Written by Diana Candido
Photo: Bhavana Dut Catering: B&B Catering
You’re in the middle of planning your upcoming event. You’re excited, imagining the mingling guests, the champagne flowing, the laughter and chatter making the perfect backdrop to the night. But then your focus shifts. What are you going to serve your guests? You want everything to go perfectly, which means you need the perfect cuisine.
You pause for a moment.
The choice should be obvious, right? But you know someone somewhere will have a gluten allergy, and what about your vegan guests? You’ll need to accommodate their dietary needs as well, of course.
When it comes to choosing the right entrée for your event, there’s a lot of things you have to consider. You thought the food would be your easiest decision, but it’s actually more challenging than you anticipated.
We’re here to help shed light on what’s popular, what will work best with your event type, and what entrée’s you should lean into with your caterer.
Entrées differ by type of event.
Entrée choices typically change by type of event. If you have a corporate luncheon at a local hotel, you’ll undoubtedly serve something different than the wedding scheduled at the same hotel that weekend.
Pretty obvious when we put it like that, right? Here are some factors that can determine the entrée choices available at specific events:
Type of event (wedding, garden party, graduation, corporate event, holiday party, convention, etc.)
Time of day
Season
Desired ambience
“Typically, weddings feature more formal entrée s,” said Miranda Cunningham, Director of Operations from our partner, B&B Catering. “Options often include dishes like filet mignon, chicken with a gourmet sauce, or a seafood dish like salmon or halibut. Social gatherings, such as family reunions, birthday parties, and showers might have a more relaxed menu. Barbecue, buffet-style meals, and comfort foods are common choices. Then, there are corporate events, which can range from formal dinners (similar to a wedding) to casual luncheons with sandwiches, salads, and lighter fare.”
Consider what type of event you're having, the time of day, and what season it will be. Next, think about the atmosphere you’d like your guests to experience. Do you want it more casual, professional, or upscale?
Consider offering a variety for your guests.
When in doubt, offer more, not less — not in amount of food, but rather their options. According to B&B, who have extensive experience in the catering industry since 1989, it’s important to try and cater to as many guests as possible: “Our diverse menu caters to various tastes and dietary needs. This ensures that every event, regardless of type, can feature personalized and memorable entrée s. By providing a wide range of choices, we ensure that all clients have access to delicious and suitable options… helping to create a special and enjoyable experience for all attendees.”
If you’re on the fence about what to offer your guests, your caterer will undoubtedly be able to point you in the right direction for your specific event.
These days, custom options rule the catering industry.
As you can imagine, preferences have changed in the recent years — especially in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Vegans, it’s time to celebrate. Event fare has to keep up with the times, and in times like these vegan, allergy friendly, and healthy entrée options are all the rage.
“Many clients now expect to see at least one plant-based option on the menu (sometimes not just as a secondary option but as a primary feature),” says B&B.
Our partners over at B&B Catering have noticed another trend rising in the catering world: People are getting choosier about where their food comes from. Organic and sustainable ingredients are seeing a rise in popularity — and it's no wonder.
These days, people care about what they put in their bodies, and being able to provide guests with food that’s locally and ethically sourced as a caterer and as a host means your event will be that much better for attendees.
This trend is particularly true for the Bay Area, so if this is something you care about — you’re in luck. There are many catering companies out there who, like B&B, know how important it is to offer organic and sustainable fare for events.
So, Chicken, Beef, or Veg?
Friend, it looks like it’s going to be all three. Bonus if it comes from a local farmer.
Don’t worry — when you partner with a caterer, you’re going to have the opportunity to discuss the best options with your caterer. Most quality caterers will be able to provide you with recommendations and suggestions to match your event, regardless of which type.
Need more support for your event? As a full-service rental company, we can help you put the fine touches that pull your event together. We also have a list of top-rated caterers on hand that we can recommend to our clients.
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