If you're planning your own wedding reception, a fundraiser event for your business or an anniversary celebration to your parents, there are an incredible number of decisions to make including themes, venue music, décor, and food. Planning the menu for your celebration can become difficult with all the options you have available to you and the many factors you have to be aware of. Here are some tips that will help you to begin your planning process.

1. Make a budget.

Every professional catering business offers a range of menu options suitable for various budgets. Your caterer should be able to provide some suggestions for menus to maximize the utilization on your funds. Some items on the menu are more costly due to ingredients used and the time it takes to prepare. You'll save yourself and your caterer a lot of time if you've got an idea of how much money you're willing to spend on food.

2. Know your audience.

It's fairly obvious that the menu and the quantity of food you serve for your teenage son's birthday party will be quite different than the food you serve at your monthly book group. If you don't know your audience well enough it is important to offer a variety. You should have several options to choose from, don't forget to offer minimum one vegan option. If you are certain that children will be in attendance and eating, consider putting some child-friendly options to the buffet. Inquire about special dietary requirements and allergies. Keep in mind that some foods, such as nuts and shellfish, can send your guests straight to ER.

3. Make sure that menu fits the theme of the event.

Many people wonder whether buffets are uninspiring for a wedding reception. It's not about whether or not it's tacky. It all depends on overall style and theme of the event. If you're planning a formal, luxurious wedding reception, then buffets may seem out of place. However If you're planning an elegant and trendy party at the local art gallery and you want to host an "living room" style reception could be the ideal choice. If you are planning an old-fashioned Greek or Russian wedding with a family atmosphere, a traditional dinner is typically the best. If your wedding has specific themes consider it a consideration while planning a menu. Be sure the food items you choose to serve complement each other. You probably don't intend to blend fresh oysters with cheeseburgers.

4. You must order the proper amount of food.

It isn't a good idea for your guests to go hungry or to go overboard in the quantity of food and have excessive leftovers. If you can, have your guests RSVP at your invite. It will assist you in stay within your budget prepare your menu in advance, and order the right amount of food. Be aware of the time of your event, the duration, and the reason for corporate catering menu it. If you plan to host your wedding reception between 7 and 9 pm, your guests are likely to be expecting a meal. If you don't provide one, manage your guests' expectations in line with their expectations. Include in your invitation the kind of meal you'll be served (e.g. wine and cheese reception, cocktail reception, etc.)

5. Do not follow what you like to do.

We all commit this mistake. We believe that what we like, other people would enjoy as well. Don't let your personal taste get in the way while planning the menu for your event. You wouldn't want to serve a 100% seafood menu unless you know that everyone attending your function is as crazy about seafood as you are. If you happen be vegan and find pork chops appalling it is a high likelihood that your guests not agree with you and prefer traditional steaks over Tofu Cacciatore.

As a bonus, employ a reputable catering company! Do your research before signing the contract. Review reviews, ask for recommendations and set up an appointment. The time you spend looking for the right caterer will pay off. Remove the stress from your event planningby hiring an experienced professional.