Event catering: a guide for pros
What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.
Offering event catering
You plan, prepare and serve food for events, from small parties to large receptions. Clients want food that is well made, served on time and handled safely from the kitchen to the last plate.
What customers ask
- Can you cater for guests with allergies and mixed diets?
- What is your food safety plan for hot and cold food?
- How much food will you prepare for my guest count?
- Do you provide the serving pieces, linens and staff?
- What happens to the leftovers?
How to win the job
- On the first call, ask for the guest count, the event time, the service style, the budget and the dietary needs
- Offer a tasting or send a sample menu with the portions and the dishes for each course
- Show your food safety plan in writing, including how you hold hot and cold food and label allergens
- Put in the quote the menu, the portions, the staff hours, the equipment and the setup and cleanup times
- Confirm the kitchen you cook in and the permits that apply to that kitchen
- Build a buffer into the portion count and say how you will handle extra guests
- Name the person on the day who manages the service and the timing
What to put on your profile
- Post photos of the food you serve, with the service style shown
- List the cuisines and service styles you offer, such as buffet, plated and stations
- Show your staffing options and the equipment you provide
- Describe your dietary options and how you keep allergens separate
- Add your permits and food handler certification status, described accurately
Follow-up that helps the customer
- Offer a leftover plan the host can use for the next day
- Suggest a tasting for the host's next event
- Recommend a menu for a family meal or a holiday gathering
- Share a short guide on serving food safely at home gatherings
Licenses and permits
Food businesses commonly need a health permit or a food handler card from the local office that oversees food safety, and the kitchen you cook in may need its own approval. Caterers may also need a business license. Keep your permits and staff cards on file and check the rules for each place you serve.
Questions
Do I need a permit to cater from a home kitchen?
Food businesses commonly need a health permit or a food handler card from the local office that oversees food safety. Ask that office whether a home kitchen can be used for your work, and whether a commercial kitchen is required.
How do I handle a guest who has a severe allergy?
Confirm the allergy in writing, keep that food separate in preparation and service, and label it clearly. Tell the host what you can and cannot guarantee.
What if the event runs long?
Agree on the hours and the extra time charge in the contract before the event. Keep the food safe while service continues.
About this guide
This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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