Planning an event is no small feat. Whether it’s a birthday bash, corporate gathering, wedding, or community festival, the food you serve can make or break the experience. That’s why choosing the right catering service is essential. But if you’re aiming to create an unforgettable atmosphere—especially for outdoor or family-friendly events—why not go a step further and combine catering with funfair hire services? It’s a perfect recipe for fun, flavour, and fantastic memories. Here’s your guide to choosing the ideal catering service, with some bonus tips on adding a funfair flair.
1. Understand Your Event’s Vibe and Guest List
Before reaching out to caterers, think about the nature of your event. Is it formal or casual? Will it be held indoors or outdoors? Are your guests mostly adults, kids, or a mix of both? A black-tie gala may call for elegant hors d’oeuvres and plated meals, while a backyard carnival-themed birthday party screams for candyfloss, popcorn, and sliders.
If you’re going the funfair route, look for caterers who offer themed menus or are open to working alongside funfair hire companies. Food trucks, street food stations, and fairground-style snacks can fit seamlessly with bouncy castles, carnival games, and even mini Ferris wheels.
2. Research and Review
Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations are gold. Check out testimonials on Google, Facebook, or event planning forums. You’ll want to know if a caterer is punctual, professional, and, most importantly, if their food tastes as good as it looks. If you’re booking a funfair hire service as well, see if they offer bundled packages or partner with specific caterers. Some funfair companies provide their own food stalls—think hot dogs, doughnuts, churros, and ice cream—which can simplify your planning process.
3. Tasting Sessions are a Must
Never commit to a caterer without a tasting. This is your chance to sample their food and get a feel for portion sizes, presentation, and overall quality. A good caterer will also be open to customising the menu to suit your theme. Planning a vintage carnival theme? Ask for food station ideas like a retro burger shack, loaded nachos, or even a pie-eating contest station! Bonus points if your caterer gets excited about creative collaborations with funfair services.
4. Confirm Logistics and Flexibility
Discuss logistics upfront. Will the caterer need access to a kitchen, electricity, or specific setup times? Do they provide staff, tableware, or clean-up services? The more details you confirm early on, the fewer surprises later.
And when combining with funfair hire, coordinate on layout. You don’t want the candyfloss machine blocking the buffet table or the carousel drowning out the wedding speeches!
5. Budget Smartly
Catering can be one of the biggest expenses, but you don’t have to break the bank. Get quotes from multiple providers and compare what’s included. Funfair-themed food options—like pick ‘n’ mix stations or DIY candy bars—can be budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing alternatives to formal meals. Some funfair hire companies also offer all-in-one event solutions, including food, entertainment, and decor, which can help stretch your budget further.
Food fuels your event, but the atmosphere makes it magical. By carefully choosing the right caterer—and creatively incorporating funfair hire services—you can serve up a celebration that delights all ages. Whether you’re handing out gourmet burgers or spinning candyfloss under twinkling lights, remember: great events aren’t just planned, they’re experienced.
