When planning an event, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the menu. Your choice can significantly impact the overall experience for you and your guests. Two popular options for event catering are sit-down coursed meals and canapé-style service. The difference is pretty obvious one is sitting and one is standing right? Well not always, whilst people think a sit down is more formal and a canape event can’t be classy it all comes down to what is best for you and your event.
Sit Down Coursed Meals:
- Sit-down meals offer a more formal dining experience where guests are served plated meals in multiple courses.
- Ideal for events where guests can relax and enjoy a leisurely dining experience, such as weddings, galas, and corporate dinners.
- Provides an opportunity to showcase a diverse menu with appetisers, main courses, and desserts.
- Allows for better control over portion sizes and dietary restrictions, as guests can pre-select their meal options.
- Often costs a little more and portions are set meaning sometimes food can be wasted as some may eat more than others
Canapé-Style Service:
- Canapé service features a selection of bite-sized appetisers and finger foods served on trays or passed around by servers.
- Suitable for cocktail parties, networking events, and receptions where guests may be standing and mingling. Allows for more flow through the room and interaction.
- Offers a more casual and interactive dining experience, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavours and dishes.
- Often less food waste as those who consume more can have more and those who like less just won’t go back for more. Also slowly filling up over a period of time rather than one meal at once ensures slow consumption which helps with guests who may like a few alcoholic drinks too.
- Provides flexibility in menu options and portion sizes, making it easier to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, however can pose a problem if the dietary guests aren’t properly noted or pointed out they can sometimes miss out.
Ultimately, the decision between sit-down coursed meals and canapé-style service depends on various factors, including the type of event, guest preferences, and budget considerations. By understanding the differences between the two options and considering your event’s specific needs, you can choose a menu format that enhances the overall guest experience and that you are most comfortable with, after all it is your event!