Organizing your thoughts and ideas for your party eats is a must. Start meeting with caterers immediately (as in as soon as you've decided on a date for the party), but first fill in this checklist. It will be a helpful reference when consulting caterers.
Catreing Budget
Since caterers charge per head, divide your approximate number of guests into the amount you have set aside for catering. This will give you a sense of what you can afford.
Meal
If you've already booked your site for a chunk of time, you probably already have the type of meal in question nailed down. If not, decide quick, then reserve a location for the appropriate time. Dinner is the party meal most commonly served, but the brunch or breakfast variety will cost less. Tea or cocktails are also affordable -- and quite stylish -- alternatives for adults-only soirees.
- Brunch/Breakfast
- Tea
- Lunch
- Cocktails
- Dinner
- Dessert only
Service
Think about the style of your event and let that guide your decision here. Most options are compatible with all degrees of party formality, though some differ dramatically in cost. Aim for your ideal and modify later (with advice from your caterer).
- Cocktails
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Hors d'oeuvres tables
Seated Meal
- Family style
- American
- French
- Russian (white gloves)
Buffet
- Formal (staff-served)
- Casual (self-serve)
- Food stations (e.g. raw bar, crepe table)
Flavor
Let your mind soar to the flavors you most fantasize about. When your taste buds have traveled the world over, try to categorize your ideas below.
- Continental
- Regional
- Seasonal
- Exotic
- Ethnic
- Thematic
Courses
Map out your menu (and tame that food fetish) by ruling out courses that seem excessive and marking the ones that will make your meal completely mouthwatering.
- Hors d'oeuvres
- Soup
- Fruit and cheese
- Appetizer
- Pasta
- Dessert
- Salad
- Entree
Requirements
Now it's time to think of the needs and preferences of some of your guests. Sauteed pork medallions or an all-beef barbecue may be music to your mouth, but considering your guests should be a top priority.
- Kosher
- Vegetarian
- Halal
- Other
Entrees
Determining the main feature of the main course is just the beginning. Start with the basics, then let your caterer tempt your tummy with possible accompaniments.
- Beef
- Chicken
- Vegetarian
- Pork
- Seafood
- Lamb
- Pasta
Other Food Ideas
Consider anything you think you might want to include (e.g. rice krispy treats, eggs benedict, ice sculpture, shrimp cocktail, etc.) and jot it down somewhere.
Dessert
Will cake or cupcakes suffice? Or are you dreaming of a lavish Viennese table laden with pastries and treats?
- Cake only
- Additional desserts
Alcohol
The booze factor is a tough nut to crack. Here are some basic ways to handle it:
- Full bar (Open or Limited hours)
- Beer and wine only
- Wine with dinner
- Specialty cocktail