Corporate Catering 101: Ordering For a Function or Event

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Whether you need corporate catering for a working lunch, conference, cocktail party, or the office Christmas lunch, there are many things you need to consider.

​Don't worry, we've got you covered!

​Let's Start With the Basic

  • Size of your group – whether it’s a small event with just 5 attendees or a big corporate function, the size of your group will determine the type of food ordered.
  • Who will be attending your corporate event or meeting? – will important clients be attending or is it just a casual affair with office staff? Are there more men or women involved?
  • The time of day of the meeting or event – will it be held in the morning, lunchtime, late afternoon or will it run all day?
  • How long will the function or event last? – will 1 meal be enough?
  • Your budget – this will be the main deciding factor on how much food and drink to order.

How to Plan Your Catering​

  1. Schedule matters
    • Include short breaks throughout the day to allow your attendees to refuel. This will help everyone stay focused and remain productive.
    • Don’t let your guests go hungry! Build breaks into the day’s agenda.
  2. Pick food items that are easy to eat
    • Choose simple and healthy food that won’t leave a mess on their clothes. Spaghetti bolognese is probably not the best option for a corporate function or event!
    • Don’t forget to cater for special diets and allergies - provide plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. Have the gluten-free and vegan food options plated separately and label them so it’s clear
    • Go for lighter selections for your menu. You don’t want your guests to fall asleep during the meeting due to a heavy lunch!
  3. Preparation and clean-up
    • Food should be set up and ready when the break begins. It can look unprofessional if you’re still setting up platters, plates, cutlery and drinks when guests come out of the room for their break. Having the food
    • ready when the break begins also means guests can maximise their time to network, stretch their legs or get a bite to eat without waiting around.
    • Consider providing corporate catering outside the meeting room. This will make it easier for you to set up and clear away the food platters and crockery without disrupting the meeting.
  4. Last but not least: Stay hydrated - Don’t forget to provide plenty of beverages!
    • Soft drinks
    • Water
    • Juice
    • Tea and coffee​

If you need more help on deciding what to order for your next function or event please get in touch!

Ali Biasin 
Catering Manager 
0413 218 834 
[email protected]