Avoiding Waste: A Guide To Ordering The Right Amount Of Catered Food

June 20, 2018

Planning a special event can be hectic.

You have to organize all of the details, from the big ones (time, location, type of event) down to the minute ones that few will even notice (decor, music, lighting, etc.).

When you add catering services to the mix, your stress levels can become even more compounded.

But don’t freak out just yet, because Etai’s Catering is here to help.

When planning for a catered event, the last thing you want to do is have too little food. But even worse is having too much food.

That creates waste — both in perishable goods and your budget — and leaves you feeling discouraged and downtrodden.

So how can you find your “Goldilocks level” of food? What amount of catered food is just right? This helpful guide to ordering the right amount is here to help.

Keep reading for a few important tips and get help from Etai’s Denver catering services today.

What Type Of Event Is It?

First things first.

What type of event are you having catered? Whether it’s a business lunch, a wedding, a funeral reception, a birthday party, or some other type of corporate or personal event, it’s important to know the audience and the setting.

Many industry experts note that, as a general rule of thumb, people who are sitting at events — a business lunch, a corporate presentation, a wedding reception, or even a funeral reception — tend to eat more than those who are at a board meeting or something more active.

So if you are planning for an event where people are feeling more casual or relaxed, it might be a good idea to order a little bit extra.

What Time Is The Event?

This is also something important to take note of when planning a catered special event.

The time of day can play a huge role in whether or not people will be hungry for a full portion, or if something like finger foods and light snacks will suffice.

When it comes to early mornings and breakfast catering, it’s often said that people tend to drink more than they will eat. That means having ample coffee, tea, and orange juice on hand and limiting the breakfast options to a continental buffet style.

If it’s a lunch event, you’ll want to be sure that every person is accounted for when ordering. Plan for a couple extra box lunches in case a few stragglers show up — or in case someone is extra hungry.

How Long Is The Event?

If the event is only slated to last a couple of hours, then you will probably be set with one meal — 2-4 appetizers, one main dish, and a side — per person.

However, if it is an extensive event that will last throughout the day, you’re going to want to plan for the works. Consider things like appetizers, side salads, and even dessert for each person in attendance.

Know The Menu

The best piece of advice when planning for a catered event is to get a headcount and RSVPs, if possible. That way, people can know what the menu is going to look like and let you know whether they are planning on eating — and more importantly, how much they plan on eating.

Need help with special events catering in Denver? Etai’s is your home for the very best in fresh, local catering. Place an order online today!