Corporate catering is no longer just about feeding employees or clients. It’s about creating memorable experiences that match the personality, culture, and goals of your company. In saying that, your company’s corporate catering style shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.
Here’s some factors you need to think about when determining which style suits your event:
Budget
How much do you ideally intend to spend per head? A good rule of thumb is that the lower the budget, the more casual the catering style will be. However it’s all about where you choose to spend your money, sometimes all it takes is an impressive grazing station to give guests a premium experience.
Purpose of the Event?
Is this a boardroom meeting, networking event or conference? Are guests expected to get work done or is it a celebration?How Many Guests?
Just as some catering styles lend themselves to more intimate settings, some are more appropriate for large-scale, 100+ people events.Who’s Coming?
Are you entertaining prospective clients, hosting an important stakeholders meeting or putting on a casual spread for the team?What Industry are you in?
– An event industry standard for a financial business will probably not have the same expectation as an event for musicians – Nothing wrong with trying to be a little different though!Day or Night Event?
Have your guests already had lunch before coming or is this supposed to keep them going well into the night? For catering style, you’ll often see more ‘formal’ catering options during events that start later.How Long is the Event?
It goes without saying that the longer your event, the more food you’ll likely need to provide in order to keep your guests goingWhen is your Event?
Have you only got a short time to make it happen or is there months of lead time? Some menus, event set-ups & catering styles require a little more planning than others – So you might be better off going with a simpler catering option if you’re on a time crunch.Where is your Event being held?
How large is the space? Does the venue have everything you’ll need or will you require additional staff / equipment?
Now that you’ve considered all of these factors – it’s time to pick your perfect catering style!
1. Casual
The Vibes:
- Guests are there to enjoy themselves with just a ‘hint’ of business
- The event has a flexible schedule & the agenda isn’t too serious
- The catering is there to satisfy guests, rather than being the main event
- A couple drinks here & there are expected
Our Suggestions:
Cuisine Stations
From help-yourself grazing tables to buffet catering set-ups, cuisine stations are visually impressive & promote a sociable environment. This is a great option for in office catering & can be simply put out in your existing break out areas.
Shared Sit-Down Dining
Nothing fosters conversation & great memories like sharing a meal. Shared dining catering is the perfect way to ensure your guests have eaten enough & is a less formal alternative to individually plated meals. Make no mistake though, shared dining doesn’t have to mean simple. A laid back service style can be beautifully paired with a sophisticated menu.
Canapés
Canapés, finger food, small bites – Whatever you call them, this catering style is probably your most versatile option. Suitable for any time or occasion, an event can have multiple types of canapés, offering your guests variety. They are easy to eat, portable, cost effective & easily scalable to fit your expected number of guests. Perfect for informal corporate cocktail parties.
Drop-Off Catering
Sometimes a casual event doesn’t need all the bells & whistles – This is where drop-off catering is a great option for corporate events. With a wide range of ready-to-eat options delivered straight to you, you can be event ready in no time, without compromising on taste. With options including individual boxed meals for conference catering, morning tea, afternoon tea & fresh fruit, you’re spoilt for choice.
2. Formal
The Vibes:
- Whilst you want everyone to have fun, there are specific goals you want achieved by the end of the event
- You’re wanting to make a professional impression on important guests
- There is a clear time in the schedule for when guests are eating
- The catering shouldn’t feel like it’s ‘interrupting’ the event’s agenda
Our Suggestions:
Plated Sit-Down Dining
For a premium, fine dining experience, it’s hard to go past the elegance of plated sit-down catering. This style offers a more refined, structured, and luxurious experience, that’s often chosen for high-end, premium events.
Canapés (Again)
We know what you’re thinking, didn’t we just say that canapés are perfect for casual events? Well yes, but it’s all in the details. With minimal elements, premium ingredients take centre stage in the humble canapé. Leaving a lasting impression on your guests whilst seamlessly integrating with a packed event schedule.
Live Stations
Where a DIY food station can say ‘casual’, a live demonstration with a talented chef preparing meals in front of your guests says anything but. Live stations become a highlight of the event experience & can be a great indicator that the corporate side of your event is on pause & guests can switch off.
Choosing the right corporate catering style makes all the difference to your event
When it comes to corporate catering, the key to success is choosing the right style to match your event’s goals, atmosphere and attendees. From the casual vibes of a buffet food stations, the elegant plating of formal meals or the convenience of boxed lunches, there’s a corporate catering style that’s perfect for every occasion.
