How to Prep For Banquet
Catering Equipment -While there are plenty of caterers out there who are content to just cook and serve the food, there are full scale catering services that do everything for clients - right down to complete event planning and setting up the venue. If you've got your hand in multiple cookie jars and you're doing the event planning side then here are some tips on planning and setting up a banquet event.
1. Beverage Dispenser -Plan in Advance - A banquet event isn't a birthday party on a Sunday. It takes a lot of planning, so you and your client need to begin preparations well in advance. Depending on the type of event you may have to start a few months in advance however some events are known to begin the planning phase more than a year before the actual event.
2. Keep an Accurate Guest Count - A one time RSVP is a great way to get a general idea of the number of people coming, but the more time between RSVP's and the actual event date, the more the number of people attending can change. Do follow-ups and keep track of the guest count to avoid wasted food and labor.
3. Starting a Catering Business -Keep the Budget - Your budget is the heart of your business, and without careful planning and tracking you can easily blow the budget on an event and lose money. Clients also don't want to see a blown budget with the costs pushed off on them because of a miscalculation on your part.
4. Keep an Agenda - As the event planner and caterer, the agenda for the event is extremely important to you. The agenda should clearly state when things will occur during an event such as drink service, awards, speeches, dancing, food service, dessert, tours, galleries, etc. This helps you accurately plan your meal services and labor needs.
5. Catering Equipment -Don't Skimp on Decorating - Catering and event planning is all about setting the mood and building out the environment to inspire specific feelings. Incorporate quality imagery into your budget so you have great decoration. If you get cheap on the linen and the decorations it not only reflects poorly on you but it reflects poorly on the client.
6. Don't Fear Renting - Don't worry about renting equipment. It may not match the equipment you have but dealing with a little mismatch in your catering display is better then dealing with having too little equipment that binds of food service or leaves gaps in your catering and decorations. The last thing you want to do is present an incomplete event for the client.
7. Leave Enough Space - It's important to understand the capacity limit of the venue as well as the number of people you want to bring in for the event. This includes staff and the paths they need to take through the location. Use this information to plan the layout of tables and make sure you leave enough room for staff and guests to move about comfortably.
Lastly, as the event comes closer you should have regular meetings with your staff and employees to keep everyone updated about the event. If you regularly visit the layout, agenda and requirements for the event then your staff will be well-versed when the event comes around, providing the ultimate service for your client and their guests.
Beverage Dispenser -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.
