Catering Equipment -There are two kinds of caterers out in the world: Those who are content to cook and serve the food, maintaining a back of the house kind of position and those who run an entire event. Those who run the show help clients organize every aspect of a venue - not just the management of the food. If you're the type that does the whole shebang or you're interested in offering event planning then here are some tips on setting up and planning a banquet event.
1. Plan in Advance - Big events are nothing to shake a stick at. They require a lot of planning and attention, and that planning often has to start well in advance in order for everything to fall into place. Depending on the type of event, you may need to start planning a few months to more than a year in advance.
2. Beverage Dispenser -Keep an Accurate Guest Count - RSVP's are an effective way to determine the general number of guests attending. However the greater the gap between the RSVP and the actual event, the more likely you are to lose guests from the list. Make sure there are follow ups to the RSVP list to ensure an accurate head count.
3. Keep the Budget - If you estimate that your event is going to cost X dollars then do what you have to do to keep in that budget for the client. Don't blow the budget and try to pass on the cost to the client, especially if it’s a result of something you should have been controlling.
4. Starting a Catering Business -Keep an Agenda - A client needs to have an agenda so they understand everything that occurs during the course of the day or evening. That agenda is equally important to the caterer because you'll plan your meal services, drinks and more around all the other occurrences during an event.
5. Don't Skimp on Decorations - The decorating is an important part of every event. Catering and event planning is all about imagery, and you'll use your equipment as well as the decore to setup a certain type of ambiance and mood. If you get cheap and skimp on things like the linen then it reflects poorly on the client as well as your catering business.
6. Beverage Dispenser -Don't Fear Renting - Some caterers refuse to rent equipment because it won't match what they have. You would be surprised at the selection some party rental services have. Besides, it's much better to have a mismatched item in your decorations or display as opposed to having nothing there. Gaps in the food service line, being short on chafers, serving trays, glasses or flatware can make you and your client look bad.
7. Leave Enough Space - You need to know the capacity limit of the space where the event takes place as well the total number of guests. This is important to leaving enough operational white space. That extra space is needed for staff to travel and for guests to move about without sliding sideways around chairs and tables. Likewise, make sure there are designated travel paths for staff where guests are less likely to travel.
Lastly, take the time to regularly update your staff on the progression of the event as it comes closer. By meeting with them regularly and revisiting the agenda and event layout you will keep them tuned in. Once the event arrives, you should be able to pull off a near flawless delivery of the evening.
Starting a Catering Business -Put together the best event every time with high quality catering equipment. When you're starting a catering equipment you need to put your best foot forward. From the stainless chafing dish to the ornate beverage dispenser - everything plays a part in making you and your business look amazing.