How much food do you need for your corporate event?
Planning a Work Lunch Catering? Here’s How to Budget Smartly
At Brisk Catering, we organise menus for many Melbourne businesses and often get asked about food quantity. When planning your office event or corporate party, it’s important to strike the right balance—ensuring you have enough food without excessive waste. Here are our best tips to get it right.
How Much Catering is Needed?
No one wants to organise a corporate function and run out of food. Important clients and customers shouldn’t leave feeling hungry. If it’s a business meeting, attendees won’t focus if their stomachs are grumbling! On the other hand, over-catering leads to unnecessary waste. So, how do you find the perfect balance?
Think About The Time of Day
The amount of catered food you order depends on several factors, including the time of day. People eat more at lunch and dinner than at breakfast, with dinner usually requiring the most substantial portions. While breakfast should still offer variety, lighter options work best for early meetings.
For mid-morning meetings close to lunch, opt for snacks rather than full meals. If your event is in the afternoon, consider serving a full tea with sweet treats to keep attendees energised until dinner. The key takeaway? Cater according to the time of day!
Avoiding Food Waste
Your budget will influence food quantity, but a general guideline is to allow approximately 700 grams of food per person. This ensures enough food while minimising waste. A successful corporate function shouldn’t have zero waste, as that likely means you under-catered. Prioritise mains over sides, ensuring guests are satisfied.
Seasons Matter
Consider the time of year when planning your work lunch catering. During hot weather, appetites decrease, making lighter options like sushi, salads, and fruit platters ideal. In colder months, heartier dishes like pies, pasta, and hot meals are better suited to keep guests satisfied.
Type of Event
The nature of your corporate event also influences catering choices. For stand-up events with minimal seating, finger food is the best option. When guests are relaxed, they tend to eat more, whereas at business-focused events, they may eat more conservatively.
For expert advice on work lunch catering in Melbourne’s CBD, contact Brisk Catering. We tailor every menu to suit your event perfectly, ensuring a great experience for all attendees.
