Choosing when and when not to supply the meal for an event can often be a source of contention amongst party or event planners, business owners and families. While picking up a tray of cut veggies and dip from your local supermarket can be economical, it can often times come off tacky or cheap and consequently reflect poorly on the people associated with the event. Here’s a list of some popular occasions that should always call for a caterer.
1. Holiday Party
Supplying a caterer for that next big holiday party is a prime example of a good time to seek out the services of a caterer. This can even be more important if the event is being thrown by a company or corporation. Leaving the food choices in good hands will leave a great impression for the guests.
2. Dinner Party
While some may argue that the sole purpose behind a dinner party is being able to show off your impressive cooking skills, I beg to differ. Getting a dinner party catered leaves your hands free and gives you more time to catch up with those friends who you haven’t seen in forever.
3. Wedding
This probably goes without saying, but even in the days of Pinterest and DIY blogs, a wedding should still be left to the adept hands of a skilled caterer. Employing your Aunt Eunice to make her famous deviled eggs, while cost-efficient, might not leave the best impression on your wedding guests.
4. Work Party
As a company owner, you want to save your employees the stress and burden of bringing their own food to an event. They do enough hard work for you during the week, let them relax a little bit and spend a little extra money to show your office just how important they are to you.
5. House Warming Party
When it comes time for you to flaunt your new pad to your friends you don’t want to be tied up in the kitchen the whole night with meal preparation and cleaning. This is your time to mingle and let loose, let a skilled caterer take care of all the busy work.
6. Church Event
Church potlucks are quickly becoming a thing of the past. With every member of the family being busier than ever before, alleviate the pressure of cooking up a fancy dish and get an accomplished caterer behind the reigns.
7. New Year’s Eve Bash
Getting your place ready for your next big count-down bash shouldn’t translate to spending all day in the kitchen. Spend more time on getting those decorations up and perfecting that perfect New Year’s cocktail.
8. Birthday Party
Catering your loved one’s next birthday bash is a great opportunity to really show them how much they mean to you. This can work out even better if you are throwing a surprise party. Give yourself more time to get all the finishing touches done elsewhere and make sure that party goes off without a hitch.
9. Milestone Anniversary Party
If you have a ton of family and guests coming in to visit you from out of states you’ll want to make sure everything is in top shape. Leaving the cooking and all that prep work to someone else gives you more time to spend with those cousins you haven’t seen in ages.
10. Funeral
Funerals can be trying and stressful times for anyone involved. The burden of supplying the food for those in attendance can often seem like the straw that would break the camel’s back. Instead, chose to have a caterer come in and alleviate this pressure for you.
11. Retirement
A retirement party is meant to be a place and a time to really show someone how much of an impact and impression they have left both on you and the company you work for. Instead of giving those in attendance some store bought cupcakes and chips, chose to get this event catered and really show that retiring individual just how special they are.
12. Fundraiser
If you are trying to get together sponsorships and pull in funds for a cause, you will want to make sure everything looks and tastes in top shape. A generously fed guest will generally be more generous in their giving.
This list is definitely not the definitive answer on the catering question. What events not listed on here have you had catered?
An avid writer, father, and foodie, Richard Bracke loves to try out new restaurants in Charlotte, and especially enjoys Spanish tapas accompanied by a nice Catalonian Cava. He currently blogs for the website,EZ Cater.