Selecting the appropriate menu for any type of function can significantly influence the guest experience. For a wedding, birthday, private or corporate event, the food needs to be suitable for the occasion, the time of day and the guests it is being prepared for. A menu which is well thought out can provide variety without being overly complex, thus making an event more approachable for the guests.
Appetizers and Small Bites
Starters work well when you have a ‘mingling’ type of event. Those occasions where people are chatting, getting together, moving about before the main meal are perfect for finger foods. These things work well during a cocktail hour, while working in a networking session, waiting for dinner to be served, etc.
Some other favorite items are sliders, stuffed mushrooms, chicken skewers, bruschetta, spring rolls, mini tacos, cheese and cracker trays, and veggie trays. Having selections of both hot and cold appetizers allows for more selection and variety.
Food stations can also be successful for large events. Guests have the option to select what they want, rather than having to wait to be served their one meal. This is ideal at parties and corporate functions where people are coming and going.
Buffet-Style Meals
Buffets are still a feasible choice for wedding receptions, family parties, and other large get-togethers. Guests are free to take what (or how much) they want of what they like.
A typical buffet would be a selection of one or two main proteins, a vegetarian dish, rice or pasta, something with vegetables, salad, bread and a variety of dressings or accompaniments. Usually popular items would be things such as a selection of chicken, jointed or grilled, pasta, vegetable creeses, roasted vegetables, mashed potato, salads that are in season and so on.
When making it up a buffet should include a variety of different tastes and textures. Will have all time favorites with a couple of the more individual options. This way catering for everyone without having a huge menu.
Plated Meals for Weddings
In formal services, plated dinner is more appropriate for formal wedding and high class party. The guests will be served at the table that will be more convenient, formal and traditional.
A three course meal could be starter, main course, and dessert, with additional side dishes. Two or three entrees would also be suitable. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be considered when drawing up the list of replies RSVPs.
Be sure to use the menu to continue the theme of the wedding. Grilled steak or roasted chicken, elegant vegetarian entr es and seafood might be appropriate options for a formal evening reception, whereas cold fish or chicken salads may be more fitting for a lazy afternoon and outdoor wedding.
Food Stations and Interactive Dining
Food stations can also add a fun element to an event, as it allows the guests to make what they want. Popular stations are a taco bar, pasta station, carving station, salad bar and dessert station.
These are perfect for parties and corporates. They make people move and interact with each other as they choose to take what they like from the various dishes.
If cocktails and drinks are being served, the bars can also operate as food stations so that guests can nibble on finger foods through the course of the evening rather than take the time to sit and have a full meal.
Catering for Corporate Events
Food for corporate events should be practical, professional and simple for the caterer to serve. A breakfast meeting could have muffins, croissants, fruit, cereals, fresh fruit, coffee and yogurt. A lunch meeting might feature sandwiches, wraps, pasta, salad or chicken.
A boxed meal is very practical at a conference or networking function, where keeping the service time to a minimum is a priority. Think about using buffet stations or canapés if people‘s conversations are likely to be interrupted by lunch.
Should your celebration have an evening reception a selection of drinks, starters, main courses and desserts can help lend a more laid back feel for the event. Collaborating with a specialized woodlands catering entrepreneur can also simplify portion planning, diet necessities, scheduling and service organization.
Options for Parties and Social Gatherings
Private parties generally provide greater flexibility with food selection. The menu can be designed to complement the theme of the occasion, the age of the guests, or the nature of the gathering
For informal gatherings, pizza, sliders, wings, tacos, sandwiches, barbecue, and finger foods are convenient options. For more formal gatherings, the comfort level of the guests might desire more choices of appetizers, entrées, salads, and desserts.
Dessert stations are another great way to have a little fun with your decor. Mini cheesecakes, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, and various other small desserts are a wonderful way for your guests to indulge a little without having to worry about portion sizes.
Consider Dietary Preferences
An effective event menu will be catering to dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc. Options should be made available if appropriate.
Asking about special dietaries before or with the invitation or RSVP is also helpful. Indicating with labels can aid your guests in selecting the right items.
Pairing Food With Drinks
Food and drinks should look for something to go with rather than against. Light starters go very nicely with something refreshing and more substantial ones like richer foods, are better to go with more powerful flavors.
For cocktail functions mixology bars can be a fun novelty but also increase the variety on offer for the guests while still maintaining consistency of service with professionally made products. The menu can be designed around the drinks.
Final Thoughts
The ideal event menu is one that is appropriate for the event, caters to the guests in a time-efficient manner, and provides sufficient options for diverse tastes without overextending the selection. Sometimes, the wedding will require a plated meal or designer buffet, a social event calls for interactive stations and passed appetizers, and a business function will be best served with a box lunch or other convenient catering.
The menu can be prepared in advance based on the event style, guest likes, dietary requirements, service style and beverage selection, so that guest remain comfortable, happy and entertained.