FANDANGO Catering is offering here on our blog a free "Getting Started Guide" for events--No PDFs or whitepaper download needed! Just print the blog page or bookmark it.
Most people are intimidated by the thought of planning an event--there's so much to do, where do you start? And how do you know what needs to be done?
No worries! Follow our guide below.
FANDANGO Catering's No-Fail Event Getting-Started Guide
As you begin to plan, consider these questions before deciding on location, guests, food, and entertainment. The getting-started phase has the same basic steps whether you are planning a small party or a large wedding or corporate event.
Casual or formal occasion?
Will the party be at a home, a rented venue, a park, a destination? What time of year and what time of day or evening is the event? Will it be indoors or outdoors or both? The location and setting will help you decide how many people to invite--how many can fit comfortably?
Guest list?
Will you invite your closest friends or everyone you know? Relatives? Coworkers? What is the age group of the majority? Are there any vegetarians? Will there be children? The number of guests and their preferences will lead you to the right menu selections.
What is the budget?
The amount of money you plan to spend will help determine the number of guests and an appropriate menu, whether you're serving coffee and dessert or an elaborate five-course dinner. Come up with a total budget amount you want to spend on food, decorations and things like linens or tables, and the venue rental fee, if applicable.
Rentals, decorations, props?
Decide if you need things like tablecloths, tables, stemware, dishes, cutlery, flowers, or decorative pieces. Since many or most of these things can be rented they are generally referred to in the event trade as "rentals." If you are planning your own party, make a list of what you need and also contact info for several vendors for each type of rental, then contact them and see which ones you want to work with.
Invitations?
A small informal gathering may only require a phone call or e-mail. Larger, more formal occasions like weddings and anniversaries usually call for printed or written invitations.
Menu selection?
The next step is to select the menu. An informal gathering such as watching a game with a few friends lends itself to drinks and snacks or even a potluck. A seated dinner should begin with appetizers or a salad or both, followed by a main course and dessert. A more formal gathering, large or small, calls for a buffet-style meal or buffet with guests seated at tables, or a selection of hors d'oeuvres. For beverage selections, if you're unsure about wines or libations, ask your liquor or wine store for suggestions.
Make sure the flavors go together
Balance the menu with strong and mild flavors. A strong main dish needs a mild side and vice versa. A rich, heavy meal calls for a light dessert and vice versa. Also consider the time of day and year--if it's cold warm foods taste best and if it's warm room-temperature and cold foods are welcome. And take note of the time the event will be held--a 7pm gathering usually means people will eat more than a late-night or mid-afternoon gathering.
Here's to wonderful and stress-free events!
Kristina
Kristina Ríos de Lumbreras, Ph.D.
Partner, Director of Sales & Operations
FANDANGO Catering
(281) 796-9841
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