If you’re planning an event, you already know catering can make or break the experience. Great food brings people together, sets the tone, and keeps guests happy. But if something goes wrong, such as running out of food or bad timing, it’s what people will remember most. At Southern Bear Catering, we’ve seen it all, and we know how to avoid common issues that can derail an otherwise great event.
In this blog, our full-service catering team will explore what to look out for and how to ensure your guests leave happy and well-fed.
1. Underestimating How Much Food You Need
Few things are worse than running out of food at an event. But overordering isn’t great either—it leads to waste and unnecessary costs.
How to avoid it:
- Get a solid headcount early and plan for a few extra guests, just in case.
- Work with an experienced caterer who can portion for different event styles.
- Consider how many guests might return for seconds if your event has a buffet.
2. Picking the Wrong Catering Style for Your Event
A plated dinner might be perfect for a wedding, but it could feel stuffy at a casual corporate event. On the other hand, a buffet might not work if space is tight or you don’t want long lines forming.
How to avoid it:
- Think about the vibe of your event—is it formal, relaxed, or interactive?
- Consider the flow of your venue. Will people have room to move freely?
- Talk to your caterer about options like buffets, plated meals, food stations, or family-style service.
3. Forgetting About Dietary Restrictions
These days, people have all kinds of dietary needs—gluten-free, vegetarian, nut-allergy, keto, and dairy-free. You don’t want guests stuck with an empty plate because their options weren’t considered.
How to avoid it:
- Ask guests in advance if they have dietary restrictions.
- Work with your caterer to build a menu that includes diverse options.
- Make sure alternative dishes are just as satisfying as the primary selections.
4. Bad Timing = Cold or Rushed Food
Have you ever attended an event where dinner was supposed to start at 7 but wasn’t served until 8:30? Or where food sat out too long and went cold? Poor timing throws off everything, from the mood to the experience.
How to avoid it:
- Have a clear schedule for the event and communicate it with your caterer.
- Ensure there’s enough time for food prep, setup, and service.
- If the venue has a kitchen, confirm it has what your caterer needs to keep food fresh and hot.
5. Overcomplicating the Menu
It’s tempting to go all out with fancy, gourmet options, but if the menu is too complex, it can lead to slow service, higher costs, and food that might not be a hit with all guests.
How to avoid it:
- Keep a balance between crowd-pleasers and unique dishes.
- Stick with items that can be prepped efficiently and served fresh.
- If you want something bold, consider making it an add-on rather than the main event.
6. Not Checking the Venue’s Catering Rules
Some venues have strict policies about outside catering, alcohol service, or how food can be handled. You don’t want to find that out on the day of your event.
How to avoid it:
- Ask your venue about their catering policies before booking.
- Make sure your caterer can work within those rules.
- If the venue lacks a kitchen, confirm that your caterer can bring their setup.
7. Not Having Enough Staff
A well-run event needs the correct number of people behind the scenes. Too few servers, bartenders, or kitchen staff, and you’ll have long waits, empty trays, and frustrated guests.
How to avoid it:
- Work with a full-service Charleston catering company that provides trained staff for setup, serving, and cleanup.
- Ensure your event has enough hands on deck based on guest count and service style.
8. Forgetting About Presentation
Even if the food is delicious, sloppy presentation takes away from the experience. A well-set buffet or beautifully plated dish makes a difference.
How to avoid it:
- Ensure your caterer understands the event’s theme and level of formality.
- Keep serving areas neat and well-organized.
- Consider small details like garnishes, tray arrangements, and table settings.
9. Skipping a Tasting Before Booking
The menu might sound great on paper, but you won’t know if it’s the right fit until you taste it.
How to avoid it:
- Always request a tasting before locking in your menu.
- Use the tasting to refine portion sizes, flavors, and presentation.
- Give feedback so the final menu is precisely what you want.
10. Trying to Do It All Yourself
If you think you can handle the food, the setup, and running the event, think again. Catering is more than just cooking; it’s logistics, timing, and service.
How to avoid it:
- Hire a full-service caterer like Southern Bear Catering to take the pressure off.
- Let professionals handle food prep, serving, and cleanup so you can enjoy the event.
Let Southern Bear Catering Take Care of the Details
At Southern Bear Catering, we know what it takes to pull off a seamless event. We handle everything from the menu to the service, so you don’t have to stress. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private gathering, our Charleston, South Carolina, catering services deliver top-quality food, a professional team, and exceptional service to make your event unforgettable.
Let’s discuss your next special event. Get in touch today, and let’s start planning the perfect menu for your guests, vision, and occasion.
