Learn About the Different Types of Event Catering Services

The right type of seating and catering service in hotels with conference rooms is crucial to creating the perfect atmosphere and impressing guests. When done correctly, different seating styles and types of catering services can help create a lively event where people get to know each other in a comfortable environment. They can help build rapport and team spirit at corporate lunches and dinners and allow families and friends to bond closely at weddings and anniversary parties.

When planning an event, the hosts should meet with the chef well beforehand to discuss the menu and ensure that any dietary restrictions are accommodated. You should also meet with the head of the F&B department who will be responsible for directing the meal service, and let them know of any special requests and the timing for service during the event.

Choose The Right Types of Catering Services

The four most popular types of seating arrangements and catering styles suit a variety of parties, dinners, meetings and events. They’ve become standards in the hospitality industry and are offered in every hotel.
The four most popular types of catering services are:

Banquet-Style Catering

Banquet-style catering is ideal for formal and ceremonial events that ooze elegance and sophistication. Guests are seated at designated circular tables that usually hold ten people. The meals are served in courses, with each dish presented sequentially and often paired with different wines. This type of seating and service style is suitable for formal weddings, corporate gala dinners, and awards dinners.

The hosts are often offered a sample dinner beforehand to ensure that everyone is satisfied with the cuisine, the place settings, the decorations, the wines, and the serving order of the different courses.

Chinese-Style Round Table Catering

Chinese-style round-table catering is a popular choice in Bangkok. It features a set menu served on a circular table seating ten to twelve people. The table usually has a lazy susan-type turntable in the middle, and multiple dishes are placed on the turntable and shared by the guests. This makes for a lively meal and fosters camaraderie and conversation among the guests.

This type of catering service is a must-have for Chinese weddings. It’s also a popular choice for more casual corporate dinners and awards dinners.

Cocktail-Style Catering

Cocktail-style catering is perfect for casual and informal gatherings as it encourages mingling and socializing. The servers circulate among the guests, carrying trays of canapes and bite-size morsels of well-presented food while others carry trays of beverages. Guests can freely select and enjoy appetizers and finger foods while chatting.

This type of catering service with no arranged seating works particularly well for corporate networking events. It encourages impromptu “meet and greets” and casual introductions over a bite and a drink. Small, high cocktail tables are positioned around the venue to serve as resting places for plates and glasses and as gathering places for guests.

Buffet-Style Catering

Buffet-style catering is well-suited for events with a large number of guests, offering convenience and efficiency. Guests can choose from a variety of dishes, including both savory and sweet options, as well as beverages.

The hosts can have a hand in designing the layout of the room. Some events work better by dividing the serving stations into two areas on either side of the venue, while some hosts prefer a number of serving stations scattered around the venue serving a different type of food at each station, for example, a salad station, carving station, dessert station, and so on.

Choosing a Catering Style

A couple of factors can help guide you in choosing catering services.

Formality of the Event

The formality of your event should be your prime guiding factor. You want the seating and catering style to suit the event and provide the most enjoyment for your guests. While banquet-style catering may delight guests who are expecting an exquisite dinner, it may seem uncomfortable for corporate guests who are more interested in visiting different tables and meeting a variety of people.

Consideration for the Attendees

Ensure your guests will feel comfortable with your choice of hotel meeting room. Choose a venue and a table layout that suits the number of guests you’ve invited and the catering service. A venue that’s too small or too large simply makes everyone feel uncomfortable. Also, it’s wise to choose a venue that all your guests can easily get to and from on the day of the event.

Choose an Experienced Hotel

Another key to creating memorable experiences for important guests is to choose an experienced hotel to help you stage a successful event. A skilled and professional team can help make the event run smoother and allow you to relax and enjoy yourself.

Choose Riverine Place Hotel & Residences for your next event. We offer comprehensive amenities, expert catering services, and a variety of banquet halls with a birds-eye view of the Chao Phraya River. Easy access and the ideal venue will ensure your event is perfect. Get in touch with us for more information about our event and catering services.