No matter what kind of event you're planning, catered meals are often among the most important aspects. And usually the most expensive. However, you can easily save money on catering by following these simple tips.
Check For Coupons
Few people realize that catering services often print coupons to help attract customers to their services. You're likely to find these coupons in upper-scale sources, such as community newsletters and local magazines. Daily newspapers aren't as likely to include these coupons (too pricey to print), but you may find them in the bulkier Sunday editions.
However, you're more likely to find catering coupons online. Usually, the service will have some form of coupons printed right on their page or may offer a discount for ordering online.
Plan An Event During The Week
When planning an event that requires catering, people often look to the weekend. It's understandable: that's the time when it'll be easier to get everyone together. However, catering services are generally extremely busy during those days and are likely to charge more based on time demands.
That's why it's a good idea to just schedule an event during the week, such as Wednesday. Catering services are usually extremely slow during these days and usually offer discounts to help draw in potential customers.
Go Buffet Rather Than Plated
Plated catered events offer a classy and upscale look, but can cost you extra money. After all, you're going to have to hire waiters to help take care of guests, as well as chefs to prepare the meal on-site, rather than off-site. While this investment is worth it for a wedding party, it might be a bit much for most people. That's why many turn to buffets, rather than plated meals.
Buffets also give your guests a wide range of options from which to choose, which will make your meal appeal to a wider range of people. That makes buffet meals well suited for events such as graduation meals.
Pricing Your Liquor Properly
One of the trickiest aspects of catering a party is pricing the bar. Charge too much and few people will buy any. Charge too little and you'll end up losing money. A good guide is to plan for each guest to drink at least one drink an hour for the duration of the event. Although heavier drinkers may drink more quickly than this, it'll be balanced out by lighter drinkers.
With that average in mind, multiply the hours you anticipate the event lasting by the average cost of a drink to come up with a standard charge. For example, if you plan a five-hour event and are charging $6 per drink, charge each guest $30 for bar access.
With these easy-to-understand and implement guidelines, you can save hundreds of dollars at your next catered event. Talk to a catering expert today, like Kickapoo Creek Catering, and find out if they also offer any other deals or discounts.
