Service and Staff at an Event
The misconception:
“Staffing isn’t a factor I should consider when shopping for a caterer.”
What we've experienced: Attentive, friendly staff keep guests happy.
Service is a central element of any event experience. The number and quality of event staff are instrumental in keeping guests happy and your event running smoothly. Glasses are filled, food is delivered quickly, and transitions are seamless – allowing your guests to focus on enjoying the moment. This is particularly important for non-profit events; happy guests are more generous contributors and they’re more likely to attend your next event.
However, labour also composes a significant portion of your catering bill, usually somewhere between 30% to 50%. And for caterers trying to meet their clients’ budget needs, staffing may become the sacrificial lamb (and in rare instances it may not even be added into the initial proposal). Labour is often not a stated factor in the bidding process and, when it is, even seasoned event pros may not translate abstract staffing ratios into real time service levels – and it’s too late to change once the event is in process.
So, YES, staffing is certainly something that should be considered when shopping for a caterer. Ask about standard staffing ratios and what level of service can be expected. If the level of service does not meet your expectations, ask them to add more. If trying to meet a budget, clarify what service areas may be flexible and what is not. Confirm that event staff and all other labour are included in your quotation.
“Staffing isn’t a factor I should consider when shopping for a caterer.”
What we've experienced: Attentive, friendly staff keep guests happy.
Service is a central element of any event experience. The number and quality of event staff are instrumental in keeping guests happy and your event running smoothly. Glasses are filled, food is delivered quickly, and transitions are seamless – allowing your guests to focus on enjoying the moment. This is particularly important for non-profit events; happy guests are more generous contributors and they’re more likely to attend your next event.
However, labour also composes a significant portion of your catering bill, usually somewhere between 30% to 50%. And for caterers trying to meet their clients’ budget needs, staffing may become the sacrificial lamb (and in rare instances it may not even be added into the initial proposal). Labour is often not a stated factor in the bidding process and, when it is, even seasoned event pros may not translate abstract staffing ratios into real time service levels – and it’s too late to change once the event is in process.
So, YES, staffing is certainly something that should be considered when shopping for a caterer. Ask about standard staffing ratios and what level of service can be expected. If the level of service does not meet your expectations, ask them to add more. If trying to meet a budget, clarify what service areas may be flexible and what is not. Confirm that event staff and all other labour are included in your quotation.