There’s no place like New York City for hosting a special event. The city’s dynamic events industry is a reflection of the amazing people and organizations that call New York home. Special events in NYC benefit from access to amazing venues, world-class service providers, and of course—fabulous food!
In New York, there are countless top-notch special events catering services to choose from. However, sorting through your options can be overwhelming. From a long list of caterers, it’s not easy to tell at first glance which ones might be a good fit for your needs.
If you’re planning a catered affair in New York, we’re here to help you understand what makes the best services stand out. In the sections below, we’ll step through the attributes you should look for in a great catering service. When you discuss your event with a caterer, use the criteria below to make sure they have what it takes to help you throw a memorable party.
What to Look for in a Special Event Catering Service
Choose a catering service that cares about your special event just as much as you do. Here are a few traits to look for to find your ideal caterer.
Top-Quality Food
Delicious, beautifully presented food is a must-have for any special event. However, getting the food “just right” is complicated and requires an expert touch. High-quality catering takes every variable into account, including:
- High-quality ingredients and dish preparation
- Menu options to fit any occasion
- Appropriately timing food and drink service
- Accounting for allergies and other dietary restrictions
- Managing food temperature
The best caterers bring expertise and experience to every job, helping clients choose the perfect dishes for any occasion.
Creative Options for Your Event Type
The most common catered events include:
- Weddings
- Corporate events
- Reunions
- Private parties (bridal showers, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthday parties)
The best caterers have experience with all of these events and have a custom approach for each one. They can recommend dishes and prepare beautiful spreads that perfectly match the event’s feel.
Custom Menu Options to Match Your Event’s Theme
Every special event is unique, and the food should be too. The catering should be tailored to perfectly match the event type, the needs of the guests, and the intended vibe and energy of the party.
Some events are planned around a theme, such as holiday parties or casino nights. Experienced caterers can prepare foods that perfectly complement a theme. Ethnic foods, seasonal fare, or dishes associated with certain groups or activities should all be available for your special event.
Value for the Money
High-quality event catering isn’t cheap. For example, wedding planning typically devotes around 28% of the total budget toward catering costs.
While catering is a major expense, food for special events comes in many forms at a wide range of price points. For example, buffet-style catering is typically lower-priced than sit-down meals. Deciding whether or not to serve alcohol is another choice with a major impact on price.
Sometimes, the most creative options also happen to be reasonably priced. For example, food truck rentals are a fun way to simplify the catering process while providing a fun, unique experience for guests.
Whether your party calls for fancy sit-down meals or a more casual dining experience, the important thing is that you get great value for the price you pay. To make the most of your catering budget, it’s helpful to compare different vendors, read reviews, and discuss different price tiers with caterers.
The Benefits of Working with Professional Event Planners and Caterers
Working with a professional catering team means not having to compromise on your food & drink goals for your event. It means not having to worry about whether or not your food will taste great, look beautiful, and mesh seamlessly with every other aspect of your party.
If catering is just one of your event planning needs, consider partnering with a full-service event team that handles party planning, catering, and other essentials like photography and theme development. Along with delicious food, you’ll enjoy catering that perfectly fits the look and feel of your event.
Partner with Award-Winning Chefs for Your Next Catered Event
Are you planning a special event in New York City? CoCo Events would love to be a part of it! For over 25 years, we’ve provided event planning and catering services for weddings, corporate events, and parties. Thanks to our wealth of experience, we’re equipped to customize our services to turn your event vision into a reality.
For your next wedding, holiday party, corporate function, or other event, work with Coco Events. Contact our team today to request a quote for your special event.