10 tips on what to know before you set your spring/summer event

It’s tempting to consider choosing an event location you love and then, wrap the menu around all your favorite foods. But – party planning experts say when you truly consider your guests’ preferences over your own, your event will be more successful.

Here’s what to consider from the event experts at Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering:

• Is your group more casual or more formal? Family or corporate?
• How far would attendees be comfortable traveling from home or office?
• Is your event going to be outside or inside – or both?
• What is your budget?
• How important is holding the event at a venue with a particular vibe (upscale, folksy, urban contemporary, trendy, barn chic, etc.)?
• What type of food would appeal to most you are inviting? Consider vegetarian and child-friendly options.
• Is this going to be a seated formal meal, or serve-yourself with lots of options?
• Do you want an open bar, beer and/or wine, or “special occasion” drinks?

Some of these are obvious, but some are questions you may not have considered yet. It’s important to gain some perspective on your guests so they will feel comfortable at your event. Once you have established the main-frame objectives, you can begin to move on to the fun – impressing your guests.

The most memorable events we have catered all do the following:

• They are held in the right venue. Make sure your event location is right for your crowd. Venue size is key – not too big or too crowded.
• Have a contingency plan. “What if it rains?” is best figured out in advance.
• How bar and food table traffic flows at an event is very important. Nobody wants to stand waiting for a drink for 15 minutes.
• Have convenient and adequate parking.
• Have a theme and build upon it – from color to food choices to décor.
• Add a few unexpected touches to delight guests get talked about.
• Never run out of food. This is a cardinal rule at Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering.
• Have fantastic food presentation. Food should always taste delicious, look great and be served at the ideal temperature.

At Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering, we really do try to iron out as many details as possible ahead of time. It’s never too early to start talking about your next event! How can we help?