Things You'll Need:
- Budget
- List of potential venues
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Step 1
Talk to the event planner at prospective party venues before you make a decision about where your party will be held. Venues are often required to use a specific catering company, locking you into a catering choice you may not like.
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Step 2
Start interviewing potential caterers based on the recommendations of the venue or your party planner. These caterers are typically most familiar with the venue and may have specific menus designed to suit the venue's setting.
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Step 3
Use a wedding planning website to hire a caterer in your area. Though your sweet sixteen may not be as important as the "big day," wedding caterers are particularly equipped to deal with menus for large crowds.
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Step 4
Contact a local culinary arts school to enlist the help of chefs-in-training in catering your event. Many of these schools have student-run catering companies that offer services at lower rates than more established professionals in the industry.
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Step 5
Consider catering your event yourself if you are on a tight budget or running short on time. Your neighborhood deli can act as your caterer by assembling trays of appetizers, sandwiches and desserts for your event.
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Step 1
Decide on a budget for catering before your hire someone. While your budget may be one lump sum, you should also determine what it breaks down to per guest, since most caterers' rates are charged per person.
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Step 2
Choose a "cocktail" hour menu if you are on a budget. The caterer you hire should be able to provide a selection of hors d'oeuvres suitable for serving at a before- or after-dinner event.
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Step 3
Put your large party budget to good use by planning a menu for a sit-down formal dinner. This style of menu is typically the most expensive and appropriate for the most formal of sweet sixteen parties.
