Organising a party is fun until you see the menu. Out of nowhere, twenty enquiries have arisen. Number of dishes: what is it? Do you identify as a vegetarian or not? And the children? Can I have some dessert? What gives rise to the universal consensus on beginnings, anyway?
Food can make an event memorable for all the right reasons. Bad planning can leave guests staring at the buffet table wondering where the good stuff went. Here are 10 catering menu planning mistakes to steer clear of.
- Selecting Dishes in Advance of Guests’ Arrival
The menu should suit the people attending the event. A corporate lunch, a wedding reception and a birthday party will serve very different food tastes. Take into consideration the age groups, dietary preferences and type of event before finalising the dishes.
- Too Many Items to Provide
Even if it seems great on paper, a lengthy menu could cause customers to get confused and squander their time. Make a reasonable selection of appetisers, main courses, sides, and desserts; don’t strive to please everyone.
- Ignore Dietary Requirements
While planning, care should be taken to cater to dietary requirements like vegetarian, Jain, vegan, gluten-free, etc. Ask your guests early on about any important food restrictions so you can arrange suitable options without last-minute panic.
- Overlooking the Menu Balance
A menu full of rich gravies, fried starters and creamy desserts can be quite heavy. Add fresh salads, lighter appetisers, seasonal vegetables and appropriate accompaniments to keep things balanced.
- Ignoring the Timing of Events
Some foods that are lovely for dinner may not be suitable for a morning event. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, evening functions and late-night celebrations all require different approaches. Timing is also important for portion sizes and beverage choices.
- Serving Sizes Underestimated
Nobody wants to be in the position where you’re still helping yourself and the food is gone. For quantities, you should factor in the number of guests, the duration of the event and the type of crowd.
- Forgetting About Kids
Give the kids some easy-to-eat, familiar options if they’re going. When there are delicious noodles available, not every youngster is prepared for a complex curry.
- Ordering Food Without Considering the Venue
The venue can influence the menu. Outdoor events, banquet halls and smaller indoor events may have different cooking, storage and serving requirements. Be sure to discuss these practical details early with your caterer.
- Doing Everything at the Last Minute
Menu changes at the last minute can affect availability, preparation and costs. Finalise the broad menu early to allow time for tasting, adjustments and guest confirmations.
- You Choose a Caterer Based on Price Alone
Budget is important, but so is the quality of the food, the service, the cleanliness, the presentation and the experience. While comparing catering services in Mumbai, choose the full service, not the lowest quote.
Let’s Plan the Menu
Planning your next event? Talk to Good Food Concept for well-thought-out menus, professional catering and food that will give your guests something to talk about after the last plate is cleared.
