There's a lot of decision making when planning an event. The food is one of the most important elements, it’s what people remember, and the first thing they will complain about. Not only is the quality and quantity important, but also how it’s served.
Roaming canapés, sit-down meal, buffet style and gourmet grazing platters, let's look at how I can help decide which food catering style is right for your next event!
Canapés
Canapés, or elegant finger food, are bite-sized servings enjoyed without cutlery. Usually served on trays by waitstaff, circulating the room or placed on tables for guests to help themselves.
Canapés pair well with cocktail style events which generally have a more more relaxed feeling. It allows your guests to mingle, socialise and to choose what they eat, whilst enjoying the atmosphere of the location. Canapés usually offer a variety of flavours and are presented quite elegantly.
It is important to realise that canapés does NOT mean cheaper, they can be expensive if many varieties are offered and what ingredient are used. Plus more staff may be required for service so this needs to be considered when you are allocating a budget for catering.
Usually best for two-three hour events, canapés can be suitable for longer events by adding a food station option. This includes larger portions of canapés either enjoyed with your hands or with a fork or spoon .
Sit down meal
Sit down catering is a more formal service style with a plated meal where guests are seated and served courses. This remains highly structured and organised. This style of catering requires pre-selecting the menu, usually with a minimum of two courses. This style can be an individual plated alternate drop service, or shared platters known as family style served to their table for guests to serve themselves, encouraging sharing and interaction.
This type of arrangement has the more intimate and personal dinner- party like feeling for weddings or formal celebrations.
Seated catering is recommended when guest attention is required for long periods of time as it's typically more substantial and filling. It enables the event to flow smoothly from one course to the next starter, main, dessert with speeches or entertainment in between..
The negatives to a structured dining experience can be space. It does require seating which can limit the guests movement and interaction. This style can be time-consuming if you have a time
schedule for the event.
Buffet Style
Looking for variety and choice? Buffets or food stations are a self-serve style of catering, offering relaxed and casual dining for guests..
Both options invite guests to leave their tables for food with a laid back approach where interaction is encouraged. Food stations can reduce queues as they can be placed strategically around the venue and offer more variety or cuisines. Buffets are commonly placed in one area and guests can choose their own portions.
This style can lead to long lines which may
result in the food not being consumed hot and
it does requires a large space for the setup.
Grazing platters
Grazing platters can be the perfect opportunity for the creativity to shine! Not only do they always look beautiful but act as a styling element for your themed event.
These large, visually appealing boards or tables filled with an assortment of food items-Cured meats, cheeses, dips and spreads, crackers, dried and fresh fruit, veg and nuts, and maybe a sweet treat to top it off if you have a sweet tooth like myself, what more could you want!
Grazers are best suited for casual gatherings, baby showers or office parties that don’t exceed four hours. Unless your event is running over a meal period then adding a selection of canapés to prevent hungry guests is the best option. This style encourages social interaction, it's easy to customise with a variety of foods and guests can eat whenever they want.
The down fall of the grazing boards they do require space for the setup if space is an issue, they can be messy or difficult to manage, plus the constant replenishment and attention if you just want to sit back and enjoy your party!
Catering will take approximately 45% of your total budget, this includes the food, beverages, service staff, chefs, hiring the right equipment and transport.
In summary:
Consider your guest numbers- larger events buffet style, grazing platters, or canapés. Sit-down meal might be more appropriate for a smaller group or more formal setting.
Your catering style should reflect your theme, event atmosphere or vibe you want to portray. Sit-down meals is usually your more formal style where as grazing platters, buffet style, or canapés reflect a causal vibe.
Your guests dietary needs will need to be a priority if you have people who have intolerances or requirements. Grazing platters allow for more options where the sit-down meals will need to offer an alternative. You can ask your guests to them to send their dietaries through when they RSVP.
Although there is a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the style for your event, speak to us at Whiz Bang Events in more detail if you are unsure.
We will be able to assist you in choosing the best option for the type of theme/ milestone you are celebrating.
No matter which style you decide upon for your special event, remember to be creative with your catering style and it will be just as unforgettable as you’ve always dreamed it to be.
Book a FREE call here to discuss the best food styles for your event 🎉
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