Party Planning 101: Choosing a Caterer

If there’s something Filipinos are particulate when it comes to events, it’s the food. We can adjust to the venue and get along with the program, but we can never sacrifice the quality and quantity of the food.

Of course, it difficult to prepare the dishes yourself if you're already handling the guest list, the program, and the logistics. Hence, you need to subscribe to a catering service. Now, what do you need to know to get the best service from your caterer?

Caterers take away a chunk of your responsibilities which makes you confident of their competency. But they're still a business, and their goal is to earn a profit. There’s a high chance they’re cutting corners and taking shortcuts. What you want is to get the most out of your money within the hours of employing their service.

Taken from the pages of experience, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a caterer.

Which type of venue will it be

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Some venues have on-site caterers while others consign brands and food establishments to provide the meals during the event. Secure a place depending on your priority, so you have a clear view of what you want to happen on the day of the event.

There are party or reception halls that have strict guidelines when it comes to outsourcing a caterer. If the place does have a caterer and does not allow contracting independent food services, look for other options to compare prices and rates. Remember to account for the need of your contractor such as electricity sources. Conduct ocular visits to find which venue suits your taste.

Consider how much you’re willing to spend

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Hiring a food connoisseur will cost four digits the least. Prices vary depending on the chosen menu and additional items you would request from them. You can haggle with caterers during negotiation, but it’s more helpful if you already have a price ceiling set for the event. That way, you won’t be swayed by tempting offers during the talk.

When you have a budget, caterers can help you work around it and offer alternatives and great deals within the price.

It’s the experience that matters

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The only way to get to know if the caterer is right for your event is if you had an experience with them. Brochures, pamphlets, and websites are just advertisements. It doesn’t show if the food is well-prepared or if their service is superb.

The initial encounter with the company or contact person from the caterers will dictate if it’s a go or a no. It’s important to have a good feeling and being comfortable during the meeting. If they gave an extra effort (offering snacks and drinks), it speaks a lot of how they treat their clients. Always set face-to-face meet ups with caterers and business partners because a phone call isn’t enough to express how both parties can work, especially when conflict arises.

Have tastings during the season

You are allowed to ask for a tasting session yet it costs more when they aren’t booked. There are caterers who conduct formal tasting upon request. Tasting is what makes or breaks you’re the caterer you’ve chosen, so take all the time you need to decide if they have the menu you want.

If you’re planning to book a tasting, set a date close to the season of the event. It will give you an idea which ingredients are available at those times. Through this, you get to pick out which dishes are likely to be served and easily prepared.

If you’ve already had a tasting and the caterer didn’t meet your expectations, do not despair and settle for what’s available. There are other options available, you just have to be diligent in looking for another. Soon enough, you will find the caterer best suited for you in this haystack.

These Four Questions Will Help You Plan A Flawless Coming-of-Age Party

Turning eighteen is a milestone to be celebrated. I didn’t plan anything for my 18th birthday, and I absolutely regret it. The transformation of being a carefree minor to a knowledgeable lady of society is an exciting venture that only comes once. Why not celebrate with a bang?

During planning, you might think the most fun part is thinking of a theme. But that’s only the beginning. Preparing days before the party and execution on the day itself all have its fun parts, ups, and downs too. If you already decided on a theme, great!

If not there’s still time to think of something that reflects your personality. Meanwhile, answer these four questions to make sure your debut party becomes the talk of the town (or peers) for days.

Who are priority guests?

Our teenage years is the year we have flourishing social lives. We’ve suddenly turned to social butterflies and gained hundreds of friends. It is also the year of changes - new school, new neighbors, new classmates, clubs, volunteering, etc. - so we meet a lot of people all the time. It’s tempting to invite all of them, but like everything on Earth, there are limitations.

To avoid coming across the dilemma of asking the wrong people to come, list the important people whom you want to share your coming-of-age. The number of people you will invite will determine the venue that will fit your theme and entourage as well as the menu for the day. If you’re on a budget, you can always opt to limit the celebration. Have it indicated on your invitations early on to avoid plus one surprises.

Where is the perfect place to celebrate?

Once you’ve narrowed down your guest list, the next step is to look for a party venue in Manila to celebrate. Now, what makes a perfect venue?

The venue should be able to accommodate all the guests, the activities in the program along with the logistics and the catering tables. There should be enough seats for all the guests. Always ensure there are extra tables and chairs available for surprise guests. Some venues look spacious but become crowded once everything is in order. It becomes a problem once the program starts. It will be awkward and inefficient to ask guests to adjust their places to have your dance.

Some venues already have facilities you may need for your party and is packaged in a set with the venue. Before setting your eye on the place, inquire on the flexibility of the site. Do you really need a fog machine, a karaoke set, and a cotton candy maker? I don’t think so.

What do I want to happen on the day?

This is pancit. The big day.

The day you will look your best. The day the whole world will know you’re legal and can vote, drive and be independent. Besides looking beautiful, what exactly do you want to happen at your party?

Remember, there are guests to consider. They may be your friends, but they came to have a good time. It’s a party after all.

This is where the program plays a part. If you’re a traditional gal like Blair Waldorf, you will need an escort. Other than that, you will have 18 dances where your escort and male partners will hand over a rose [or another flower you’d prefer]. Of course, these 18 males are part of your court, which is also composed of 18 females who are usually close friends and relatives. The court will have a traditional dance, the Cotillion de Honor where the debutant will also participate. If dancing isn’t your forte, don’t forget to hire a dance instructor or someone experienced on these things. He/she will teach you the social graces you should observe. Think Mia Thermopolis in Princess Diaries.

Other breathtaking moments like the grand entrance and birthday wishes are universal. To add spice to your party, why not include games? Activities and surprise performances are also welcome. It’s best to entrust the program planning to someone who knows you well.

What do we eat?

Nowadays, the menu depends on the theme, but a three-course meal is necessary regardless of the time of the day. Some parties serve snacks and finger food before the program starts. Be sure the caterer sets up hours before the guests arrive. Food can be served food buffet or family style, so the time to prepare depends on the food service.

When it comes to the menu, it’s safe to pick recipes that are familiar to everyone - pasta, beef, chicken, and veggies. Consider your guests when choosing the menu. Will there be picky eaters? Always include an alternative for them so they won’t starve the entire time.

Use these four questions to guide you in your party planning. Your eighteenth birthday only comes once, make it unforgettable for everyone. Most of all, show them how you can throw a flawless debut party.