Events, both large and small, are held in a variety of different venues. Each one is as unique as the people who are attending it. They all require a little extra attention in some areas and less consideration in others. It doesn’t matter if it is the sound system setup or the table placement or even the seating arrangements. It is something that professional catering companies are prepared to deal with and all of them can tell you that there is a lot when it comes to the difference between indoor vs outdoor catering prep.
The Difference for Caterers
When it comes to indoor and outdoor catering, the differences for caterers is like night and day. Indoors, you need special lighting, but outdoors you have abundant light. Indoors you have a consistent temperature thanks to the heat and air units that are installed in the building. Outdoors, you have temperatures that change throughout the day or evening hours. You have to deal with dew falling, wind, rains, and other natural elements outdoors and much more. You have to have the right equipment for every possible situation and issue that may come up.
Special Setup for Outdoor Catered Events
Indoors is easy by comparison to the great outdoors. However, many people still prefer to have a catered wedding or birthday celebration outside. Catering companies have to be one step ahead of all potential issues. This means that they must have tents that are ready to set up in the event of abundant sunshine or pouring rains. They have to have heating elements that are able to keep food warm, even if the wind starts blowing or the temperatures drop. In the summer, they need a way to keep cold foods chilled, no matter how hot it gets. They must also do what they can to ensure the comfort of those who are trying to enjoy their meal. This could be as simple as figuring out how to put table cloths and napkins out while ensuring the wind doesn’t blow them away or trying to figure out how to keep pests away so that people do not spend more time swatting than eating.
The Challenge of Both Indoor and Outdoor Events
In some situations, an event may host both indoor and outdoors at the same time. This means that the main attraction may be inside, but people have the option of dining outdoors if they want to. It poses a unique challenge for catering companies because they have to figure out how to make both indoors and out comfortable for everyone. Those who sit inside may not want to be attacked by insects from outside, so therefore the catering company may setup a mosquito trap for indoors. They may also run special lighting through from the indoors to the out so that people in both areas experience the same ambiance and atmosphere as those who are sitting in the other area to dine. There are some catering companies who also set up separate food tables for each of the areas or food inside with a bar outside. It depends on the host and what they want as well as what the catering company feels would be best for the event.
