Your son or daughter’s First Holy Communion is a special day. Celebrate the day with a meal that both the kids and adults will love, and pick a caterer whose history is rooted in this kind of celebration.
Plan Ahead
The Communion season is a busy one. With every Catholic elementary school Communion scheduled, competition for a caterer can be stiff. Be sure to plan well in advance and book ahead to confirm the caterer is available and can have the food prepared for the time of day you want.
Whether you’re hosting a First Communion brunch or an early dinner, you want to be ready before you talk to the caterer. Start putting together a rough menu idea and a list of catering businesses now to be sure you get one of the caterers you prefer. You likely know the date now, so you can begin looking for different companies. Place your order, secure availability, and leave the rest to the caterers.
Consider Hot versus Cold Dishes
A catered Communion meal can include an assortment of hot and cold dishes. Based on your timing and set-up required, you want to weigh the pros and cons of both options. Will the caterer simply be dropping the food off at your house, in which case it’s up to you to keep any entrees warm, or will you require them to do any prep work on-site?
The caterer can recommend the best dishes to serve and styles that fit, such as pasta entrees—a beloved favourite, to easy gourmet appetizers, such as sausage rolls or antipasto platters. They know the best colds to serve, such as simple salads, where you won’t have to worry about keeping food hot as guests help themselves. The food often comes in sturdy trays for the buffet-serving style, where all you have to do is provide the cutlery.
From lasagna to grilled eggplant to chicken parmesan, Communion caterers can recommend what dishes to serve and how to serve them for everyone to enjoy.
Prior Experience
Catering for a communion is much different than catering for a wedding or a corporate function. Your kid is the star of the show here. Communion caterers are dealing with a younger audience, which can include finicky eaters, allergies, and parents who are no doubt stressed from the busy day.
Your caterer should know how to deliver a meal that’s fit for little ones while remaining sophisticated enough for adults, recommending a menu with dishes everyone will love. They have the creativity to balance a menu fit for younger and senior palates. Any allergies or dietary specifications are taken care of to impress every guest—even the pickiest eater. If you’re looking for other options, they can offer tips for catering meals ideas that are healthy and delicious.
Numbers
Your caterer should understand the need for accurate serving sizes—especially when the guest list includes children. Give them your party total and they should have no problem determining accurate portion sizes, ensuring there’s enough food for your hungry crowd.
With the numbers handled, you can get an accurate quote for the day without worrying whether you’ve ordered too much food—or worse, you haven’t ordered enough. The caterer knows exactly how much to deliver.
Quality
Of course, you want to work with a caterer who serves delicious food made with the freshest ingredients. Seek out communion caterers who purchase fresh, local ingredients and prepare food with tastes that are up to par. They should bring the knowledge and experience to create a fresh menu your guests will enjoy and remember.
It’s a caterer’s business to create something special, and their commitment to this will leave a lasting impression on all your guests—even if it goes unnoticed by your little ones.
Work with a caterer who offers more than delicious food. A caterer who specializes in Communions provides expertise that will leave you satisfied.
