13 Instances When You Know You Need Caterers in Bergen County NJ
Whether a birthday is coming up or you are planning your rehearsal dinner, caterers in Bergen County NJ is not an option; it is a must.
Not only does it leave you with one less task to do—no cooking, serving food, or washing the dishes—but it communicates that the event and your guests are important. That being said, read on to learn when you could benefit from using caterers in Bergen County NJ.
In this article, you will learn:
- What to look for when choosing a catering company
- Common catering events
- And more…
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #1. When It Comes to Your Wedding, it is All About the Food
Your wedding is one of the most memorable and special events of your life. It is something you and your significant other will fondly look back on.
That being said, the last thing you want to do is worry about cooking the food, serving it and washing the dishes. This is where catering comes in. According to The Knot, the average cost for a wedding is about $31,213, with the reception costing 48% to 50%.[1]
Doing the math, this comes out to $15,000 give or take. With part of that $15,000 going to the catering, you know you don’t want to just choose your menu on a whim.
Take some time and talk with your event planner about food options. Especially take into consideration your guests’ diet restrictions. You may want to ask your guests when they RSVP to your wedding to write down any food sensitivities they have: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-intolerant, lactose intolerant.
That way, you can plan these meals in advance and be able to accommodate your guests.
Another catering factor to consider is the theme. If you are having a beach wedding, you may want the catering to match that style—perhaps salmon and wild rice?
If you do want your food to go with your theme, it is best to contact the caterer and discuss menu options.
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #2. Celebrating Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs
Your son has just turned 13. You want to host a Bat Mitzvah to celebrate his transition from boy to man. Your son has been practicing the Torah passages, preparing for this day.
After your family and friends leave the synagogue, you want to go to a restaurant that offers a variety of food to accommodate your guests. That way, everyone can sit back, relax, and enjoy this day. This is when catering becomes a priority.
Depending on how religious you and your guests are, you may want to provide kosher options. You might want to run this by your caterer; it is important that the catering company understands that kosher food is not just the food itself but how it is prepared.
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #3. Starting Retirement with a Party
You have worked hard for decades on end. Now that you have reached a certain age, you are ready to go into retirement. Retirement is one of those huge milestones that is worth celebrating.
You are not only exiting the workforce but you are entering a new stage of your life. To make the most of your new retirement, why not throw a party with your family, friends, and coworkers?
This is yet another instance where catering is only a plus. What makes a retirement party stand out is that, unlike a wedding, traditionally you have more flexibility with how casual or formal you want to make it.
Yes, you could simply have an after-work party where coworkers show up and celebrate in work attire and celebrate over drinks and appetizers. Or, you could plan your party several weeks in advance and take the more formal route, where guests show up in formal-casual attire and there are appetizers, entrees, and dessert.
No matter what route you take, catering is always an option. Since it is a special event, you still want to call up the catering company and plan the meal choices in advance. That way, it gives the catering company enough time to prepare and have the food ready before the event.
If you do plan to have your retirement party after work, you may want to go heavier on the appetizers and rent out a room. That will give coworkers an opportunity to stop by whenever they get off work, have some appetizers and casually make an exit.
If you are concerned with food, you could always send an e-invite, getting a head count of how many coworkers plan on staying for the entrée course.
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #4. Having a Business Party
It is the end of the year. You are excited and proud of your sales team. They not only hit their numbers but well over exceeded them. To show them how appreciated the company is of their work and to recognize their hard work, you want to give them a business party.
Should you do catering? Should you not? Would taking them to a restaurant where they can select their own meals be enough?
It depends on a number for factors. For one, what is the business budget? Contrary to what some may think, you could get a deal on catering services—especially if you bundle it with another service. (Of course, it depends on the restaurant. But it does not hurt to ask.)
Also, what event are you celebrating? If the company has a limited budget and what is being celebrated is not as big, perhaps rewarding your employees with a half-day off or small gifts would suffice.
Then for that end of year celebration, you can treat your coworkers to a nice catered meal. Speaking of which, catering communicates luxury. It shows that you value your employees and what they do for your company.
Employee Recognition Matters
According to The Balance, often times, employees do not get recognized enough.[2] Throwing them a party with catering is a way to show your employees you care and give them that recognition they deserve.
You can also use this event as a platform to highlight and incentivize top performers while encouraging other coworkers to follow their lead.
Besides this, consistent employee recognition can help decrease employee turnover, which on the long run can help the company save money, not needing to allot time and resources training new employees.
All in all, catering is the cherry on top, one more way to show coworkers that they matter.
Caterers in Bergan County NJ #5. Having That Rehearsal Dinner
Congratulations! You and your significant other are about to cross that next milestone together. While many may consider the wedding to be the big event (which it is), the rehearsal dinner is just as important.
The rehearsal dinner is a time to thank friends and family for their continual support. Why not do this with a catered meal?
Even if you have a small wedding party, a catered meal shows that you appreciate them and are willing to put in the extra effort. Unlike the wedding reception, you may be able to schedule the wedding rehearsal (depending on how big your party is) only a couple week in advance.
However, if you have a long guest list and expect a large turnout for your wedding rehearsal, it is best to play it safe and schedule it at least a month (if not more) before the event.
As mentioned earlier, this will allow the caterers to prepare the meals and have everything ready before your party arrives.
(Along those lines, read “7 Red Flags When Looking for a Rehearsal Dinner Bergen County NJ.”)
Caterers in Bergan County NJ #6. Enjoying Being with Friends and Family
You love your friends and family, and want to show them that you care. Why not do this by having a catered meal together? The truth is, you don’t have to have a special occasion for this to happen.
Especially if it is a smaller party, you may even be able to afford planning the event only a week in advance. (However, depending on how popular the catering company is, it may be better to call in and make your reservation a couple weeks prior.)
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #7. Celebrating a Birthday Party
Let’s face it; birthday parties are a time to not just celebrate that individual’s age but to show them how much they mean to us.
While certain birthdays, you may just have a small birthday with family. On other birthdays—especially big milestones (i.e. 18, 21, 30…), it may be worth to have a larger celebration that includes catering services.
The truth is, as mentioned these are milestone birthdays. For some, they may elicit excitement—or some may simply treat them as just another birthday. For others, it brings out fear and dread; it signals the passage of time.[3]
Perhaps this is even more reason to celebrate, to show that these big markers are not something to be afraid of but to celebrate and start that birthday year off with a bang.
Catering can do this. It is that extra touch that will make your birthday that much more special. Even if you are on the fence about your birthday and would rather be at home, we encourage that especially during these big years that you have a party.
If you are not comfortable planning your party, why not turn to a friend or family member for help? If you are that friend or family member who knows that individual does not like birthday celebrations, especially milestone birthdays, it could be even more reason to celebrate.
(However, you may want to keep the individual in mind; he or she may not mind a small celebration but could be uncomfortable with a larger celebration. In which case, it may be best to stick to the smaller party.)
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #8. The Holidays Are Coming Up
That time of year is almost here. Whether you want to use this time to celebrate and thank your employees or you want to do some pre-holiday celebration with family and friends, having a catered meal could kick the holidays off.
You could choose a more holiday-esque menu—think mash potatoes, steak, and green beans. Or why not talk with your party beforehand to get a sense of what they want? This will not only make them feel included but you will know they are eating food they like.
Besides pre-holiday catering, you could also have catering at your holiday party. Catering adds that extra touch, making the event that much more special.
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #9. Holding a Graduation Party?
You have just graduated college. This celebration not only is about the milestone you just crossed but recognizes how much effort you put in. You have worked for four years, staying up late nights studying and early morning attending lecture. Now, is your time to celebrate your hard work and the next steps forward.
Catering can really help show just how important this moment is. Similar to other milestone special events (other than weddings), you can get away with being casual or go more formal. Catering can work for either.
Also, know that you can always contact the catering company to see what meal recommendations they recommend that will help commemorate this special milestone. If you it is a themed graduation party, you can always incorporate that into the meal choice.
Or, since the event is all about the graduate, why not serve the graduate’s favorite foods? (At the same time, it may be worth having some vegetarian/vegan and dairy-free meal options for guests who have dietary restrictions.)
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #10. You Just Got Promoted
Similar to graduating college, you have consistently put work and hard effort in to your job. Your boss has seen it and has rewarded you with a job promotion. Not only do you get a new title but a pay raise as well! First and foremost, congratulations.
It is not every day that this happens. For that reason, why not celebrate this accomplishment by having a catered meal?
The truth is, catered meals don’t have to just be for the stereotypical special events—weddings and birthdays. And, it there doesn’t have to be a large number of guests for it to be special.
In which case, why not make the cool and book that reservation?
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #11. Renewing Your Vows
Often times, there is a big focus on the wedding. But what about ten, twenty, or even thirty years after?
The truth is, being committed to one another for that period of time is a huge accomplishment and, as The Knot states, renewing your vows is a way to reaffirm your commitment to one another and show to everyone that would do everything all over again.[4]
While you are not required to invite or have attendees, it may add to your vow renewal if you do so. The Knot goes on to say that you could even have the same bridesmaids and groomsmen that you had for your wedding.[5]
And, the bride has the option of wearing her wedding gown—even though The Knot recommends that she leave out the veil.[6]
Overall, veil or no veil, groomsmen and bridesmaids or no groomsmen or bridesmaids, wedding gown or cocktail dress, why not have a reception after you renew your vows.
Doing so will communicate to you that, while this is not your wedding, it is just as important. And, having catering at your reception will make it that much more formal and beautiful.
While with weddings, the menu may be more formal; with your vow renewal, (traditionally speaking) you can have more flexibility. You can have a brunch, lunch, or dinner menu options, not to mention keep the meal options casual—even tacos, appetizers, you name it.
No matter what you end up deciding on, like any other special event, be sure to plan your menu with the caterer in advance. And, you can always follow up a few weeks before your vow renewal reception to make sure there are no communication issues.
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #12. Celebrating Your Anniversary
Similar to vow renewals, wedding anniversaries, while not your wedding, are just as important. Particularly, your 50th wedding anniversary is a huge milestone that many celebrate with catering and a party.
Like with your vow renewals, you could have similar food selections as you did for your wedding. Or perhaps go on the casual side, having a buffet style so guests have multiple options of what to eat.
Caterers in Bergen County NJ #13. Baby Shower, Bridal Shower, or Bachelor or Bachelorette Party?
Are you about to celebrate a baby shower? Or are you about to get married in which case your bridal shower may be coming up? What about your bachelor or bachelorette party?
In which case, why don’t you consider doing catering to make it that much more special?
Often times these parties may be on the smaller side compared to say a wedding but that does not mean planning and preparation gets to fall by the wayside.
That being said, weeks to months in advance, contact that catering company to prepare your meal. In doing so, one less task is on your list.
Caterers in Bergen County NJ: Final Thoughts
Hopefully by now you have come to realize that no matter what special event it is, catering adds that special touch. At the end of the day, you don’t want to have to worry about cook, serving and cleaning up the food—especially when it comes to milestone celebrations.
This is where catering companies come in. Overall, when are looking for catering companies, be sure to go by word of mouth as well as look up online reviews (discarding those with too many negative reviews and all positive reviews).
And, be sure that the catering company is complicit with the FDA and has a track record for delivering healthy, high quality food.
What has your catering experience been like? Would you recommend catering for special events? Would you choose the same catering company? Be sure to leave a comment in the comments section below.
Cateres in Bergen County NJ: Summary
- When planning your wedding, it is all about the food
- Be sure to communicate your menu wants and needs months in advance
- Also, keep dietary restrictions in mind so you can accommodate your guests
- For Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs, make sure that the catering company knows what kosher food is and how to prepare it
- Make your business party that much more special by having catering; doing so can communicate that you value your employees and can tell they have been working hard
- For retirement parties, you may want to have more appetizers to accommodate guests who have just gotten off of work and are stopping by
- Celebrating big birthday milestones does not have to be a drag; for those who lament the passing of time, catering could be that extra special step that communicates to them this is a time for celebration, not lamentation
- Often times we focus on the wedding and forget the just as important special events (i.e. vow renewals and wedding anniversaries); having catering for such events communicates their importance
- Bridal and baby showers, as well as bachelor and bachelorette parties are fun events where catering allows guests to focus on the fun and not worry about food preparation or dishes
- In general, when it comes to catering, be on the lookout for a catering company that delivers high quality food and has a track record of being complicit with the FDA
- Read reviews and go by word of mouth
For more information about special events and caterers in Bergen County NJ, be sure to contact The Brick House! And, while you are at it, read our blog for more information about special events.
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[1] The Knot: Wedding Budget 101
[2] The Balance: The Power of Positive Employee Recognition
[3] USA Today: Milestone Birthdays Worth Celebrating, Not Lamenting
[4] The Knot: How to Renew Your Wedding Vows
[5] The Knot: How to Renew Your Wedding Vows
[6] The Knot: How to Renew Your Wedding Vows
