Managing a party catering business if you run it well will keep you very busy. There are several factors which will help make you successful so let's have a look at them. Those businesses that really excel at party catering offer a lot more than just good food, or even exceptional food.
Party catering does involve a little more than just say, lunch catering, because with party catering there will be an expectation to get with the theme of the party. In some instances you may even be asked to decorate the venue.
At the end of the day 'A party is a party'
That's right! When a client is going to hold a party and employ you as their caterer they want a party atmosphere throughout the whole evening. Catering for this type of occasion requires all the bells and whistles that you can think of. Your food should be in theme and your client may ask for certain dishes to compliment the party idea. Your table settings should have an air of merriment and the food should be presented in such a way that it is festive.
If the client wants you to decorate the premises as well then having a flair for this type of decorating will most definitely be a plus for your business.
If you do not want to do the decorating, don't panic because if you build up a good relationship with a local party organizer you could do very well working together. If there is not a party company in your town then I am sure that with some effort you will find someone who has a flair in entertainment who would love a part time job. Ask around at the local florist, a photographer or anyone else in the entertainment industry that you can think of who may have connections and referrals.
Catering to your client
One of the very first steps is to find out exactly what it is that your client wants to achieve by holding the event. It may take some tact to find this out but it will help you ensure its success.
· Are they out to impress their peers
· Do they want their daughter to have the best 18th birthday every and she is the most important
· Are they trying to impress clients
· And so on...........
Finding out the motivation for the party in the first place is paramount to a successful function.
From there you can work out menus, decorations, venues, etc.
Never under staff the event
This is one area in which inexperienced caterers will pull back on costs and it can have devastating effects in the long term. People loath bad service! If it means that you bring someone in for the absolute minimum of time, do so, but don't under-staff whatever you do.
If you have extra staff at the function it can free you up to go and socialize and build more contacts. Nothing wrong with the caterer having a chat to a few key invitees and find out what they thought. Best to do it by talking to the host first and if necessary, ask for her permission to talk to a few guests.
Building your reputation
Always try and think of something different that you can add to the occasion to make it different from the last one. A surprise is always nice. It may be a bunch of flowers to the host. It may be a special cake for the guest of honor or a special song played in their honor. It does not have to be expensive but the recognition will do wonders for your business.
This is a technique that can do wonders for your reputation and just adds that little touch especially if you are catering within the same circle of people.
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