02/12/2022
What Is Catering and Its 4 Different Types of Services
Catering is simply the process of preparing and serving food for different types of events?such as weddings, conventions, corporate meetings, and social gatherings.
These events can take place at the client's business, in their home, or off-site in a hotel, banquet hall, convention center, or any other third-party location.
Types of Catering
Although the definition of catering is simple, the process isn?t. There are many catering service options, and your choice will depend on the size of the event and the services you require.
With countless delicious menus available, choosing where to start can feel overwhelming. To help you decide, here are four main types of catering services that can help make your event a success.
4 Types of Catering Services
Understanding these four categories will streamline your planning, pricing, and ordering process?and save you time and money.
1. Corporate Catering
Corporate catering refers to food and beverage service at business functions. These may range from small in-office meetings to high-end off-site dinners. Pricing depends on the size and scale of the event.
- Breakfasts
- Lunches and BBQs
- Conventions, Fairs, and Conferences
- Board Meetings
- Product Launches
2. Wedding Catering
Weddings are unforgettable events. Unlike corporate functions, wedding catering demands attention to detail, careful timing, and seamless coordination with vendors, photographers, DJs, and of course, the couple.
Common catering styles for weddings include:
- Plated dinners
- Family-style meals
- Buffet setups
- Food stations
- Cocktail receptions
3. Social Event Catering
These more intimate events?such as birthdays, retirements, baby showers, or grand openings?require personalized catering solutions. Menus vary widely based on dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural preferences.
Catering may include hors d'oeuvres, drinks, themed decor, bartenders, and waitstaff.
4. Concession Catering
This includes catering for large-scale events like sporting competitions or live concerts. Here, the focus is less on variety and more on speed and crowd-pleasing favorites. Planning requires experience to ensure the right number of items and rapid service.
At Hotel Benidorm, we provide everything you need for your next catering event.
