Corporate Catering styles: which is right for your event

The right catering format shapes how your event feels as much as the menu does. Here's a look at five common styles and where each works best.

Plated dinner

A formal, seated meal with synchronised service, suited to awards evenings, client dinners and formal celebrations. It gives a polished, structured feel, though menu choices are usually set in advance and staffing costs run higher.

Afternoon tea

A relaxed, sociable format that works well for smaller daytime events or client entertaining with a lighter touch. Food holds well over a longer sitting, though it needs communal serving space and suits smaller groups better than large ones.

Buffet

A practical, flexible option for larger gatherings, letting guests choose freely and eat at their own pace. It's usually more budget-friendly than plated service, though it needs enough space to avoid queues and can lead to uneven portions without staff managing the line.

Food stations or mobile catering

Bringing in a food van or standalone stations adds an interactive element, popular for informal events, product launches and evening receptions. It works especially well where there's no fixed kitchen on site, though it usually suits one or two cuisines rather than a full menu.

Canapés and bowl food

A sociable, informal option that lets guests mingle freely rather than sit at fixed tables, well suited to drinks receptions and networking events. It gives good variety and works out cost-effective per head, though it can run long if not managed with a clear timeline.

Whatever the format, the right choice comes down to the tone of your event and how your guests will actually spend their time there. We're happy to talk through what suits yours.

To find out more, please get in touch via the contact form on our website or by emailing us at info@jeevescatering.com.