What is Catering?

Catering is the business of providing food and drink services for events, ranging from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. Professional caterers handle menu planning, food preparation, setup, service, and cleanup. Catering styles include plated dinners, buffets, family-style service, food stations, passed appetizers, or cocktail-style service. When selecting a caterer, consider their specialty cuisine, pricing structure (per person or flat fee), what's included (rentals, staff, bar service), and their experience with similar events. Many venues have exclusive catering arrangements, while others allow outside caterers.