Planning dinner for a large group sounds exciting until the messages start coming in. A guest would like to bring a buddy, someone in your group has specific dietary requirements and some guests haven’t confirmed yet. And there you are! What was supposed to be a relaxing dinner turned into a full-time task.
But what if we told you that it doesn’t have to be this hard? Group dining shouldn’t be stressful because of a little planning ahead of dinner time.
Clear Up Everything Important As Soon As Possible
Make a guest list and ask everyone to confirm their attendance. Because the number of people is important in organising dinner for a group, make sure to set the deadline for replies. Additionally, make sure to establish the date, time of arrival and budget before selecting a restaurant. It will make your search process easier.
Choose a Restaurant Which Will Welcome Your Group and Offer Flexible Seating
Crowded tables won’t do anyone any good, especially for large groups. Look for a restaurant which welcomes guests in large numbers and where seating is flexible. Moreover, for big events, consider choosing a venue with a private dining room. At last, make sure to enquire about the venue location, parking availability and booking procedures. It might be beneficial to select a restaurant which is easily accessible in central Auckland.
Opt for Food that Allows You to Save Time
It takes time to order food for each guest individually. That’s why it is better to choose shareable plates for your guests to taste various dishes. Slider menus, wraps, tacos and snack plates may suit you. But keep in mind guests’ vegetarian preferences and allergies. Confirm everything with your restaurant before placing an order.
Decide on Payment Before the Event
Nobody likes arguing over who owes whom money after dinner. Therefore, organise everything concerning payment beforehand. You guests may pay separately, or make an agreed contribution for the dinner or share costs evenly. Remember to ask about the cost of beverages. When catering, remember the notice period and final count of guests.
Give Your Guests a Little Space for Conversation
A good group dinner shouldn’t be organised according to a strict schedule. Just let people come, settle and talk before food appears. Provide your guests with information about the venue and booking details. The most important thing here is not to overfill your evening with activities. Guests will appreciate it.
Conclusion
The key to successful group dinners is proper planning, good food and comfortable seating. Benny’s Burger provides group dining services, with bookings available for groups up to 40 people and private event venues as well.