Private Party Catering

Catering is the centerpiece of any event. It sparks conversations between strangers, provides nourishment to enjoy the festivities, and shows guests that you value their presence. That’s why it’s important to choose a caterer who knows what they’re doing and shows it throughout the planning process. The best private party catering in New Jersey looks like this:

Choosing the best private party catering is essentially the only way to go if you want your event to be a major success.

Every private event is a unique tapestry of moments and memories, bound together by the people, presentation, and, crucially, the cuisine. Ensuring top-notch catering isn’t merely about selecting a menu; it’s about understanding the essence of the occasion and aligning culinary choices with the event’s atmosphere, theme, and attendees’ preferences. Merri-Makers can assist you with it all, including:

Identifying the Type of Event and Guests

Every event has its own character and style. The culinary delights that uplift a corporate gathering might differ from those that make a social event come alive. By recognizing the specific needs and preferences associated with different event types, including crucial factors like guests’ dietary requirements, Merri-Makers ensures every plate reflects meticulous planning and deep understanding.

Once we know what your event looks like, it’s time to move on to the main consideration for any event: headcount.

Estimating the Number of Guests Attending

Estimating the number of guests for a private event is a balancing act of practicality and inclusivity. The first step always revolves around understanding the venue capacity, as it serves as a tangible limitation to the number of attendees you can accommodate comfortably. RSVPs tell you the number of guests who have directly expressed an intent to attend. However, it’s essential to account for unforeseen changes, such as last-minute cancellations or travel delays. In tune with the estimated number of guests, we want to make sure that there’s undoubtedly enough food, but not so much of a surplus to the point that it drives up the cost and could be overly wasteful.

Determining the Style and Tone of the Event

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, launching a product, or gathering for a special cause, the event’s ambiance should reflect its core objectives. This involves crafting a cohesive theme and atmosphere that mirrors the heart of the occasion.

For instance, while a formal style of catering, exuding elegance and sophistication, might be apt for a corporate gala, a fun and rustic approach would likely be more fitting for a family reunion outdoors. Themed events, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to immerse guests in a particular setting, from a “Roaring Twenties” soirée to a “Tropical Luau.” Using keywords like elegant, rustic, modern, and sophisticated can serve as compass points in the planning process and help with selecting cuisine, presentation, and surrounding décor accordingly. That way, the food is as pertinent as it is palatable, enhancing the overall event narrative.

Choosing Menu Options and Addressing Special Dietary Requirements

When it comes to curating a memorable event, the flexibility and adaptability of the catering service play a pivotal role. At Merri-Makers, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer many different menu options tailored to the specific needs of our clients and their guests. Recognizing that every event is distinct, our dedicated culinary team is adept at crafting dishes that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

Chicken Provencale, Chicken Forestiere, Shanghai Braised Boneless Short Rib, Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Fire Braised Pork Ribs, Smoked Roast Loin of Pork, Cajun Shrimp, and Pan Seared Atlantic Halibut are just a few of the delicious entrees available from Merri-Makers’ Chefs Market catering menu. Hors d’oeuvres include Premium Scallops Wrapped in Bacon, Beef Wellington Puffs, Clams Casino, and many others. Rick’s Famous Fried Chicken is a fan favorite perfected by Merri-Makers Co-Owner Rick Bott.

Have something else in mind? We will gladly work with you to craft a truly custom menu for your event, because that’s what the best private party catering is all about.

Setting a Budget for Catering Services

Setting a budget is an indispensable step when planning private party events. Not only does it provide a clear framework for the extent and quality of catering services you can comfortably commit to, but it also ensures you get the most value for your budget without overshooting financial constraints.

Of course, the number of guests attending directly impacts the quantity of food needed. The style of catering, whether it’s a lavish sit-down dinner or a more casual buffet setup, also plays a pivotal role in cost considerations. Moreover, specific menu choices, especially if they involve gourmet or specialty dishes, can influence the overall budget. By carefully setting a budget with these factors in mind, you can create a menu that maximizes the offerings without overextending on cost.