Planning a successful event takes more than just picking a menu. It’s about creating a smooth, enjoyable experience for every guest. One of the most common challenges people face when planning is navigating catering mistakes that can turn a great party into a stressful one. That’s where Lee n’ Eddies comes in. With decades of experience and thousands of events under their belt, they help hosts avoid the most common catering issues while offering delicious, affordable options for every occasion.
Top 5 Catering Mistakes
Whether you’re planning a backyard birthday party, a wedding reception or a company picnic, understanding a few key pitfalls can help your event go off without a hitch.
1. Underestimating How Much Kid-Friendly Food You’ll Need
One of the most overlooked ordering mistakes is assuming that only the children will eat the kid food. In reality, dishes like mac and cheese, chicken tenders or sliders often appeal to adults just as much. If you only order enough for the actual kids attending, you’ll likely run out early and no one wants to see disappointed guests at the buffet.
How to avoid this:If you’re ordering kid-friendly options, plan for at least 15 to 20 percent more servings than the actual number of children. This gives you a buffer for adults who can’t resist the nostalgic favorites. Lee n’ Eddies offers crowd-pleasing kids’ menus that can be easily scaled to suit your group size and avoid last-minute scrambling.
2. Forgetting About Dietary Restrictions
In the excitement of planning the main dishes and desserts, dietary needs can be overlooked. This includes common allergies like nuts or gluten as well as dietary choices such as vegan or dairy-free eating. Missing this detail can make guests feel left out or cause unnecessary stress during your event.
How to avoid this: Ask guests about dietary needs in advance and work with a caterer who can provide clear labeling and thoughtful menu alternatives. Lee n’ Eddies makes it easy with allergy-friendly and special diet options that keep everyone included and well-fed.
3. Not Ordering Enough Vegetarian Meals
Vegetarian dishes are another popular addition to any event, but one of the common catering issues is only ordering enough for the known vegetarians in the group. The problem? Everyone wants a taste of the pasta primavera or grilled veggie kabobs, which can quickly leave your vegetarian guests without a full meal.
How to avoid this: Order enough vegetarian meals for 10 to 15 percent more people than those who specifically requested them. This helps ensure your plant-based options last through the line. Lee n’ Eddies offers a variety of vegetarian choices that appeal to all palates, making it easy to accommodate every guest.
4. Poor Timing and Food Flow
Even if you have the perfect menu, serving it at the wrong time can throw off your entire event. Food arriving too early may lose its freshness, while delays can lead to hungry, impatient guests. This is especially important for outdoor events, where food safety and temperature are critical.
How to avoid this: Work closely with your caterer to schedule delivery and setup based on your timeline. Lee n’ Eddies coordinates with you directly to ensure the food arrives fresh and ready to serve, with setup and service options available to take the pressure off your plate.
5. Forgetting the Essentials
It’s easy to focus on the main dishes and forget about the little things like serving utensils, napkins, or plates. These overlooked details can lead to a last-minute dash or awkward buffet moments.
How to avoid this: Double-check your order to ensure you have everything you need for serving and cleanup. Lee n’ Eddies offers full-service catering and rentals, including everything from disposable dinnerware to tents and tables, so you can cross those extras off your list in one place.
30 Additional Tips for a Successful Event
- Always confirm the guest count, twice.
- Ask about kitchen access and serving setup in advance.
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold with the proper equipment.
- Label everything—especially allergens.
- Have a backup plan for outdoor events.
- Pad your timeline to avoid a last-minute scramble.
- Assign points of contact on the day of the event.
- Clarify who’s handling setup and cleanup.
- Always bring extra napkins, utensils, and plates.
- Don’t forget hydration, offer more than just soda.
- Communicate your event timeline with your caterer.
- Ask about staff attire to match the formality.
- Know your venue’s rules, some don’t allow open flames or certain equipment.
- Use disposable servingware if cleanup time is tight.
- Schedule food delivery with a time cushion.
- Serve heavy apps if you’re skipping a full meal.
- Keep buffet lines moving with multiple stations.
- Offer a mix of familiar and adventurous menu items.
- Don’t let desserts be an afterthought, they’re the last impression.
- Designate trash and recycling stations clearly.
- Double check alcohol service licensing and liability.
- Consider small plates for mingling events.
- Have takeout containers ready for leftovers.
- Read reviews and ask for references when working with a caterer experience matters.
- Don’t rely on Wi-Fi, print your event timeline and menu.
- Avoid messy finger foods at formal events.
- Place water stations in multiple areas.
- Avoid last-minute menu changes, they create confusion.
- Keep your caterer in the loop on speeches and entertainment timing.
- Always leave room for the unexpected such as extra guests, rain, or spills.
Ready to Plan Without the Stress?
Avoiding these catering mistakes is easy with the right partner. Lee n’ Eddies is here to support your event from planning to clean-up with delicious food, flexible packages, and reliable service. Reach out today to get started on your menu and make your next event one to remember.
