Organizing a caterer for a premium event is rarely straightforward. Guests expect only the best, while tight budgets don’t allow too much flexibility.

However, with some foresight and a solid understanding of how catering companies work, planners can find a deal that works best and ensure everyone is satisfied.

Where should you begin? In this article, we’ll talk about one major distinction that often confuses planners when researching their choice of catering service in Glendale, CA — full-service vs traditional catering services.

It’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in.

Understanding Traditional Catering vs Full-Service Catering

On the face of it, both services sound similar, but in reality, they couldn’t be more distinct. Each has its own set of pros and cons and is ideal for different events.

To assess which meets your requirements, let’s look at the key differences between full-service catering and traditional catering.

Full-Service Catering Versus Standard Catering: Scope

A standard catering company takes on a less hands-on approach to event planning. They may prepare the food and send it over, but that’s usually the extent of their involvement.

In fact, one common service is called “drop-off catering.” In this case, the caterer is only responsible for sending the food and leaves the rest to you. Another popular example is the buffet — where guests, naturally, are expected to serve themselves.

Full-service catering, on the other hand, takes a more comprehensive approach. The catering company will usually deploy its own staff to look after every aspect of food and drink at the event — including setting up tables, designing menus, serving guests, and cleaning up once it’s all done.

As a result, one of the major benefits of full-service vs traditional catering services is that they take on a more prominent role in your planning. Not only do full-service catering companies ensure the food is appetizing and the drinks are kept flowing — but they also ensure that guests’ needs are addressed once they enter a venue.

Full-Service Catering Versus Standard Catering: Cost

Another major difference between traditional vs full-service catering is cost.

Now, it’s fair to assume that a full-service package tends to cost more than standard catering, but the extent of this depends on the occasion as well.

If you’re hosting an intimate gathering where guests won’t mind serving themselves, traditional catering is cost-efficient. However, if you’re booking out a huge corporate event venue, the benefits a full-service package offers outweigh the additional costs.

The Cost of Full-Service Catering Versus Standard Catering

Full-Service Catering Versus Standard Catering: Add-On Services

What does this increased cost get you?

Let’s consider the add-on services that come with either option. When opting for full-service vs traditional catering services, you may also get:

  • Help planning table set-ups to maximize space
  • Food prepared and served by trained professionals
  • Post-event clean-up services
  • Customized menus
  • Floral arrangements and other decor

On the other hand, a traditional caterer focuses more on:

  • Expertise in food preparation
  • Packaging food to last for extended periods
  • Efficient and prompt delivery mechanisms

Full-Service Catering Versus Standard Catering: Flexibility

When it comes to flexibility, event planners overwhelmingly prefer full-service vs traditional catering services. Why? Because it is so much easier to customize.

You can choose between a plated sit-down dinner or a buffet-style option. Menus are planned and designed with dietary requirements in mind. Premium cocktails are crafted to keep within a theme, and layouts are arranged to maximize floor space.

Moreover, having access to an army of trained staff gives you much more agility as a planner since you can adapt to changing demands on the fly.

Full-Service Catering Versus Standard Catering: Guest Satisfaction

Organizing a dinner for 20 people alone is hard enough, let alone an event of over 200 guests. Any delays in serving food or drinks can make guests unhappy — bringing down the mood at your event significantly.

Of course, for more intimate gatherings — like birthdays or get-togethers — where guests are more willing to chip in, a self-serving buffet may not be a bad option.

However, if you’re, say, organizing a wedding at a banquet hall in Glendale, a “drop-off” option leaves you with a lot of additional stress. With a full-service caterer, you can forget the stress and simply focus on making sure everyone has a good time.

Full-Service Catering Versus Standard Catering for Guest

Which Option Is Right For You?

At the end of the day, both traditional and full-service catering have something to offer. Let’s look at some areas where one has the upper hand over the other.

Pros of Full Service Catering vs Traditional Catering

  • Additional staff to help out with decor, organization, and clean-up
  • Food can be served to guests with fixed or variable menus
  • The presence of trained chefs and bartenders elevates customer experience
  • Suitable for larger gatherings, such as corporate events or at wedding venues in Glendale

Pros of Traditional Catering vs Full-Service Catering

  • Easier to manage for small gatherings
  • It may be more cost-effective depending on the gathering
  • Gives you more control over when and how to serve food and drinks
  • Expert food preparation, prompt delivery, and suitable package

As you can see, in most cases, the benefits of full-service catering outweigh those of traditional catering. So, unless you’re planning an intimate gathering or prefer to take charge of set up and service, we recommend the more comprehensive solution.

Experience Full-Service Catering at Vivaldi Venues

In 2023, a study confirmed what event planners already suspected — food and beverage is by far the biggest expense across business events and weddings. At Vivaldi Venues, our goal is to help you find a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on quality.

So, apart from our premium venues in Glendale, which host events with up to 500 guests, we offer a comprehensive full-catering solution. Our expert chefs and bartenders create customized menus, while our service and clean-up staff are always on call.

To learn more about how to have a memorable event or the price differences between full-service catering and traditional catering, get in touch today.