Budget
Assuming that you have a budget for your Office Catering, the first step is to determine what type of catering service you would like. There are many different types of catering services available, so it is important to do some research in order to find the right one for your needs. Once you have found a few potential caterers, the next step is to get quotes from each one. This will help you compare prices and decide which caterer is the most affordable.
Getting Quotes
When getting quotes, be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available. Many catering companies offer discounts for large orders or if you sign a contract with them. Be sure to inquire about these discounts in order to get the best possible price on your Office Catering.
What Type Of Menu You Would Like
Once you have found a catering company that you are happy with, the next step is to determine what type of menu you would like. There are many different types of cuisine available, so it is important to find a caterer that offers the type of food that you and your employees will enjoy. Be sure to ask about any special dietary requirements that you may have, as well.
How Much Food You Will Need
After you have selected a menu, the next step in your Office Catering endeavor is to determine how much food you will need. This will depend on the number of people you expect to be working in your office during the time of the event. It is important to overestimate the amount of food you will need, as it is better to have too much than not enough.
How Will You Pay For The Catering
Once you have an estimate of the amount of food you will need, the next step is to figure out how you will pay for the catering. Many companies offer a variety of payment options, so be sure to ask about these before making your final decision. Be sure to get everything in writing so that there are no surprises later on.
Plan Ahead
No matter what the function is – hors d’ouvers, cocktail party, soup, and salad bar, sandwiches and snacks, etc. It’s imperative to make sure you have plenty of time to make last-minute changes if needed; this will affect your budget for catering. Most catering companies will ask for at least one month of advance notice when booking their services, no matter the event. While in some cases, it’s not the end-all-be-all if you don’t have this amount of time available, it is highly appreciated.
Track Your Catering Expenses For The Year
One of the other puzzle pieces to hosting office catering events and budgeting for them is to keep a record of your spending. Start by creating a spreadsheet for what you can expect to make decisions on when the time comes. These can be things like:
- What type of event are you hosting?
- How many people will be attending the event?
- What kind of food is going to be served?
- How much does each plate or appetizer cost?
The Take Home
You’ll most likely have an idea of how much you plan to spend when planning any corporate catering event. It comes down to the minute details when figuring out your budget for the event. So, be sure to take into account each factor. Event date and time, meal-type, headcount, is there going to be an offsite venue that you might have to book ahead in addition to the catering services? Whatever your budget is, as long as you have a good idea of what these are, you’re on the right track to making sure you’re successful.
By following these steps, you can be sure that you will get the best possible price for your office catering. Be sure to take your time and compare all of your options before making a final decision. This will ensure that you are happy with the catering service you receive and that your employees are able to enjoy a delicious meal.
If you are interested in having Metro Catering cater your next corporate event in Boston, please feel free to contact us with any questions at 617-248-6886 ext. 1.
Please check out our other articles: Are You Looking For The Best Corporate Catering in Boston? and Start The Day With Office Breakfast Catering