About Catering Services

Everyone needs to eat, but not everyone can cook for large numbers of people. In the case where many individuals need to be fed, catering is a viable option---it allows a host to concentrate on tasks other than feeding guests. However, catering can be complex. Understanding the basics of catering can help an individual to decide what catering service is best for them and what they can expect from the caterer.

Definition

Catering is the business of supplying an individual or individuals with food and food-related services. The individual pays for the caterer either to bring food to a function or to prepare the food directly at the function site. Catering can include the supply of extra equipment such as dining tables, silverware, decorations and other accessories.

Goal

Catering is not simply a matter of providing food. Successful caterers strive to satisfy the guests at the event for which the caterer is providing service. They therefore look to make sure not only that guests have enough to eat, but also that the food and atmosphere of the venue are correlated to the purpose of the event and the tastes of the host and guests. Caterers thus meet with clients and ask questions to determine what the client expects or wants.

What the Caterer Needs to Know

Most caterers offer a wide variety of options in terms of menu choices and equipment. However, not all venues are alike. A party for 10 college graduates, for instance, will require far less food and a different feel than an extravagant gala for 500 individuals who are top executives in a major company. Caterers thus routinely inquire about the date and time, budget, number of guests, setting and type of a catering function before putting together a proposal package for a client.

Proposals

Once a caterer has met with a potential client and figured out what the client wants and expects for the catered function, the caterer has to put together a proposal package. The proposal includes a potential menu, what equipment is available for use, how many staff will be needed and how much the food will cost.

Trends

Catering menus are experiencing new trends. For instance, some caterers now are offering tasting menus. These menus can have more than two dozen foods and are similar to sampler appetizers or meals at restaurants. Another trend is to include ethnic or comfort foods. Whether a client chooses to incorporate such a trend is determined by the vision of the client for the venue and the type of guests who will attend.