Anyone who has planned a large corporate event knows the amount of work there is needed to have the day go off without a hitch. But planning for your next big corporate eventdoesn’t have to be an ordeal—it can actually be pretty painless thanks to large corporate event catering. One of the biggest components to pulling off an event that wows is choosing a catering company that’s up to the job, planning ahead, and making smart catering choices on the day of the event.
Here are four of our go-to large corporate event catering tips for your next big party.
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Plan
One of the most important things to do is start planning early. The bigger the event; the more time you should give yourself. Many large event spacesget booked up months ahead of time, and it will take a bit of fine-tuning to collaborate with your caterer to create your perfect menu.
A great idea is creating an event planning team that can help with all the planning logistics. Send out an email well ahead of time asking for volunteers, and then allocate positions based on interests and skill sets. This will make planning for the event painless and it also has the possibility for team building.Make sure to delegate tasks and not micromanage.
If you’re inviting guests from another corporate division outside of the city where the event is being held, it’s good manners to send out invites at least three months before the date.It takes time to plan travel and hotels for the groups.On the day of the event, arrive at the venue early and do as much as you can before your guests arrive. This includes setting up, making sure the entertainment is in place, and directing the staff as needed. Being a strong team leader will help your group and guests enjoy the event and help alleviate stress and last-minute trouble.
2. Choose Recipes That Don’t Have to Be Served Hot
Food is often the focal point of large events, so you don’t want to be stuck worrying if the food is getting cold or is drying out under warming lamps. If you’re planning on using a buffet or having wait staff circle around with hor d’œuvres, you want the food to be at the proper temperature all night. So, to avoid any unnecessary stress, craft a menu that includes a few dishes that are served hot—and let the rest be served at room temperature.
Need some inspiration? Try a taco bar that includes chicken or steak as a protein, and multiple toppings that taste great even if they’re not hot off the grill. Cold soups or gazpacho are also great summer options.A great caterer will know how to construct a menu that fits your event, guests and restrictions of the venue and schedule.
3. Create a Signature Cocktail to Serve
Having a signature cocktail for your corporate event is not only a fun idea, but it is also efficient. Creating a specialty cocktail is one the best tips for large corporate event catering. It means you don’t have to worry as much about stocking a full open bar and it cuts down on lines and makes things more guest-friendly for the bartenders.
Consider choosing a signature cocktail that adheres to your events themeor company colours, or thatuses one of the hottest mixology techniques: infusions. If you really want to get fancy, consider making three of four signature cocktails (and a mocktail) to ensure all your guests’ needs are met.
4. It’s Better to Have Extras than Not Enough
Err on the side of caution when it comes to large corporate event catering and have more than enough of food and drinks. The worst-case scenario at a corporate event is running out of something and guests being turned away thirsty or with empty stomachs. Guests will always remember if they were unhappy with an element of an event. Make them remember how well they were taken car of instead!
Put your extras to good use and hold a staff lunch the next day, or look into local charities that accept leftover food donations from restaurants and events.
