8 Catering Tips for a Successful Event

One of the most important considerations of any event, food can make or break your carefully planned occasion.

Learn these catering tips used by seasoned event planners to ensure that the catering is hassle-free and all your guests will enjoy the food arranged.

1. Ensure that any special dietary requirements of your guests are met

Halal needs, vegetarian diet or food allergies should be noted from your guests so that you can factor these in when you select or review the menu.

2. Confirm the number of guests

This number is important because caterers usually set a minimum order size before the order will be accepted. Hence, try to send out your invites early and don't be shy in asking for a confirmation from your guests. Don't forget to check if their spouses or children will be attending too!

3. Identify the kind of food you are looking to cater

Do you need a tea reception, a full meal, or packed meals? Would you prefer International cuisine, something ethnic, or BBQ? For corporate events where you are unable to solicit dietary requirements of the attendees, international cuisine served by a Halal-certified caterer is a safe bet.

4. Cater enough food for everyone

As a rough guide, below is how food portion is allocated by caterers.

Finger Food:  1 - 2 pc/pax

Dessert/Soup: 1.5 bowl/pax

Staple: 1-2 serving/pax

In general, most caterers will provide additional 10% food on top of what was ordered. I.e. if you ordered food for 30pax, caterers would usually provide food sufficient for 33pax. Of course, how much one can eat varies! So, if you feel you'll be inviting guests with larger appetites, cater more. Similarly, if you feel that your guests are small-eaters, perhaps cater a little lesser to minimize any food wastage. :)

Still unsure how much to cater for your guests? Contact our friendly Customer Service Team at 6100 0029 where we'll be more than happy to help! ^_^

5. Identify any additional requirements

Do you need service crew to serve the food? What about extra stools or decorations? If you need these to be provided, you have to check with the caterer beforehand. Some caterers provide chef and service crew on site and Live Stations.

6. Estimate your budget

Don't forget to factor in delivery costs and GST as part of your cost. Locations like Tuas or CBD area can incur delivery costs of more than 10% of your total bill.

7. Review the reputation and customer reviews of shortlisted caterers and menus

There are several ways to ascertain the caterer's reliability and food quality. You can read the reviews submitted on FoodLine.sg - these reviews are written by genuine customers who had ordered from the caterer through Foodline.sg. If you are looking for a certain cuisine, do consider a caterer which specializes in it. E.g. your best bet for Indian food will be one of the Indian caterers, like Bikaner Express, right out of Little India.

8. Order at least 1 week in advance to avoid disappointment!

Start ordering now!