The types of catering services

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Before we go on, let’s take a glance that the definition of the term ‘catering’. Catering is defined as the process of planning, preparing, and providing food for occasions like weddings, parties, picnics, social gatherings, and so on. Depending on the type of event you’re catering for, there are different types of catering services and hundreds of food options you can choose from. Each of these catering types requires different planning, processing, and preparation.
In addition, catering services can be rendered on-site (in the comfort of the client’s home ), or offsite ( at third-party locations like hotels, halls, convention centers, etc.), depending on the size of the events and the desire of the host.
Types of Catering Services
The first place to start is to have an in-depth understanding of the different types of catering services we have. And as a catering company NYC recognizes, you’ll be able to narrow down your client’s desire to a catering type and save yourself some time, energy, and money. Let’s get right to it.
Corporate Catering
Corporate catering as the name suggests is the provision of food and drinks for businesses and corporate organizations for official events. The cost of corporate event catering varies depending on the level and the size of the event. Corporate functions are usually exquisite and relaxing events that bring working professionals together to network and relax.
Find out more about how to organize a business cocktail party.
Social Event Catering
Social event catering requires greater detail in terms of provision. Social events comprise categories like birthday parties, baby showers, grand openings, and bridal showers, among others. Being small in true, social event catering takes the client’s preferences and dietary needs into consideration. Social Media events range from outdoor BBQs to Three-course dinner meals, Hors D’oeuvres, stationary platters, etc.
Concession Catering
Concession caterers mostly provide food services for competitions, live shows, concerts, and sporting events. The choice of menu is done randomly, by picking the most popular food and drinks.
Wedding Catering
Wedding catering covers other details of the wedding beyond serving food and drinks. The menus are largely influenced by the wedding themes, and preferences of the couples of the hour.
Cocktail Reception
A cocktail party catering involves a minimal supply of food. Cocktail party caterers indulge guests in a couple of hors d’oeuvres.
Buffet Catering
Buffet Caterings comes with different kinds of dishes. It allows guests to choose from a wide range of food options that complement each other. As you can decide to set it up in a way that an attendant serves guests directly, or the guests have the liberty of serving themselves.
Restaurant Catering
The menus for restaurant catering are usually based on the dishes the restaurant is known for. The dishes are usually made at the restaurant. And the restaurant delivers the ordered food and drinks to the desired location of the guest.
Types of Catering Conclusions
So, there you have it, the different types of catering services available. If you want your catering services to ‘wow’ your guests, the rule of thumb is to go all out as a top caterer providing top-quality food service. We hope this has been helpful.
On our blog, you’ll also find out more information about sustainable catering services.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Check out the most frequently asked questions about types of catering services!
What are the main types of catering services?
The main types of catering services include:
- corporate catering,
- social event catering,
- concession catering,
- wedding catering,
- cocktail reception catering,
- buffet catering,
- restaurant catering.
Each type is designed to meet the unique needs of different occasions, from formal business meetings to lively concerts and private celebrations.
How does buffet catering differ from other services?
Buffet catering provides a wide variety of dishes arranged for self-service or assisted service. This makes it one of the most flexible types of catering services, suitable for events with diverse guest preferences.
Why is it important to know the types of catering services before planning an event?
Understanding the types of catering services helps you choose the best option for your event. For example, a wedding may require a highly customized service, while a concert or sporting event benefits more from concession catering.