Catering in New Jersey

How to make the most of New Jersey catering services
By Lorri Mealey, Owner The Boiler Room Restaurant Catering in New Jersey offers plenty of options, from informal barbecues to lavish black tie weddings. Planning a formal event from start to finish without a caterer be a daunting task. What type of menu or theme should you have. Where should the event be held? Luckily New Jersey is home to a bevy of catering companies as well as catering and banquet halls.
 

A caterer can be your best resource when planning an event. After all, it is their business. Many caterers provide services beyond cooking and serving food. They can walk you through the entire event planning process. As you plan your event, you may need to do one or all of the following:

1. Consider locating a catering hall in New Jersey.

2. Determine the type of New Jersey catering services would best suit your event.

3. Hire a New Jersey caterer that is also able to provide event planning services.

Find catering halls in New Jersey

Finding the right catering hall in New Jersey is almost as important as choosing the menu. A catering hall should comfortably hold all of your guests. When you are looking at potential venues, ask what the maximum capacity is. Never try to squeeze people into a room that is too small. On the other hand, make sure the room isn't too big for your party. Twenty people in a room that accommodates 100 is going to feel cavernous.
Try: One of the most popular places for formal events in New Jersey, both personal and corporate, is the Lakewood Country Club. Built around a lush golf course, the banquet hall at the Lakewood is ideal for an employee appreciation luncheon as well as an elegant evening wedding. The Salt Creek Grille with two locations in Princeton and Rumson, New Jersey, is another elegant venue, perfect for large catered events.

Decide if you want specialized New Jersey catering services

Catering in New Jersey includes a myriad of different types of foods, ranging from Italian food catering companies to BBQ catering in NJ. Perhaps you would like a clambake for your company picnic or a special kosher meal for your Jewish employees. There are many different catering businesses in NJ that offer specialty menus and themes.
Try: Shore Catering offers seafood themed menus, ideal for a company picnic or luncheon. Creative Catering offers authentic barbecue as well as a variety of other menu items. Find a list of New Jersey catering companies at the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Kill two birds with one stone using New Jersey catering services

Many caterers double as event planners. They take care of all the details, large and small of your event. They can help you select centerpieces, the color of the napkins, and the room set up. They also act a liaison between you and the rest of the vendors, such as the DJ or florist. It's one stop shopping that can simplify your life and allow you to enjoy your event with fewer headaches.
Try: Main Street Catering out of Princeton, NJ, specializes in corporate affairs and events. It offers full event planning services. Caterina Catering in Bellmawr, NJ, is another catering company that also offers event planning.

• A catering service, NJ or otherwise, should meet your event needs and provide solutions, not problems. Steer clear of inflexible, high-maintenance caterers.
• Don't be afraid to haggle when looking for catering in New Jersey. NJ caterer's will often cut prices to give you the best bid. This is one of the best ways to find affordable catering services in NJ.