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Holiday parties are an enjoyable way for companies to end the year. But planning one of these corporate events does not just happen overnight. There are many details to consider when it comes time to plan a corporate holiday party; a potentially overwhelming task when considered amongst all of the other things that you love and which keep you and your family busy during the festive season. Let us ease your planning burdens by allowing us to suggest some useful tips to help you prepare for a success.

Plan in advance

The month of December is usually jam packed for most people as there are parties, family functions and other types of activities that consume a good deal of their time. Decide on a date long before the start of the holiday season and find a banquet hall that has an opening on that date. Many banquet halls book months in advance, so the earlier the better.

Pick the right venue

Estimating your number of guests will help decide on a place to hold your holiday party. You don’t want a huge hall that will look empty with a limited number of guests while you also don’t want to have to try and push a large group of people into a small space. Location is also an important factor as you don’t want your guests to have to travel too far out of the way.

Choose a theme

Theme does not necessarily mean your guests need to dress up in costumes. Themes could be as simple as business casual as far as a dress code is concerned. However, there are decorations to consider for a holiday party. Attempt to go with a theme that applies to everyone as you do not want to alienate any of your guests. Also, make sure to gather enough volunteers to assist with the decorating process as it could be a bit time consuming.

Make an agenda

The party will need to have a beginning, a middle and an end. That can happen much easier with the creation of an agenda that includes guest arrival, cocktail hour, food service, keynote speakers, gift exchange and any other type of activities you would like to include.

Recognition of guests

Most holiday parties are all about appreciation, so at some point, it would be a good idea to recognize company employees. That can include individual awards, group rewards or some words of gratitude spoken by a company executive.

SMS Catering specializes in hosting and catering all kinds of corporate events, including holiday parties and functions. Take the worry out of your holiday season and give the gift of fun to your co-workers with the help of SMS Catering Services in Charlotte NC. Our friendly and experienced staff is here to help you every step of the way from planning and entertaining to food, games, presentations and so much more! Contact the professional team at SMS Catering Services today.

To say that planning an event is a daunting task would be an understatement. Weddings, conferences, corporate parties, birthday parties and school reunions should be a satisfying experience for every guest. Finding the right service to help you manage your event can take you from a endlessly stressed-out planning nightmare to a blissfully reassured evening.

 

The Secret Ingredients of a Superb Catering Service

There are so many caterers out there who will promise you the moon and the stars, so you can never be too careful when picking the right provider for your event. These factors can be extremely important when trying to determine which catering service to consider and which ones to walk away from:

• A multitude of menu options. Choose a catering service that, no matter what time of night or day, can provide you with the appropriate types of courses, desserts, hors d’oeuvres or cocktail food. Your guests may have some special food requirements so be sure that your caterer has the right solutions for all of your special requests.
• The right venue. Most caterers can take their food to your event but there are full-service caterers like SMS Catering Services who don’t just stop there; they also give you the perfect venue to hold yours! If you need to host a large crowd for a conference, ceremony, private party or wedding, ask about their luxurious and spacious banquet hall rental options.
• A reputation for service excellence. What guests say about your event should matter to you. In the same way, be mindful about how others perceive your selected caterer to be. Check for reviews, recognitions and awards earned.

Two things an event can never be without: Superb food and a fantastic venue. Make sure you make the right choice for your next event in or around the Charlotte NC area by choosing SMS Catering Services. For more than 40 years, SMS has provided the best in catering Charlotte, NC residents have experienced. Learn More at http://cateringcharlotte.com

There are so many details of planning a wedding in Charlotte that so much can get overlooked. That is why a lot of couples hire a wedding planner leading up to their big day. However, that can be a costly expense added to an otherwise sizeable bill.

Renting out a banquet hall, which also supplies catering, will provide you with someone who is in charge of the event. That is the person you can come to with any issues. They are not the exact same as a wedding planner, but still help out immensely.

Wedding planners generally have the authority to select vendors and even negotiate prices with them. They often take care of booking the entertainment for your special day.

Banquet halls that specialize in hosting weddings are equipped with a staff that is familiar with local vendors and can serve the same purpose as a wedding planner. But if you simply rent a banquet hall that does not provide catering services, you will be left to deal with the task of hiring vendors and working out the details on your own.

Keep in mind that hiring a wedding planner means that you will have to relinquish some control. This is not always an easy thing for brides to do. Unless you and your wedding planner are on the same page about everything, you can probably expect some type of friction. Wedding planners also tend to charge a service fee on top of their bill, which can be rather pricey.

It is also important to note that a wedding planner is going to be part of your life for a certain amount of time. If the planner’s personality has the capability of clashing with yours, then it could bring about some unnecessary drama. That does not mean all wedding planners will present problems, but that continual correspondence is something to consider.

Large-scale and elaborate weddings generally require a wedding planner as some are just too much for couples to plan on their own. However, renting a banquet hall that also provides catering means that someone from that staff will be there to help you along the way. And that help will not come with the lofty price tag most wedding planners charge for their services.

When it comes time to find a banquet hall for your wedding reception, SMS Catering Services has everything you need to make your day a special one. Along with great food SMS Catering Services can provide you the perfect place for an indoor or outdoor wedding, plus a list of the best party and wedding services from DJs to wedding planner. There is no need to search through countless Charlotte wedding venues any longer.

Corporate events and family gatherings do not always need to have a formal theme. Those events can be just as successful with a more casual theme that complements the season. And now that summer is rapidly approaching, it is the perfect time to consider Bar- B-Q catering for your next event.

The summer months provide warmer temperatures and the perfect opportunity to host an event outdoors. A Bar-B-Q menu seems to fit the outdoor theme as it creates a casual atmosphere where guests can be a little more lax. It also allows for a more casual type of dress as people generally attend barbecues while wearing their summer attire. This makes for more comfortability among your guests.

Another good thing is that pretty much anyone can host a barbecue. And with a BBQ catering company, hosting is made very easy. That leaves plenty of time for socializing and networking among the guests and host. The guests will not be bogged down with the time-consuming process of a more formal type of sit-down dinner.

BBQ caterers also have the capability of coming to your venue with their own equipment. There’s no need to worry about any type of preparations on your part. Just reserve a place where the caterer can cook and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you see fit.

The food selection at a BBQ catered event is also more exciting than a typical catering menu. There are endless options to what BBQ caterers can put on the grill. The fresh smokiness off the grill will also provide a tantalizing aroma to set the mood. And there are plenty of vegetarian alternatives for guests who do not eat meat.

BBQ catering is a unique option that could make your event stand out from the multitude of other summer events and parties. Even summer weddings with a more casual theme can benefit immensely from BBQ catering. Couples looking to save some money on their wedding catering should look into Bar-B-Q as the theme for their menu as it could be a more affordable option.

SMS catering Services offers BBQ catering for all types of events. Our chef can put together a top-quality catering menu that will have your guests talking about the event long after it’s finished. Contact SMS Catering Service today and book your summer function with an exciting BBQ theme.

Corporate Catering comes with a wide variety of choices as it can be an exciting break in the monotony of a workday. The next time you find yourself planning a corporate event, consider the following options to spice things up a bit.

The Healthy Continental Breakfast

There is no reason a continental breakfast has to include doughnuts and bagels loaded with cream cheese. There are also several ways to brighten up a continental breakfast, one being with a vibrant fresh fruit selection. Yogurt parfait, sliced cucumbers and fresh juice could add to the overall healthy selection and brightness of this morning-time corporate break.

Gourmet Salads

When salads come to mind, many people think of a traditional salad and picture the basics. However, a corporate event can now feature a top-of-the-line salad bar with all kinds of unique menu items. Fresh cheeses, smoked salmon, grilled shrimp and dried fruits are just a few of the items that can elevate a specialty salad bar. The addition of some cooked proteins will allow everyone to eat their fill.

A Trip to The Bar

Hosting a corporate event with a food bar that lets you build your own meal can be a refreshing change. The type of bar could range from such things as a taco bar, fajita bar or potato bar. A dessert bar can also be a fun afternoon twist. Adding your own toppings also allows each individual to personalize their meal. The possibilities can extend far and wide while this type of setup allows time for networking as well.

Indoor Picnic

Corporate workers are not always able to get outside on a nice summer day. But corporate events can bring the outdoors inside with an indoor picnic. Picnic baskets could include whatever menu items you want as the theme allows for a good deal of flexibility when it comes to food selection.

Tapas

A tapas menu includes a variety of snacks and appetizers that follow one another. There are plenty of ways to elevate a tapas menu, which could include grilled prawns, crab empanadas and serrano ham fritters. There is the option of keeping it more traditional or making the tapas menu items a little more mainstream.

SMS Catering Services can accommodate all types of corporate events, both small and large. When it comes time to hire a catering service in Charlotte, contact the team of experienced professionals at SMS Catering Services as we can make your next event a memorable one.

Many catered events come with the inclusion of wine and choosing the right kind can make a wealth of difference. If you are planning a wedding reception or any other kind of formal event, here are some considerations to make when selecting your wines for the night.

Complement the Season
Winter months generally call for menus that are comprised of richer, thicker selections. That usually means there is plenty of spice to go around. This would call for the taste of a bold red wine to help enhance all of those flavors. Summer menus are often a lot lighter, which generally calls for lighter white wines that are not as heavy.

Consider the Sauce
Many times, pairing a wine successfully comes from complementing the sauce. Heavier meals generally call for a lighter red or white wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a Chardonnay. Meat dishes usually come with a heavier sauce which pairs better with heavier red wines like a Merlot.

Be Wary With the Reds
Remember that not everyone is a red wine aficionado. Some dishes work very well with heavier reds, although the heavier reds are not a necessity to make it work. You can get away with using a medium-bodied red wine that may be a little more mainstream. Don’t get too fancy with your red wines and the majority of guests will thank you for it.

Stick With the Theme
There are plenty of wines that will fit the theme of your event. For example, an Italian wedding should include plenty of Italian wines. High end corporate events could consider using more revered French wines. Outdoor events may want to lean towards lighter wines. Coming up with a theme extends to the décor, menu items and also the choice of wine.

Mind Your Budget
Many weddings and corporate events come with limitless drinks which means a lot of guests will drink their share. Spending too much on wine might not practical from a budgetary standpoint. If you are intent on using some fine wines, one option is to relegate them to dinner service and go with a more affordable brand the rest of the evening.

SMS Catering Services is available to enhance all your private parties, weddings and corporate events. Equipped with a spacious banquet hall and top notch catering menu, your next Charlotte function can be a success with the help of SMS Catering Services.

Planning a menu for a wedding takes more than just simple choices. There are even important things to consider beyond he food tasting. Here is a look at some important things to keep in mind when it is time to plan out your wedding menu.

There Will Be Special Orders

There are usually a few vegetarians at every wedding and there may also be some guests who have food allergies and special dietary restrictions. Plan to have at least a few special orders and make sure you go over those alternative options with your wedding caterer.

Don’t Wait Too Long

Hiring catering services for your wedding is a detailed process and if you wait too long, your options will be limited when it comes to quality. Most reputable caterers are booked far in advance and some will not even consider catering a wedding reception on short notice.

Source of Food Is Important

Any old caterer can prepare a salmon dinner, but that does not mean it will be the freshest catch of the day. Look deeper into each caterer’s ingredients and inquire about the source of their food. A reputable caterer will be able to rattle off those details immediately and tell you everything you want to know.

Presentation Matters

It may be easy for you to decide on menu items, but don’t neglect to ask what the presentation of those food items will look like. You should be able to see how the food is presented on a plate, as well as what kind of plates and serving dishes will be used on each table.

Control the Portions

You don’t have to overdo it with food in order to make your wedding a memorable one. However, shorting guests on food and leaving them hungry will be a memory that stays with them for years. Make sure that your portions are not too dainty and all your guests are able to eat their fill.

You Can’t Please Everyone

No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to please everyone at your wedding with the food selection. Trying to do that is just going to leave you exasperated. Select the catering menu items you feel strongly about and leave it at that. You already have enough to worry about.

SMS Catering Services goes over every detail when it comes to weddings, corporate events and other kind of functions. Guests can be assured everything will be just as they want it, which will make for a special occasion to remember. Contact SMS Catering Services today for the best catering Charlotte has to offer.

Weddings are often more expensive than many couples presume. Unexpected costs can escalate in a hurry, causing the overall price to soar. That is why it helps to save money whenever you can in the wedding planning process. Here are some tips on how to minimize your wedding catering bill.

Choose Your Seafood Wisely
When it comes to selecting seafood appetizers for your catering menu, remember that there is a difference in prices. Shrimp and scallops are going to be priced significantly higher than mussels and clams. Opting for the latter will still allow you to offer your guests seafood without spending too much money. Also, seafood that is in season will be priced cheaper, which could allow you to get a discount on a seafood item for your main course.

Limit Your Stations
During the cocktail and dinner hour, there will be the options of adding different stations, such as a vegetable crudité or raw bar. There is usually so much food served at weddings that a lot of food at those extra stations goes untouched. Limit the add-on stations that could be quite costly.

Hand-Pass hors d’oeuvres
Have the wait staff pass out hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour instead of just placing them out for self-serve. This will reduce the amount of appetizers that are served, thus limiting what you have to spend on the cocktail hour.

Family-Style
There is the option of choosing family-style dinner entrees which are served to each table and passed around. This can drastically reduce your overall food costs. And if you are set on serving dinner courses, don’t go overboard as a salad course and main course are usually more than enough after a hearty cocktail hour.

Buy Drinks Responsibly
Making liquor available to your guests at the bar will boost your overall bill. If you are set on offering liquor, go with mid-shelf liquors instead of top-shelf liquors as there will be a noticeable difference in price.

Stay Simple With Sweets
When buying a wedding cake, remember that three tiers are cheaper than five tiers. Any gourmet type of filling is also going to cost more. Keep the filling simple. By this point in the evening, many people are already full, so bite-size desserts are not a bad idea as well.

SMS Catering Services caters all kinds of wedding receptions for all kinds of budgets. Also equipped with a spacious banquet hall, SMS Catering Services can create the perfect setting for your wedding reception.

Hosting a catered event does not have to include an elaborate display, nor does it have to cost you a fortune. More and more corporate events, family parties and wedding receptions are going with a more casual theme. Here is a look at some casual catering ideas for your next event.

Bar-B-Q Theme
This is particularly popular during summer months as guests can dress more comfortably. The menu can also include typical bar-b-q selections, which are generally lower in cost. Desserts could also be cheaper by offering smores, which guests can make themselves with a simple campfire.

Accommodate Outdoor Fun
To keep an outdoor catered event fun for your guests, purchase flip-flops for all in attendance. This way, guests can kick off their uncomfortable shoes and let loose outside. Outdoor settings should be more relaxed and what better way to relax than with comfortable footwear.

Buffet Style
No matter what kind of food you choose for your event, offering buffet style will create a more casual atmosphere. This takes away the formality of having to sit for a dinner that is served in courses.

Hawaiian Theme
The mere mention of a Hawaiian theme takes away any formality. A pig roast is a great addition to a Hawaiian theme and guests can even be encouraged to dress in Hawaiian shirts. This is typically better suited for the outdoors, but can also be a refreshing indoor change in the winter months.

Clam Bake
This is a unique summer experience like no other. Clam bakes do not even require formal dinnerware. This is not only a relaxed and comfortable setting, but it is a great conversation piece even after the party has concluded. The décor can also be very informal and cost efficient.

Tapas Menu
A tapas menu brings out a lot of small plates, which are often shared. It also provides people with a less formalized dining experience. There is a lot more time for interacting without having the pressure to sit down through various courses of a meal.

SMS Catering Services can accommodate all types of catered events and even provides a spacious banquet hall for those looking for a venue as well. No matter what kind of style or theme you choose, the team at SMS Catering Services will work to make your event a success. For the best casual catering Charlotte has to offer, contact SMS Catering Services today.

The winter months provide the opportunity to be a little more creative when it comes time to plan your next catered event. Here’s a look at some tips on how to create a unique winter theme for your next corporate event, holiday party or wedding reception.

Winter Wonderland
The winter months bring snow to everyone’s mind and creating a winter wonderland theme would include more than just white décor. The menu could also include white wine and food selections could even stay with that theme. Fish, crab and lobster are just a few examples of the way you can incorporate the winter wonderland theme into your menu.

Rustic Theme
Nothing says homey like a country setting with a lot of rustic charm. Warm, earthy tones could decorate your next event while the menu could be set up to warm the soul on a cold winter day. Hearty mashed potatoes combined with a carving station would help to provide that rustic feel. Warm drinks would also add to this type of them such as warm apple cider, with or without spiced rum.

Red Wine Tasting
Red wine is warm and inviting, and a particularly good fit for the winter months. Offering a selection of different types of red wine along with cocktailed hors d’oeuvres is a good start. Pairing the wines with different dishes is also an elegant setting for any winter party. With all that wine, it would also be a good idea to serve a hearty main course as well. An oak-inspired décor would also pair well with this theme.

Ice Theme
Bringing the winter theme inside can be done tactfully with decorative ice sculptures as a showpiece. That will make for a cool setting and could be complemented with a lot of cold dishes that would precede the main course. Cold seafood appetizers will maintain that theme while cold soups and chilled salads would also add a nice touch. Cool blue colors that are dimly let can enhance the overall mood and a variety of frozen desserts can finish the night off.

If you are looking for a unique catered event during the winter months, contact SMS Catering Services. The best catering Charlotte has to offer is available to enhance your next wedding reception or corporate event. SMS Catering Services also provides a spacious banquet hall that can put an exclamation point on your next special occasion.

Not every wedding has to take place in the spring or summer. Beautiful and memorable winter weddings provide just the right touch for some couples. However, there are some important points to remember when you are planning a winter wedding.

 

Location
The winter months could mean unexpected bouts of bad weather, which could make transportation a bit more difficult. Things can be made a whole lot easier when the ceremony and reception are close by. If you can find a banquet hall that is capable of holding a reception and ceremony, then that serves as a perfect solution. Remember that even a short drive from church to reception during the winter months can present problems.

 

Coat Checks
The chill of winter will force your guests to arrive wearing some sort of coat. That means you need to have some way of storing those coats throughout the reception. Many wedding venues will provide a coat check service, but it is still something you should consider in the planning stages.

Shorter Days
There are fewer hours of daylight in the winter, which means at some point, your reception is going to lapse into the darkness. This is important to remember when planning your photo hour and photo locations. The amount of natural light could be limited. Shorter days could impact the overall theme of your wedding as well. Candles also serve to create a romantic scene in the winter months.

Flowers
It is always a good idea to check with your florist long before the wedding date because not every type of flower will be available during the winter season. This is important, especially when deciding upon a color scheme for your wedding party.

Travel Time
It is no secret that winter weather can make travel more difficult. Take that into consideration when selecting a date and time for your wedding. If you are looking to have a Friday night wedding, rush hour drive times can be brutal in some areas. Make plans ahead to deal with the potential elements of nature and the problems it could cause on the roadways.

 

SMS Catering Services hosts and caters wedding receptions through every season of the year. With a complete catering menu and a spacious banquet hall, everything you need for your winter wedding is available in one spot. SMS Catering Services has everything you need to make your wedding a very special occasion.

 

When it comes to planning a wedding, there can be a nearly overwhelming amount of tasks to organize and figure out. Exactly who will cater your special event may seem rather simple, but there is a lot to consider. Here are some not-so ordinary topics that should be breached when deciding on who will cater your most special evening.

Licensing
Every caterer should have all the appropriate licensing. Liability licensing should be something every bride and groom asks a potential catering service to furnish. Although unlikely, you will want to make sure things are covered should an unforeseen accident take place.

Vendor Meals
Whomever you hire for your wedding entertainment will want to eat. Some caterers provide this while others charge for it. Find out if there will be a vendor food setup or if there are additional options available and if they incur any additional fees.

Food ingredients
It may not be a typical question, but it is an important one nonetheless. Where does the chef buy his ingredients? Local farmer’s markets, quality butchers or is there a stock of frozen items. You will want to know what goes into making up your dishes. Also, if you guests have any dietary restrictions of food allergies, you will want to make sure the proper diet can be presented for your occasion.

Hidden fees
Okay, this may be a little more ordinary but it is still of grave importance. There are catering services which include fees for staffing and linen rental. Learn exactly what will be charged and what will not. Getting a list of any extra charges is highly recommended to help you maintain your budget for the occasion.

Leftover policy
Chances are there will be food leftover, but what is to come of it? Should the caterer not allow you to take the remaining food home, then you should only be charged for the food your guests ate. It is definitely worth questioning what will happen to that food and if it is possible to have it wrapped up and taken home.

Potential changes in cost
No one wants to think of having to cancel their wedding, but it can unfortunately be a possibility. Know what the cancellation costs will amount to and how much goes into any overtime costs. Also bring up the subject of potential increases in food costs. Make sure you know whether or not rising food costs will affect what you have to pay when your special date arrives.

Food sampling
Most catering services will allow you to sample their food beforehand. Take advantage of these opportunities to sample all of the different menu items available. Many caterers have days set aside where many couples will visit all at once for a large sample tasting.

Written estimates
An event coordinator can quote you any price over the phone. That is why it is important to get any estimates in writing. Don’t hesitate to include anything and everything in that estimate. Know exactly what is to be expected of both you and your caterer.

If you are looking for wedding catering in Charlotte, SMS Catering Service can exquisitely accommodate all of your needs. We provide off-site catering as well as one of the best banquet halls in Charlotte. Make your wedding a truly memorable event for a lifetime with the best catering Charlotte has to offer.

There are obvious questions that need to be asked when selecting a caterer and venue for your next event, whether it be an anniversary, wedding, or corporate party. However, there are plenty of important questions you might not have thought to ask your caterer or venue.

 

What is the timetable for service?
Caterers will establish an itinerary for your event, but it is important to know just how long service will take. You should know just how long it will take from the time the first and last entrées are served. You should also know the exact down time between courses.

What is the leftover policy?
There is usually a good amount of food at a catered event and it’s very rare that all of it is eaten in its entirety. Paying for the food should give the client the right to take the rest of it home and it is definitely a topic that should be discussed.

What is the cost of tables and chairs?
Believe it or not, some catering venues will charge to use their tables and chairs. There are even upgrades when it comes to these items. Make sure you know exactly what you are paying for.

Can I control the thermostat?
When choosing a caterer that provides a venue, having access to the thermostat is a major plus, especially when it comes to weddings and formal events. Being able to keep a room cool also helps when dealing with larger groups of people.

What is the sound quality?
Weddings have deejays and corporate events often include guest speakers or presentations. That brings about the need for a higher quality of sound. If your caterer is providing a banquet hall, ask about the acoustics, the sound system and any other aspects that have to do with the audio.

What is your alcohol policy and fees?
This will help pinpoint how much you are going to spend. Some caterers charge by consumption while others charge per person. Some charge a corkage fee for alcohol brought in by the client. There are also caterers that serve wine with dinner and others that limit the amount of time alcohol is served. Ask for a full rundown of the alcohol policy and fees.

SMS Catering Services can answer every customer question while providing quality service for all types of events. Whether you need a catered event at a banquet hall or catering brought straight to you, SMS Catering Services is standing by with a solution that works.

Catered events do not just happen. There is a lot that goes into planning a wedding, corporate event, anniversary, or birthday party. There is also a great deal that goes into choosing the right caterer. Here’s a list of what to look for when it comes time to find the right caterer for your next event.

The Right Experience
Not every catering service is the same. That means that not every caterer is equipped to handle specific events. For example, a caterer service that hosts a lot of weddings may not be the right type of caterer to handle your corporate event. Check out what kind of events different caterers have done in the past and go with one that has experience in handling your particular theme.

The Right Taste
At any kind of catered event, there is going to be an ample amount of food that is served. The only way to test that food is to taste it. Most reputable caterers will permit some kind of tasting as an example of what the client can expect. So venture out and let your taste buds be the judge.

The Right Service
One of the requisite parts of any catered event is being served. Caterers should have certain standards when it comes to service. Ask about these standards and never forget to ask about how much staff will be working during the event. It is a must to make sure every guest is accounted for at a catered event.

The Right Leader
Find out who is in charge of running the events within each catering service. The best food will be all for naught if the nightly itinerary does not run smoothly. Meeting the event coordinator, the person who will be overseeing everything, is a must. Feeling comfortable with that person goes a long way towards a successful event.

The Right Price
Budget is a primary concern when it comes to any event. There is no sense meeting with a caterer you cannot afford. So before doing any type of investigating, make sure that the catering price is right for you.

SMS Catering Services hosts all kinds of events in its own banquet hall as well as providing off site catering services. There is an abundance of options for customers to choose from as SMS Catering Services can make your next event one to remember.

Catering a corporate event comes with its own set of nuances. It is not like an ordinary get-together or a 25th wedding anniversary. Therefore, it is imperative to find a caterer who can meet all the demands that come with catering a corporate event. Here’s a look at some of the nuances of planning a catered corporate event.

Menus with options
The point of a corporate event is to try and appease all those in attendance. That fact is important to remember when planning a catering menu. Regardless of the theme, there should be plenty of options for everyone. For example, when serving dinners, there should always be a vegetarian dish. And when breakfast is the choice meal, be sure to include a wide variety.

The importance of formality
Many corporate events are formal ones. This is where it helps to hire a caterer that is well versed in that type of setting. Those particular caterers are usually well aware of how important things like appearance, service and high standards of food are to the overall event. For formal events, it is recommended to go with a caterer who has done similar events in the past.

Scheduling
Businesses operate on a daily schedule, so a corporate event should follow the same regimen. There should be a time allotted for such things as a cocktail hour, meet and greet, presentations, or guest speakers. The demands of that itinerary should be able to be met by the catering service. The time of the event may also play a part in deciding whether or not a wet bar would be provided.

Finger food
At corporate events, there is always a lot of mingling going on. Serving hor d’oeuvres provides guests with a chance to mingle and still get some food. Choosing to serve some type of butlered finger food is a good way to create a lot of networking.

Service attire
Most corporate events require business attire for its guests. The attire of the service staff should also reflect the event, which means staff members should be dressed accordingly. Having service staff dressed in a formal manner will contribute to the overall mood of the event.

SMS Catering Services handles corporate events for all occasions. Regardless of the theme, the SMS staff will work to ensure a successful event. For the best corporate catering Charlotte has to offer, contact the experienced team of professionals at SMS Catering Services.