Tips for Graduation Party Catering

When you first sit down to plan a graduation party, it’s an exciting time where you have all sorts of ideas for decorations, food, and location. After just a few minutes, you realize just how much is necessary for putting together a graduation party, even if it’s only going to feature close family members.

Will you need to get special decorations printed up or can you use store-bought items? Do you have the budget for a live band or is a DJ the way to go? Perhaps your budget is about as big as a mix tape of recent songs from the radio. And the meal… the food you choose is definitely one of the most important parts of the celebration.graduation party trays

Here’s a list of questions you’ll want to ask yourself as you begin planning the catering menu for your graduation party.

How Many People are Attending?

The size of the gathering impacts the amount of food you need to buy, but it may also influence the type of food you buy. You may choose a very different menu if everyone at the graduation party will fit at a single table versus a party that might require your entire backyard and several tables and chairs.

Additionally, your budget may also influence the menu you choose. If you want to include as many people as possible in your graduation gathering but aren’t working with a limitless budget, you can reduce costs by serving appetizers and snacks to your guests. Your catering company can work with you to create a fun menu of delicious treats that won’t break the bank.


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Here are a few pieces of advice to follow when deciding on how much food to order.

Don’t get conservative with estimates.

If you think you’ll have somewhere between 20 and 25 attendees, get enough food for 25. Don’t assume people won’t show up for the gathering and get caught without enough on the buffet table.

Let’s face it: if there’s a place where you want to spend more money than not, it’s on the food! Guests are happy when they’re full and can enjoy the gathering without wondering “when is the food coming out?”

graduation party cheese trayChoose a few filling items from the menu.

Some foods are quite filling and rich, and they’ll make you want to sit down and relax for the rest of the day. Other foods are just a little snack and leave you wanting more.

You might a few bowls of nuts and pretzels amidst the catered dishes to fill bellies during the party, especially if you’re hosting a cocktail party for your college graduate. Trays of sliced meat and cheese are also deliciously filling.

Don’t forget guests with allergies.

Some of your guests might have dietary restrictions due to allergies, others may practice a faith that requires adhering to a particular diet, and other guests may choose to eat a certain way because of personal dietary choices.

If your gathering is large enough that you aren’t personally familiar with each guest’s dietary restrictions, provide a variety of food items to satisfy as many tastes as possible. Even if you just include one or two side dishes for someone who’s a vegetarian or who’s diabetic, they’ll thank you for the consideration.

Mix the textures of food to improve satiety.

As you choose your food selections from your bakery in Dallas, you’ll want to try different textures and colors of food, and you may want to consider hot and cold options. For example, if you’re concentrating on desserts for your guests, make sure you choose a variety of different treats.

You might choose carrot cake and some plain cheesecake for the soft, sugary desserts alongside some trays of freshly baked cookies for something a little crunchy. You can also provide some fresh fruit trays for your guests who are looking to keep their figures trim.

Don’t Stress: Good Food will Do the Rest

Spend time with your catering company to choose your menu with care, and you’ll be able to give guests an enjoyable experience without stressing over features like decorations, the venue, and the scheduling.

As George Bernard Shaw once said:

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.”

Give your guests an unforgettable and delicious meal or buffet as they celebrate the accomplishments of your graduate.