01 · Planning with myCHEF
Give the menu a clear direction
Begin with a few dishes or flavours that your guests will enjoy, then build a balanced selection around them. A strong menu includes variety in texture, colour and richness without trying to cover every possible preference with a separate dish. The most useful question is how the food will work as a complete meal or reception.
Consider the time of day and the length of service. A short welcome reception needs a different amount and style of food from an evening where canapés replace dinner. Similarly, a working lunch should be easy to serve and enjoy within the available break.
Menu examples are a starting point for discussion. Ingredients, dietary variations and the practical requirements of your venue need to be reviewed before the final selection is confirmed. That gives the team room to recommend food that suits the occasion and can be served well.
02 · Planning with myCHEF
Build the service schedule around your guests
Work backwards from the time guests should begin eating. The team may need access earlier for unloading, setup and preparation, particularly when equipment or several service areas are involved. Share the programme before the menu is finalised so the catering plan can support it.
Identify moments when service should pause, such as a speech, presentation or ceremony. For an office event, confirm the length of each break and whether everyone will arrive at once. For a private celebration, allow for the welcome period and any cake or toast that needs its own place in the sequence.
Agree a contact for changes on the day. Small timing adjustments may be manageable, while a substantial extension can affect staffing and the booked hours. Clear communication helps the team respond sensibly and keeps the food connected to the occasion rather than running on a separate timetable.
03 · Planning with myCHEF
Plan quantities around the format, not just the headcount
A guest count becomes useful when it is connected to the way people will eat. A short reception with light bites needs a different food plan from an evening where passed dishes are the main meal. Children, late arrivals and guests attending only part of an event may also affect the quantities required.
Tell us whether other food will be available and whether the service follows a meal earlier in the day. The chef can then recommend a sensible balance of dishes and portions. Generosity should mean guests can enjoy the occasion comfortably, rather than simply ordering more of every item.
Confirm the final numbers by the deadline in your proposal. A late increase may affect ingredients, equipment and staff as well as food quantity. Clear updates allow the team to assess the change properly and confirm any effect on the price or service plan.
Your occasion, thoughtfully planned
Tell us what you have in mind.
Share your date, venue, guest count and menu preferences. We’ll discuss the service your occasion needs and confirm the details in a written proposal.
Start your catering enquiry
