Whether you're planning your own wedding reception, a fundraising event for your business, or anniversary celebration for your parents, you'll have a myriad of decisions to make , including the location, theme, music, decor and even food. The menu you choose for your event might get overwhelming with all the choices you can choose from and the various considerations you need to consider. Here are a few tips that can help you get started in your preparation process.

1. Create a budget.

Every professional catering business has a variety of menu choices that can be adapted to different budgets. Your caterer ought to be able to give some suggestions for menus to maximize the utilization on your funds. Some items on the menu cost more due to the ingredients used and the time it takes to prepare. You'll save yourself and your caterer a lot of time if you've got an idea of how much money you're willing for food.

2. Know your audience.

It's fairly obvious that the menu and the quantity of food you serve for your teenage son's birthday party will be quite different than the food you serve for your reading group. When you're not sure of your audience well enough it is important to offer a variety. Be sure to have several alternatives to pick from, don't forget to offer at least one vegetarian item. If you know that children will be in attendance and eating, consider putting some child-friendly options to the buffet. Inquire about special dietary requirements and allergies. Keep in mind that some foods, such as nuts and shellfish, can send your guests straight to ER.

3. Be sure the menu matches the theme of your event.

Many people wonder whether buffets are inappropriate for wedding receptions. It's not about whether or not it's tacky. It all depends on overall style and theme of the event. If you're planning a formal, luxurious wedding reception, then buffets may seem out of place. On the other hand If you're planning an elegant and trendy party at the local art gallery and you want to host it is possible to have a "living room" style reception could be the ideal choice. For the traditional Greek and Russian wedding the family-style dinner usually works the best. If you are planning a wedding with an underlying corporate catering menu theme, take it into a aspect when you are planning a menu. Make sure your items go well together. You don't wish to combine fresh oysters and cheeseburgers.

4. Make sure you order the correct quantity of food.

Your guests don't want to be starving and you don't want to overload with the amount of food served and leave over leftovers. Whenever possible, make the guests RSVP to your invitation. This will allow you to remain within your budget and plan your menu accordingly and make sure you have the proper amount of food. Consider the timing of your celebration, its length, and the purpose. If you are hosting your reception from 7 to 9 pm, guests will expect dinner. If you do not provide one, you must manage the expectations of your guests accordingly. In your invitation, specify what kind of food will serve (e.g. wine and cheese reception, cocktail reception, etc.)

5. Don't go by the personal tastes of yours.

We all make this error. We think that whatever we enjoy, others might also like. Do not let your personal tastes influence your designing the menus for your event. You shouldn't serve the only seafood-based menu unless you're sure that everyone at your party is as enthralled by fish as much as. If you happen to be vegan and find pork chops disgusting, there is a good chance that your guests will disagree with you and might prefer good old-fashioned steak over Tofu Cacciatore.

As a bonus, Hire a reputable catering service! Research before you sign the contract. Read reviews, ask around and set up an appointment. The time you put into finding the perfect caterer will pay off. Take the stress from your event planningby hiring an experienced professional.