You have finally decided to throw that Big Bash! However, there are a lot of decisions to make first. You have to select a date, determine a budget, decide upon the perfect location, carefully choose the guest list, settle on a motif, plan the decorations, decide on the choice of music, the list is endless. But the most critical factor to the preparation and planning of a successful party most often rests on the choice and selection of the food and drink. Are you going to attempt this task of your own volition? Or do you outsource it to a reputable caterer?
Catering the Affair on your Own
The decision to provide your own catering can have some definite advantages. You will obviously be hoping to save money, as professional caterers can be quite expensive, and if you have a limited budget for the event, the hiring of a caterer can easily eat away at the largest portion of the finances available. If the affair that you have planned is of a rather small number of guests, it may be quite simple to prepare the menu yourself. Or perhaps a visit to the local delicatessen or a favorite restaurant can provide a wide array of prepared party trays for your festivities.
An added advantage to self-catering is that you are better able to choose exactly what items it is that you want to serve. If we choose to hire professional catering services, many times our choices can be somewhat limited, or at least partially dependent, upon the abilities of the company you select. By catering the event yourself, you can also serve the portions you want, in the manner of presentation that you prefer.
Hiring a Professional Caterer
There are some definite advantages to the hiring of a caterer, especially for larger events. These professionals are better versed in determining the amounts of food and drink that will be required for the size of the gathering that you intend to entertain. Although initially you are often spending more money by hiring a caterer, you could end up saving larger sums of money in the end. A common mistake made by those you attempt to provide the meal and beverages themselves is the over ordering or under ordering of the fare that you wish to provide. Buying too much can cost you money and leave you with unintended extras. Buying too little can quickly and inadvertently end an otherwise fun and prestigious affair. You rarely will see a party empty more quickly that when the announcement is made that the kitchen and bar are closed.
By hiring a professional caterer, you gain the added benefit of being better able to relax and enjoy your own event. Let the caterer ensure the smooth operation of the party. They have the experience and the focus to ensure the careful organization of any social gathering. You can then spend your time hosting your guests, mingling , and introducing them to one another, making sure that everyone is enjoying themselves.
Either option has its benefits and its detractions. Decide carefully. This decision could make your event a success or a disappointment.