How to Do Event Catering

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

A career in event catering is ideal for people who like to cook, entertain and have a creative side they like to show off. Event catering ranges from lavish weddings to simple business luncheons and everything in between. Some of the most famous food personalities in the world got their starts in event planning, including Martha Stewart and Paula Deen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy
Step1
Get your event catering business started on legal ground. Cooking and serving food in exchange for money requires several licenses and permits, depending what part of the country you live in. Caterers don't usually have to pay as much as restaurants for their food licenses, but they still need them. Check with your state small business guidelines to find out what you need to become a licensed event caterer.
Step2
Write your menu. Keep it simple and realistic. If you are working out of your home kitchen, offering several types of homemade bread and pastries may not be doable in your one oven. Also think about who your main demographic is. Are you focusing on businesses or personal parties? Are you going to do more lunches or more formal dinners?
Step3
Purchase equipment for event catering. This will be your biggest investment. Sit down and make a list of everything you will need to cater an event from start to finish. If you offer hot foods, you'll need chaffing dishes and warmers. Decide if you are going to offer paper or china, plastic or silverware.
Step4
Consider transportation issues. Event catering requires a lot of travel. Not only will you need a van or other large vehicle, you will also need large bus tubs for transporting food, dishes and equipment.
Step5
Decide what parts of event catering you will outsource. Outsourcing is hiring another vendor or contractor to help you with the event. For example, you may outsource the table linens or some of the cooking (like wedding cakes or bread). Smaller catering companies often rent much of their equipment, like tables and chairs, until they have enough capital to buy their own.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do NOT forget the insurance. If someone becomes ill at one of your events or an employee is hurt on the job, you want to make sure you are covered.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Do Event Catering

eHow Careers & Work Editor

Related Ads

Careers & Work

acousticgroupie
Meet Kristen Fischer eHow’s Careers & Work Expert.