Guest Count
The #1 factor of your catering costs is based on how many you are feeding. You would be surprised how many people try to order when they don’t know how many people are coming. Knowing your guest count before you call to get an estimate will help you better budget and eliminate confusing and unnecessary menu changes at the last minute.
Decide On Your Delivery Method
Most people think catering only comes one way, but a good professional caterer will offer you up to 4 different ways to have your food delivered including:
Pick Up: you pick up the food at the caterer’s location. Not as common, but an option to save on your delivery fee or save time on a rush order.
Drop Off: One of the most common, particularly for corporate and social events, where the caterer simply delivers the food in disposable containers (foil pans, coffee boxes, etc).
Real Display: For buffets and banquets you may consider this option as the caterer will prepare the tables and food serving area including linen, glasses, tableware, etc.
Full Service: In addition to the real display, you can also choose to have the food professionally served and even cooked on site!
How Do You Want to Enhance Your Event
Think of these like the “optional or upgrade items” you can choose to add to your event. Although this may not seem like much to do with the food, it’s an integral part of the event planning that any professional caterer should offer. Enhancements may include decorations, linen, china, servers, on-site chefs, bartenders, DJ, and more.
Know Your Budget Before You Order
Although this is often the first thing you may think about, it’s often the last thing that is figured out. For most caterers, pricing is determined on a dollar/person pricing model. So an easy way to create your budget is just to determine the total amount you want to spend and divide it by the estimated number of people. Having this number to start with will help the caterer get you more for your money!
Remember, professional caterers are part artists and part servants. There is nothing we want more than to provide you amazing food that fits both your event and your budget. The more information we have, the better the job we can do. Or as we like to say: Great Food. Great Service. Stress Free