Employees are bound to enjoy a corporate gathering that features a tasty spread. For the occasion to run smoothly, you want to consider the type of crowd attending, time of day, and kinds of food to serve. To help you plan, here are tips for catering your corporate event.

How to Prepare for Your Catered Corporate Event

1. Get a Head Count

You need to know how many people you have to accommodate. Is the event going to be a smaller or larger gathering? This can help you avoid a shortage or surplus of food. You should also be aware of the number of attendees since catering companies typically have minimum and/or maximum requirements. It’s helpful to be considerate of a service’s party size expectations to ensure they have enough time to prepare for the event.  

2. Plan the Time 

The time of the event indicates whether you should opt for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner menu. Guests’ appetites are more likely to be satisfied with dishes that are suited to the time of day. This also influences portion size. Morning meetings may offer coffee, juice, and egg dishes. Lunch and dinner functions might include more options, such as appetizers, desserts, and heartier main entrees.      

3. Consider Dietary Needs & Restrictions

It’s important to think beyond the standard meat and vegetarian options. Find out if any guests have food allergies, prefer gluten-free or kosher foods, or would like to see certain vegan options served. 

You want to feature items that everyone can enjoy, and attendees should feel comfortable with the selections. Don’t risk someone having to go on an empty stomach because they can’t eat what’s available. Find out how your catering service can tailor the menu to meet the needs of your guests.   

4. Offer a Menu With Variety

A mix of flavors and food items can please guests’ palates and make the event more enjoyable. A varied menu gives people the opportunity to try different dishes, from savory to sweet. There’s also a better chance of satisfying a larger crowd with different food preferences. Plus, a colorful buffet of food can make for a wonderful presentation.

If you need help planning your next catering event, get in touch with Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill. They feature delicious Cajun and seafood dishes that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of those attending your next gathering. The restaurant serves Creve Coeur, MO, and has a second location in Edwardsville, IL. Call (314) 878-3306 or visit their website for more details. Get set for the third location in St Peters, MO coming this Fall.