If you’re hosting a corporate event at an event center in McAllen, TX, you’ll probably need a catering service. Use these tips to choose the best one for the job.

• Always Start with Your Budget – You can’t make any planning decisions for your event, including the caterer, until you have a clear budget. Determine how much your company can and wants to spend on venue, catering, decorations, and other event details. After all, you don’t want to waste your time looking at options that you can’t afford. 

• Get a Headcount – Some catering companies specialize in smaller events, while others do large events. Get an approximate headcount for the people you will be serving at the event so you can find a caterer that suits your needs. Plus, if you know how many people will be there, you can also get a better idea of what type of service you want from buffets to plated and more. 

• Pick a Variety of Foods – Catering for corporate events can be tricky as you’ll be serving a lot of different kinds of people with lots of different dietary preferences and needs. Make your event accommodating and exciting by offering a variety of food options. A good caterer will be able to design a menu that works for your event and your needs. Before you choose a service, sit down with each option to see what kinds of foods and menus they can offer. 

• Do You Want a Bar? – While many corporate events do have bars, you don’t necessarily need one. Consider the type of event and the vibe you want to help you make the decision. You can also go over the pros, cons, options, and costs with the various catering services. 

• Consider an Ongoing Relationship – Finding a good caterer can be tough, so instead of finding a new one for every event, consider making an ongoing relationship. Plenty of catering services offer ongoing contracts that guarantee their services for a set number of future events, essentially locking you in so your search is over. Plus, an ongoing relationship between you and your caterer can be a great asset to your business, guaranteeing that any guests for future events will have great food.