One of the most talked about aspects of any event is the food and service. Whether it’s a private, public, or corporate event, any large gathering needs an assortment of snacks and drinks. It’s how you create a hospitable atmosphere and leave your guests with a memorable experience.
When looking for event venues in Los Angeles, it’s essential to choose the right catering style and serving styles that align with the event’s vibe.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a guide to catering styles and tips on selecting the most suitable types of catering for your needs.
Choosing Between Different Catering Styles
According to IBISWorld’s market report, there are approximately 102,000 catering businesses across the U.S. These businesses span various types of catering services, including specialized catering companies, restaurants offering catering styles tailored to different events, hotels with in-house catering, and food industry professionals with an entrepreneurial streak. Each of these brings their own approach to the job. Broadly, all caterers can be put into two main groups: Full-service caterers and limited-service caterers.
- Full-Service Caterers: This is a type of catering style where the caterer handles every food-related aspect of the event. From helping select and set up the venue, preparing a specialized menu and executing it to perfection, and finally remaining on site to clean up afterward, full-service caterers work with their clients every step of the way. The benefits of full-service catering include access to industry expertise, a professional level of service, access to high-quality ingredients, and the freedom to outsource food-related responsibilities for the event.
- Limited-Service Caterers: This catering style takes a more hands-off approach and does not offer the same benefits. In many cases, limited-service caterers only handle food production and service stations, leaving the tasks of setting up the venue, menu planning and arranging for table service to the event organizer.
When hosting an event at banquet halls in Los Angeles, hiring a full-service caterer is worth the price. These types of catering services bring a level of professionalism and elegance that matches the glamorous vibe LA is renowned for.
Four Main Types of Catering Services
There are four catering types to choose from based on the kind of event you’re hosting. Professional caterers ensure that the food and serving styles are perfectly suited to the occasion. This involves planning the menu, arranging the dining area layout, and selecting the type of catering style that complements the event’s atmosphere. For instance, a wedding party might call for live food counters and regular rotations of hors d’oeuvre platters, whereas a birthday celebration could be well-served by an open bar and buffet table.
These four catering types include:
1. Wedding Catering
Wedding catering is one of the most elaborate kinds amongst all types of catering services, which fits given how momentous the occasion is for the clients. Full-service wedding caterers don’t just prepare the food; they also arrange rentals for the dining furniture and tableware, assist with decor and presentation through table arrangements and plating, and coordinate service timings based on the wedding program. From arranging a bespoke cake to ensuring that drinks flow freely for the guests, wedding caterers keep the celebrations going on the big day.
2. Corporate Event Catering
Corporate events call for a more casual and relaxed catering style. These events usually have a stated purpose, such as networking, team-building, or sharing information, and the food, while important, does tend to play a secondary role. Breakfasts and luncheons are popular catering types for these events and influence the kind of food on the menu. Whether the event is held in an office or offsite, corporate caterers should be able to seamlessly execute service in the background while the event continues.
3. Social Event Catering
Social event catering is the broadest among the types of catering services. Social events can range from birthday parties, housewarming parties, and bridal or baby showers to traditional events like quinceaneras and bar or bat mitzvahs. Since the client usually hosts these events for their friends and family, the guest list is smaller, and the food menu is more limited. It is also tailored to match the client’s preferences for the party.
4. Concession Catering
Events that draw large crowds, like music concerts or sports competitions, need catering services that can meet the high demand. This type of catering style usually focuses on speed of service and prioritizing crowd-pleasing menu items.
Setting a Serving Style for Your Caterers
Hiring a catering service in Los Angeles, CA, can transform your event into an elevated dining experience. Professional caterers in LA are highly skilled in food service and can adapt their serving style to meet your expectations. When planning fine dining or table service, you can choose from several elegant styles of dining service.
Plated Service
A formal option where your guests are served individual courses at their tables. This elegant option is perfect for weddings or galas, but requires meticulous planning and can cost more.
Buffet Service
This is a flexible service where guests serve themselves from an array of dishes. It is ideal for casual events or family gatherings but needs ample space for setup.
Cocktail-Style
This involves serving bite-sized appetizers and drinks and encourages mingling. It is great for networking events or receptions. However, it may not satisfy those expecting a full meal.
Food Stations
These live-cooking setups add flair and customization to weddings or themed events. However, they can be costly and space-intensive.
Family-Style Dining
Here, platters are passed around the table, creating a cozy, interactive atmosphere. Best for small, intimate gatherings, though it’s less suitable for events with limited seating.
Top-Notch Full-Service Catering in Los Angeles
Choosing the right catering style for your next event in Los Angeles just got easier. Vivaldi Venues specializes in full-service catering for events of up to 300 guests, offering a seamless dining experience tailored to any occasion. From elegant menus to impeccable service, we ensure every detail reflects your event’s vision. Explore our catering services on the website and find the perfect menu to elevate your next gathering!
One of the most talked about aspects of any event is the food and service. Whether it’s a private, public, or corporate event, any large gathering needs an assortment of snacks and drinks. It’s how you create a hospitable atmosphere and leave your guests with a memorable experience.
When looking for event venues in Los Angeles, it’s essential to choose the right catering style and serving styles that align with the event’s vibe.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a guide to catering styles and tips on selecting the most suitable types of catering for your needs.
Choosing Between Different Catering Styles
According to IBISWorld’s market report, there are approximately 102,000 catering businesses across the U.S. These businesses span various types of catering services, including specialized catering companies, restaurants offering catering styles tailored to different events, hotels with in-house catering, and food industry professionals with an entrepreneurial streak. Each of these brings their own approach to the job. Broadly, all caterers can be put into two main groups: Full-service caterers and limited-service caterers.
- Full-Service Caterers: This is a type of catering style where the caterer handles every food-related aspect of the event. From helping select and set up the venue, preparing a specialized menu and executing it to perfection, and finally remaining on site to clean up afterward, full-service caterers work with their clients every step of the way. The benefits of full-service catering include access to industry expertise, a professional level of service, access to high-quality ingredients, and the freedom to outsource food-related responsibilities for the event.
- Limited-Service Caterers: This catering style takes a more hands-off approach and does not offer the same benefits. In many cases, limited-service caterers only handle food production and service stations, leaving the tasks of setting up the venue, menu planning and arranging for table service to the event organizer.
When hosting an event at banquet halls in Los Angeles, hiring a full-service caterer is worth the price. These types of catering services bring a level of professionalism and elegance that matches the glamorous vibe LA is renowned for.
Four Main Types of Catering Services
There are four catering types to choose from based on the kind of event you’re hosting. Professional caterers ensure that the food and serving styles are perfectly suited to the occasion. This involves planning the menu, arranging the dining area layout, and selecting the type of catering style that complements the event’s atmosphere. For instance, a wedding party might call for live food counters and regular rotations of hors d’oeuvre platters, whereas a birthday celebration could be well-served by an open bar and buffet table.
These four catering types include:
1. Wedding Catering
Wedding catering is one of the most elaborate kinds amongst all types of catering services, which fits given how momentous the occasion is for the clients. Full-service wedding caterers don’t just prepare the food; they also arrange rentals for the dining furniture and tableware, assist with decor and presentation through table arrangements and plating, and coordinate service timings based on the wedding program. From arranging a bespoke cake to ensuring that drinks flow freely for the guests, wedding caterers keep the celebrations going on the big day.
2. Corporate Event Catering
Corporate events call for a more casual and relaxed catering style. These events usually have a stated purpose, such as networking, team-building, or sharing information, and the food, while important, does tend to play a secondary role. Breakfasts and luncheons are popular catering types for these events and influence the kind of food on the menu. Whether the event is held in an office or offsite, corporate caterers should be able to seamlessly execute service in the background while the event continues.
3. Social Event Catering
Social event catering is the broadest among the types of catering services. Social events can range from birthday parties, housewarming parties, and bridal or baby showers to traditional events like quinceaneras and bar or bat mitzvahs. Since the client usually hosts these events for their friends and family, the guest list is smaller, and the food menu is more limited. It is also tailored to match the client’s preferences for the party.
4. Concession Catering
Events that draw large crowds, like music concerts or sports competitions, need catering services that can meet the high demand. This type of catering style usually focuses on speed of service and prioritizing crowd-pleasing menu items.
Setting a Serving Style for Your Caterers
Hiring a catering service in Los Angeles, CA, can transform your event into an elevated dining experience. Professional caterers in LA are highly skilled in food service and can adapt their serving style to meet your expectations. When planning fine dining or table service, you can choose from several elegant styles of dining service.
Plated Service
A formal option where your guests are served individual courses at their tables. This elegant option is perfect for weddings or galas, but requires meticulous planning and can cost more.
Buffet Service
This is a flexible service where guests serve themselves from an array of dishes. It is ideal for casual events or family gatherings but needs ample space for setup.
Cocktail-Style
This involves serving bite-sized appetizers and drinks and encourages mingling. It is great for networking events or receptions. However, it may not satisfy those expecting a full meal.
Food Stations
These live-cooking setups add flair and customization to weddings or themed events. However, they can be costly and space-intensive.
Family-Style Dining
Here, platters are passed around the table, creating a cozy, interactive atmosphere. Best for small, intimate gatherings, though it’s less suitable for events with limited seating.
Top-Notch Full-Service Catering in Los Angeles
Choosing the right catering style for your next event in Los Angeles just got easier. Vivaldi Venues specializes in full-service catering for events of up to 300 guests, offering a seamless dining experience tailored to any occasion. From elegant menus to impeccable service, we ensure every detail reflects your event’s vision. Explore our catering services on the website and find the perfect menu to elevate your next gathering!