The 4 different types of Catering you need to know about

Updated March 2022

Choosing the right catering for your event

Is there anything better than attending an event and being greeted with delicious, freshly prepared food? Catering can make or break your event, especially as food makes up a huge part of the entertainment. That being said, not all catering is created equal. Depending on the nature of the occasion, one type may be more suitable than another. 

Here are 4 different types of catering you need to know about so that you can make an informed decision for your upcoming occasion. 

Concession Catering

Food that is served at public events is known as concession catering. You can find concession catering at the likes of sporting events, festivals, fairs, carnivals, tradeshows, and other large events. Usually, the food will be prepared and served from food trucks which you’ll need to arrange on an individual basis. It’s one of the best ways to give people plenty of choices, especially as the trucks usually serve a wide range of hot food and sweet treats.

Usually, concession catering is something attendees will pay for. However, depending on the event it may be possible to pay upfront for a certain number of guests. If you are holding a large event (especially if it’s in an open field with no facilities nearby), people will expect to see food trucks in the form of concession catering. 

Corporate Catering

Don’t make a business decision on an empty stomach! Corporate catering is ideal for all manner of company events. From shareholder meetings to recruitment drives or even if you just want to impress your clients, corporate catering is available either as a business lunch or as a set buffet. 

The beauty of corporate catering is that it can make an excellent impression on your guests. It’s also a great way to network and provides a warm reception for your attendees. Typically, corporate catering will serve classic favorites rather than anything too experimental. Though you can implement a theme into the food if requested too.

Social event

From birthday parties to baptisms… don’t leave your guests to go hungry! Social event catering covers traditional catering styles such as a hot meal or a buffet. It’s also possible to personalize social event catering by theming the food to the occasion or person whose celebration it is. 

Having your event catered helps take the stress out of organizing the day. The food can be displayed on a table or be served by the staff. If the event is an engagement party, then social event catering will give you a dry run about what to expect and the type of food you wish to serve on your big day.

Wedding

A wedding is a unique event in that it sees all of your family and friends gathered in one place. Aside from the formalities, the food served to your guests is a huge part of the day. Your wedding catering is a chance to show off your personalities and even stay true to your heritage. 

As well as the traditional meal, you can also serve appetizers and snacks throughout the day. Some couples also choose to have a sweet shop or an ice cream bar, as well as a grill for the evening. While wedding catering can be expensive, it’s possible to save money by having the caterer prepare a buffet-style meal instead. 

To sum up

Nothing quite satisfies an appetite at an event like some delicious catering. With Bark, it couldn’t be easier to find a local caterer near you. Whether your event is a family celebration or something a little more formal, having the food taken care of is one less thing to worry about. 

Whatsmore, catering is completely flexible to your needs. It can be in the form of a cold buffet or hot food that is served at your table. It’s even possible to hire food trucks for the day, serving the likes of burgers, Asian cuisine, doughnuts, and anything else that would please the taste buds.