If you don’t choose an event center with catering for a memorial with food after your loved one’s service at a cemetery in Charlotte, NC, you will have to choose an outside caterer. This might be overwhelming, but these tips are here to help.

The first step in choosing a caterer is deciding what kind of catering you want. There are three main categories: full service, drop and go, and drop off with service. Full-service catering is the highest tier of catering options as the caterer will take care of every step of the food service, leaving you free to simply remember your lost loved one in the company of your guests. Full-service catering takes care of everything including dinnerware rentals, staffing, setting the tables, serving, bussing the tables, and organizing the food. Full-service catering can be plated or buffet service, but no matter which kind the caterer will take care of the food whether that means staging the plates for plated or keeping the buffet trays stocked during service. Some buffet full-service caterers will also staff the buffet line to keep people moving, help with serving, and control portions.

Drop-and-go catering is the exact opposite of full-service. Much more affordable, this kind of catering is perfect for those looking to save some money on their lost loved one’s service. Restaurants and caterers will do drop-and-go service as all it requires on their part is to make the food and then drop it off at the venue. That means that everything else, from set up and tear down to utensils, service, and stocking is up to you. While you will save money on this type of catering, there are some issues to be on the lookout for. For example, it’s important to make sure that the food is delivered early enough for you to have time to set it out before service. Many people also forget how much stuff it takes to serve food: serving platters, trays, serving forks, serving spoons, hot boxes, refrigeration, and more. If you choose to go with drop-and-go catering, just be prepared. Give yourself enough time to set up, make a list of everything you will need, and maybe nominate a friend or two to help you keep the buffet stocked and clean up.

The final option is a drop-off with service. Most catering companies and restaurants that offer drop-off catering will also have service additions you can add to their basic plans. These additions could include things you will need for serving like trays and utensils, or it could even be staffers to help set up, serve, and tear down. Think about what kind of help you want from your caterer and ask them to give you a quote with those specific tasks added on.

There is a lot to think about, decide, and plan when you lose a loved one. Want to learn more? We are here to offer whatever assistance we can. Use these tips and our Charlotte, NC cemetery services to help make your time of loss and grief a little easier.