How to Choose the Right Menu for Your Event

One of the most important aspects of any memorable event is the food. That’s what makes selecting the perfect menu during your event planning process so very important. It truly doesn’t matter the event type. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate function, or even an intimate private gathering, the food you serve will be one of the catalysts of your event.

Your goal when it comes to your menu should be to satisfy the tastebuds of your lovely guests all while aligning with the theme and style of the event itself. That’s why today, we’re diving into some key considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing an event menu.

Let’s get started!

Why Menu Selection is Critical for Every Event 

Your event menu can truly make or break your gathering. You want to design a cohesive experience for you and your guests. Regardless of whether you’re hosting something formal or a much more casual event, the menu is everything, 

The process of choosing an event menu involves a lot more than picking out your favorite dishes. It’s important to consider the taste pallets and dietary restrictions of your guests, as well as the theme, style, and aesthetic of your event, and verify that the food is a healthy complement to the event’s atmosphere.

We’re in the city of New Orleans, where the very foundation of its event planning i deeply rooted in our city’s vibrant culinary culture. You could be hosting a traditional Southen wedding, a friendly corporate gathering, or any other themed celebration. No matter the type, the menu selection should help to tell the story. That’s why choosing an event menu aligns properly with the stage you want to set.

Consider the Type of Event 

What kind of event are you hosting? Choosing an event menu should hinge largely on your event type and theme. Different events call for different menus if you catch our drift. Make sure that throughout your planning process, you’re mulling over the overall vibe you want the gathering to exude.

Accommodating Dietary Preferences and Restrictions 

There has been an increasing awareness of dietary needs, preferences, and restrictions, and The Four Columns team is always ahead of the game in that aspect. It’s imperative to provide menu options that cater to a large range of dietary needs.

Whether your guests are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific food allergies, making sure that you’re choosing an event menu that is able to account for all of these specificities is paramount for your guests’ enjoyment.

Lucky for you, Four Columns catering delivers a beautifully flexible menu, packed with options to accommodate these needs. We create delectable plant-based dishes and gluten-free alternatives for classic New Orleans staples. Another thing to remember when choosing an event menu is labeling. 

When it comes to food and serving guests, whether it’s in a restaurant or at an event, clearly labeling menu options is absolutely paramount. You want to guarantee that your guests are eating what they intended to and that it properly aligns with their dietary restrictions and preferences. Not only will clear labeling mitigate the need for a lot of questions regarding the menu, but you will also avoid a lot of hiccups in the long run. 

When it comes to New Orleans event planning, providing vegetarian versions of local favorites like red beans and rice, or even a vegan-friendly po’ boy will help to create a diverse menu, all while maintaining the city’s culinary spirit.

The best rule of thumb is to have at least 20-30% of your menu accommodate special dietary needs.

Menu Ideas  Based on Guest Count and Event Size

Another vital factor in selecting an event menu includes incorporating the guest list size into your planning. Catering to a more intimate crowd in comparison to a large crowd is vastly different in experience and preparation. 

When it comes to smaller gatherings, it is easier to accommodate a wide range of food options and dishes, since the logistics of serving a smaller group of people are much more simple. Intimate events allow more focus on detail and quality artisanal ingredients paired with beautifully plated dishes.

On the other hand, working with larger events calls for more efficiency. In some instances, buffet-style service or pre-set food stations will allow your event guests to serve themselves while keeping all of the line short and guaranteeing that the food stay fresh. In this way, you are better able to streamline the process of your guests getting food and focus more on hosting the event. 

This can be especially helpful when you’re hosting hundreds of guests, where utilizing a traditional plated service would prove to be logistically, more difficult and time-consuming.

Pairing Food with Beverages

The drinks are just as important as the food when it comes to choosing an event menu. The right drinks can totally elevate the dining experience and maybe even the whole event! That said, pairing them with the right disease will help to make sure that your menu is leaving a lasting impression on your guests. It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a formal wedding or a small get-together, it’s important to think about providing your guests with drink options, from wine and beer to a few signature cocktails. 

The Four Columns team totally understands that choosing an event menu is one of the most critical steps in planning a beautiful event. We’ll work with you closely on each task to guarantee a high-end, cohesive, streamlined, and stunning event. 
Are you ready to start your planning? Click here to schedule a chat with one of our event specialists, and we’ll make sure you’re hosting a gathering that exceeds your expectations.