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You’ve poured so much time, money, and effort into planning other aspects of your event – securing the perfect venue, booking great entertainment, or curating the ideal guest list – that the catering ends up feeling like an afterthought. But here’s the truth: nothing can make or break an event quite like bad food or poor catering planning. From running out of food to failing to accommodate dietary restrictions, even a small oversight can leave guests with a less-than-stellar impression.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common catering mistakes often overlooked, why they matter, and how to avoid them to ensure your event is successful.

1. Underestimating Guest Count

One of the biggest fears of any host is running out of food – and for good reason. This mistake can leave guests disappointed and the host embarrassed. Not preparing enough food means some people will miss out, and no one wants to be known as “the host that ran out of food.”

How to Avoid This Easily:

Extra Servings Save the Day: Preparing a little extra now means fewer worries later!

Speak with your caterers about portion sizes and ensure there’s a buffer for any unexpected guests. For example, if you’re expecting 50 attendees, plan for at least 55 servings. This minor adjustment guarantees that every guest is satisfied.

2. Ignoring Special Dietary Considerations

We all have a few guests with dietary preferences that differ from the majority. Whether they have allergies or restrictions or simply follow a specific diet, it’s essential to consider these when planning the menu. It’s one of the significant aspects where hosts often falter, leading to unhappy guests and a less-than-perfect event.

Easy Steps to Prevent This from Happening:

Gather dietary information in advance. Create a variety-filled menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free choices. Inclusive options not only accommodate everyone’s needs but also show that care has been taken to make all guests feel valued.

3. Inadequate Menu Preparation

A menu is the centrepiece of any event, and getting it just right is essential. A lack of thoughtfully designed menus can quickly turn excitement into dissatisfaction. Too many heavy dishes? Guests may leave feeling stuffed and uninspired. Not enough variety? Attendees might find it hard to choose something they genuinely enjoy.

Here’s How You Can Plan Your Menu:

Focus on balanced menu planning with a mix of appetisers, mains, sides, and desserts. Incorporate a variety of flavours and textures while offering something for everyone. Don’t forget to consider cultural preferences if relevant to your audience. A thoughtfully crafted menu is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

4. Lack of Effective Communication with Caterers

There have been many times when an event planner and caterer have had a misunderstanding due to poor communication. From incorrect orders to missed deadlines, unclear communication can lead to many issues that disrupt workflow and create unnecessary stress. Misunderstandings can result in wasted time, frustrated team members, and a breakdown in trust, ultimately impacting overall productivity and success. 

Key Actions for Smoother Communication with Your Caterer:

Keep clear, consistent communication with your caterers—share guest counts, dietary needs, and timelines. Regular updates and a shared checklist keep everyone aligned. Remember, your caterers want your event to succeed as much as you do, so keeping the dialogue open is key.

5. Last Minute Changes

Unexpected changes, whether in guest count or menu preferences, can wreak havoc if not managed properly. For instance, adding ten extra guests a day before the event can overwhelm the catering team and risk delays in service.

How to Deal with Sudden Changes Smoothly:

The best way to handle changes is to build flexibility into your plan. Choose the expert team that can handle last-minute requests and include a small buffer for unexpected additions. Communicate updates early- the sooner your caterer knows, the better they can adjust without affecting service quality.

6. Disregarding Post-Event Feedback

The event may be over, but the opportunity to learn and improve never ends. Ignoring feedback from guests or caterers means losing valuable insight into what worked and what didn’t. 

It’s Easy to Avoid This Minor Hit:

When you’re ready to upgrade your event’s catering experience, consider contacting Camberwell Curry House. Known for its Indian and Nepalese cuisine in Melbourne, we specialise in crafting events tailored to individual tastes and styles. From weddings to corporate gatherings, our team provides customisable catering solutions designed to delight every guest.

Don’t leave your catering to chance. Book exceptional catering services with Camberwell Curry House today!