Corporate Corporate

Do I Need a Caterer for My Corporate Meeting?

Food brings people together! Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering around the table - sharing a new dish will get people talking. More and more companies are starting to consider the importance of food in the workplace, especially during corporate meetings. Employees, clients, and business partners can start to doze off or notice themselves daydreaming about lunch. Catering a business meeting is an easy solution to improve morale, engage your audience and get people communicating. Let’s explore some reasons why you should consider catering your next corporate meeting.

Catering Impresses Clients

Have a meeting with a new client? Catering your business meeting is a surefire way to impress new clients. This not only shows that you care and want your clients to feel comfortable, but it also sets a nice mood to kick off the meeting. If you have international clients, consider ordering various regional cuisines.

Catering Increases Productivity 

Productivity levels can plummet when meetings and conferences run for hours or if you have an early morning meeting. Low productivity tends to occur when team members stop focusing on the presentation and start thinking about lunch.  A catered meal will allow the meeting to continue with little disruption and you’ll notice a much higher energy level.

Employees Feel Appreciated

Hiring a professional caterer for your corporate meeting is just another way to thank your employees for their hard work. Additionally, catered corporate meetings feel less stuffy and create a more inviting atmosphere.

Host a Meeting with a Variety of Dishes

Catering allows your employees and clients to choose from a wide variety of dishes, which everyone can appreciate. Picky eaters don’t need to worry about what’s being served and those with food allergies will also be accommodated.

About BG Events & Catering Corporate Meeting Catering Services

The team at BG Events & Catering has crafted distinctive menus which include hors d’oeuvres, easy-to-grab finger foods, decadent desserts and more. We’ve catered numerous business meetings in the Greater Boston area as well as designed and planned corporate functions. Whether you’re hosting a luncheon for a start-up or a massive business meeting, we can provide you with truly unique dishes. Our menu items range from passed hors d’oeuvres, such as Seared Roast Beef and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, to stationed hors d’oeuvres which include Charcuterie, Fromage, Petite Tartine and more. Our chefs can prepare more casual bites and international cuisine!

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Corporate Corporate

7 Things to Look for When Hiring a Caterer for Your Corporate Lunch

Whether you’re hosting a lunch for a client meeting, throwing an employee recognition party, or meeting for a lunch and learn, here are a few things you’ll want to consider when hiring a caterer for your corporate lunch.

  1. Understand who you’ll be serving
When it comes to catering, one of the first steps in planning your event is knowing your audience.  Consider if members of your team are coming from out of town and need lunch during the meeting, or if you’re planning to serve lunch during your company anniversary party.  Keep who you are catering for at the forefront of your event.
  1. Decide where the lunch will be held
Not only do you have to consider if the venue space will accommodate the number of attendees, it’s important to keep in mind a location that has access to a kitchen for food preparation.
  1. Review food options 
Prior to your event, ask your caterer for menu options and if they can provide a tasting.  Also ask your caterer if they accommodate individuals with food allergies, dietary restrictions, or lifestyle choices.
  1. Map out how much food to order
Know the menu,  you will need to determine how much food is needed to serve all attendees.  Once you have a final headcount, notify your caterer of the guest count so they know how much food to provide.
  1. Determine the number of staff needed
Depending upon how many attendees you’ll be serving, you’ll want to discuss with your caterer the number of staff needed for your event.  For buffet-styled events, you might not need as many servers, but sit down luncheons may require additional servers.
  1. Imagine the flow of the space
Before setting up for the event, design a space layout concept to determine where your guests will spend most of their time during the event, whether it be held in a main-room, patio deck, or in the foyer of the venue.   With these things in mind, be sure to plan out the best spots in the venue to set up food and beverage stations. Avoid setting up the food where there’s bound to be heavy foot traffic, like in main entrances, and opt for putting food and drinks toward the back of the venue.
  1. Finalize services and goods provided
Not only do you want to consider your food options, but you also want to take into consideration logistics and details like style options for table settings, bartending services, or how last-minute requests will be managed.Hosting a corporate lunch can increase productivity, creates a relaxed environment where coworkers can bond, and shows your employees appreciation for their hard work.  At BG Events & Catering, our team of experts can help you plan your corporate lunch from start to finish. We know the best places where you can host your event as well as provide you with menu options that everyone can enjoy.Get in touch with us and start planning your event today! Browse our online ordering menu today!  

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Boston Venues Boston Venues

What Type of Venue Should I Get for My Corporate Event?

Whether hosting a two-day summit, a networking event, a business anniversary party, or an employee recognition award ceremony, companies use corporate events to bring together employees across various departments and job titles, and to encourage team building on a company-wide level. When organizing your event, you’re confronted with many decisions, and choosing a venue has the largest impact on your event.  The date of the event, catering options, capacity and minimums, desired layout, and costs, are all affected by the venue you choose for the event.

Here are a few types of venues that are ideal for corporate events.

Hotels

Using a hotel for your corporate event is one of your best options since they have it all: restaurants, bars, conference rooms, and ballrooms, making them an ideal choice for different types of events.

Country Clubs

Local sports and country clubs have venues perfect for any occasion with several indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate for a variety of needs and event sizes.

Community Centers

Local organizations like libraries, churches, or community centers in small neighborhoods usually have spaces available for private hire and are cost effective.

Art Galleries & Museums 

With artwork covering plain expansive walls, hosting your corporate event at an art gallery or museum merges colorful and artistic designs with a clean aesthetic.  

Rooftop Lounges

When your employees spend much of their day at a computer, your corporate event hosted at a rooftop lounge will provide much-needed fresh air and a relaxed environment, with picture-perfect views of the city and breath-taking skylines.

Stately Homes

Hosting your corporate event at a stately home or mansion can add a special touch to your event.  Filled with rich history, and radiating opulence and grandeur, these spaces have built-in charm your guests will admire.

Academic Halls & Campus Centers

Whether you’re hosting a hands-on workshop or a presentation, academic institutions are perfect venues for occasions such as this.  Hosting your event at a lecture hall or campus center provides you with built-in amenities like a presentation board and numbered seating.Not sure of the type of venue you want for your event?  Throughout the Boston area, we have established relationships with venues of all layouts and aesthetics, suited for any type of corporate event you plan on having.  From hosting a networking event at the MIT Media Lab to an employee recognition dinner at the Cyclorama at Boston Center for the Arts, BG Events has partnerships with premier corporate event venues for any occasion.  Get in touch with us and let us be your guide in finding a venue.Our event planners will help you from beginning to end, ensuring you’re putting on an event your employees will enjoy.  We can also provide an array of catering options including buffets, interactive chef bars and more.  If you have any questions about planning your next corporate event, contact us online, or give us a call at 617.581.1150. 

Order Online for Your Corporate Function 

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5 Reasons Why You Should Have Your Corporate Event Catered

appetizersCorporate events offer employees the opportunity to network, meet colleagues they don’t typically work with, and unwind from a hectic week. Whether your company is hosting an annual presentation, retirement party, or a holiday party, your guests’ needs must be met. With all the time and effort it takes to coordinate and plan a company event, choosing the right food can seem like a massive undertaking. Consider hiring a team of professional caterers to make the planning process a simple one, and to alleviate any unnecessary stress. 

1. Caterers Will Accommodate Dietary Restrictions

Making note of every employee’s dietary restrictions can be a lot of work, especially when you’re running a business and planning other aspects of the party. Caterers understand how to provide delicious meals and appetizers effortlessly, even for guests with food allergies.

2. Assortment of Food to Choose From

If you’re unsure about what food to prepare for your corporate event, hire a team of caterers. With years of experience, a professional catering team will select food that works for everyone. Caterers also have an assortment of food to choose from, making it easy to select the right meals for your company event.

3. Set the Tone of the Event

Both the food selected and the style in which it’s served will set the overall tone of the event. For instance, a formal dinner with plated food leads to conversation at the table while circulating trays of appetizers encourages mingling among colleagues.

4. Delegate Responsibilities to a Professional Catering Company

Planning even a small get-together can be time consuming. Organizing an entire corporate event will take much more time and consideration. Delegate the food to a professional catering company to reduce stress from your party planning. Catering companies also provide servers, allowing you to enjoy the corporate event. You won’t have to worry about spills or serving disproportionate sizes.

5. Make a Lasting Impression

A festive holiday event, a corporate event with business partners, or a small start-up party all deserve delicious cuisine. Not only is satisfying clients important, but you should be satisfying your hard-working employees. Professionally prepared and served food goes a long way, and presentation is essential when it comes to impressing your clients.

6. Why You Should Choose BG Events & Catering for Your Company Event

At BG Events & Catering, our renowned team of caterers have crafted many menus to accommodate our clients. We’ve developed an exceptional holiday menu filled with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, including Korean Short Rib Taco LA style, Lamb Sliders, Sausage + Ricotta Torta, Peppermint Chocolate Fudge, and Baked Orecchiette Mac + Cheese. Choose from a chef-attended pop up station, vignette, or build your own buffet with one salad, two proteins and three sides. We also have vegan and vegetarian options as well as plenty of nut-free dishes. Give us a call at 617.581.1150 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our catering services in Boston.

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Weddings Weddings

What Do We Need to Know Before Planning a Wedding?

Your wedding day marks a major milestone in your life together as a couple. Exchanging wedding vows, wearing a beautiful gown and spending a celebratory evening with friends and family is undoubtedly one of the most memorable days of your lives. Planning a wedding shouldn’t cause unnecessary stress, and you should have the right team to help guide you in the process. Our wedding design team in Boston has years of experience providing couples with exceptional wedding decor, venues, entertainment, catering, and so much more. If you’re just getting started, keep reading to learn some tips from our professional wedding planners.

Create a Wedding Planning Timetable

While you may be eager to set the wedding date, there are a few steps you should take prior to this. Think about what season you’d prefer to get married in, and if you reside in Boston, consider the fluctuating climate.

Choose a Wedding Venue

Browse wedding venues and start to consider what theme you’d like. Are you interested in a countryside wedding or perhaps you’d prefer a more industrial setting? Take some time to decipher what you like before diving into a date. Browse magazines or Pinterest to help you get a better understanding of which venue matches your style. Ask yourself some questions such as:
  • Outdoor or indoor wedding?
  • Fancy or casual?
  • Destination or local?
  • Large wedding or small, intimate wedding?

Set a Budget

Setting a budget will have a major impact on your wedding planning decisions, helping to alleviate any difficult conversations later. By having a budget in place, you’ll be able to use your time more efficiently by visiting venues within budget, along with decor and entertainment.

Create a Wedding Guest List

Once you have the budget and wedding venue in place, it’s time to make the wedding guest list. Be mindful of how many guests your selected venue can accommodate and how much one-on-one time you’d like with your family and friends. Budget will influence the size of your wedding party as catering costs will increase with a higher guest list.

Register Before Your Engagement Party

Gifts are typically optional at an engagement party but guests will appreciate knowing exactly what to purchase if they do bring a gift. This is also incredibly convenient for the bridal shower!

Choose a Wedding Party

Think about who you’d like to have as your best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and maid of honor. Be mindful of folks living out of the area who may need to travel far, as this could be a lot of pressure. Choose only your strongest support system!

Book Vendors

Vendors are instrumental when it comes to making your wedding day a memorable one. Don’t rush when it comes to browsing florists, caterers and photographers as you want to get the best deal, and the most talented. Shop around to explore the products and services, and compare prices.

Send the Save-the-Dates

You don’t need to send save-the-dates a year in advance but you shouldn’t wait until the last minute either. We recommend sending your save the date 4-6 months prior to the wedding. Don’t forget to send an actual invitation as well!

Pick the Dress

This is the fun part! Visit stores or even browse wedding gowns online, and do keep in mind that you’ll need to get it tailored to fit. Need help planning your wedding? Our Boston wedding planners will help you from beginning to end, ensuring your wedding day is absolutely perfect. We can provide a wide array of wedding catering options including buffets, interactive chef bars and more. We also have established relationships with jaw-dropping wedding venues in the area along with fabulous florists and wedding bands. Get in touch with us today!

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Weddings Weddings

What Type of Lighting Should We Get for Our Outdoor Wedding?

Dancing beneath a starry sky in a whimsical garden, walking along the soft sandy beach, or blissfully celebrating your special day in a rustic barnyard, are just a few of the many outdoor settings offered in the Greater Boston Area. While the decadent cake, vibrant floral centerpieces and the wedding band may all be ready to go, working on the outdoor lighting might still be necessary. From the bulbs to the candles, outdoor lighting is key when it comes to setting a romantic mood on your wedding day. If you’re still looking for the perfect outdoor lighting for your Boston wedding, read on for some tips from the professionals at BG Events & Catering. 

Boston Wedding Venue Lighting Packages

Now that you’ve selected the Boston wedding venue, it’s time to ask them about their lighting packages. This may seem unimportant but if you choose chandeliers or bulbs that can’t be accommodated with the power options, you may need to purchase more lighting. Avoid the additional costs by asking the wedding venue about the number of circuits while also being mindful of the power needed by other sources such as a DJ. Consider the following questions: 
  • Can we have open flames at our Boston wedding venue?
  • Are we required to put down path lighting?
  • Can we anchor suspension cables for overhead lighting?

LED Bulbs for Your Boston Outdoor Wedding 

LED lighting has certainly increased in popularity over the years, especially for the outdoors. LED technology allows for softer, more romantic lighting and utilizes significantly less energy than traditional light bulbs. Keep in mind that LED bulbs mixed with traditional light bulbs will have an entirely different glow than a wedding lit with all LED bulbs. You may not see the same warmth if you fill the space entirely with LED lights. 

Light Up the Boston Event Space

Many wedding planners and couples prioritize lighting the tables, dance floor and DJ booth or wedding band area for obvious reasons. Once this has been accomplished, consider lighting other areas of the venue such as a few trees surrounding the property with rope lighting. Hanging a few string lights from trees or around the tent can go a long way and create a beautiful glow without adding much cost.

Have Fun with Outdoor Wedding Lighting

Now that you’ve handled the basics, it’s time to really get into the details. There are a wide variety of lights to choose from, all of which give a different ambience. Explore below to get inspired!
  1. Lamps & bistro lighting for a cozier setting.
  2. String & draped lighting - Often seen in barn spaces but absolutely breathtaking in an outdoor industrial space. These lights work brilliantly on exposed beams, pipes or poles. 
  3. Fairy lights for of course, a fairytale style wedding. Drape these along trees for a mystical vibe. 
  4. Christmas lights - Affordable and easy to hang, white or off-white Christmas lights paired with lanterns can completely transform the outdoors. 
  5. Steel lanterns - Placing these on a table near outdoor seating creates a more intimate atmosphere. 
  6. Chandeliers - If you wedding venue allows for it, hanging a chandelier on a large tree branch will surely maximize the glamour at your wedding.
  7. Fire pit - Whether in the city, on the beach or in a rusting space, a fire pit is a great way to bring a since of home to the wedding.
  8. Geometric lighting - This type of lighting looks absolutely stunning when hung over long, banquet tables.
  9. Industrial bulbs - Hanging Edison light bulbs from the trees over the dinner table is another way to create an elegant theme. Think garden party.
  10. Rustic candles are one of the most common ways to make your wedding space more romantic. Used with white tapers and a lot of greenery, candles can be used to make the outdoors much more elegant. 
If you need assistance with choosing lighting for your wedding in Boston, contact the team at BG Events & Catering. Our staff has years of experience providing wedding planning and decorating services. We can help you choose floral centerpieces, entertainment, the venue space, and the right lighting.

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Why You Should Have Your Family Reunion Catered

Family reunions are some of the most meaningful, memorable, and complex events a family may share. Among the seemingly infinite moving parts of a family reunion, food may be the hardest to plan and execute.
How do you find time to...
  • expertly plan and shop for the meals?
  • please every palate?
  • meet the needs of every special diet?
  • provide assurance of a quality menu?
  • know how to maintain food safety?
  • determine correct quantities so there is neither waste, nor the possibility of anyone going hungry?
  • deliver on time?
  • create beautiful presentations?
  • flexibly improvise when the unexpected occurs?
  • bring tables, linens, chairs and décor suitable for the venue?
  • ensure professional wait service?
  • break down + clean up thoroughly?
...and still be a guest at your own reunion, spending quality time with relatives you may not have seen for a long time? The answer is hire the professionals.  Caterers do this every day and every night.  It is our passion, and we are dedicated to making every event a successful one.
The point of a family reunion is to bring family together to enjoy each other.  It's not possible to play dual roles of relaxed guest and focused worker simultaneously.  Ideally, all family members are participating equally, with no one member bearing  inordinate responsibility. Reunions do not come around  every day. Make it as carefree and enjoyable as possible.  Don't turn your Family Reunion into  a amily Reion?   What is that?  Family Reunion without the F ,  the U,   or the N!

Cater Your Family Reunion with Us

From family reunions filled with hundreds of family members to smaller, more casual reunions, BG Events and Catering is here to make it a memorable one. Our staff has years of experience providing families with delicious entrées, appetizers, and decadent desserts. What better way to reminisce with the family than over professionally cooked cuisine made with local and seasonal ingredients? Our expert chefs will work with you to ensure we have something prepared for even the pickiest of eaters.
Of course, we can't forget about cocktails! Enjoy a summery drink filled with fresh, locally grown fruit and during the holidays, indulge in a beverage with a hint of peppermint or cinnamon. Let your imagination run wild and we'll concoct the perfect cuisine and drinks for your next family reunion in Boston. Give us a call today at (617) 581-1150 to learn more about our catering services in Boston!
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A Breakdown of Traditional Anniversary Colors

Happy Anniversary!  We say this all the time, but, did you know that there are official colors correlated with each anniversary year? This helps us festively mark the milestone of a given passage of time.
 
These colors can be used in gifts, decorations, invitations, lighting,  food, drink, linens, favors, and flowers, or any party planning you desire.  The season during which you were married will also dictate how you incorporate color into your celebration. In the spring and summer, for instance, certain flowers, bushes, and trees are blooming. You can identify the color literally on an object, or figuratively as part of a theme, (Blue Skies, Out of the Blue, Men in Blue, Blue Pencil, Bolt from the Blue, Blue Blood, Blue Ribbon, Once in a Blue Moon, Blue Collar, Green Thumb, Green Light, Grass is Always Greener, Silver Spoon, Silver Screen, Silver Platter, Golden Opportunity, Red Light, Roll out the Red Carpet, Paint the Town Red, Red Hot,  Rose Colored Glasses, Tickled Pink, White Elephant,  Black Tie, Black as Night, Pitch Black, In the Black,  Dark Colors, Flying Colors, True Colors, etc.) You can use the color of your particular anniversary year, or, multiples of your anniversary year, or, even every color of every year you've marked.
The official color designations are:
  • 1st Anniversary: Gold or Yellow
  • 2nd Anniversary: Red or Linen White
  • 3rd Anniversary: White or Jade Green
  • 4th Anniversary: Blue or Green
  • 5th Anniversary: Blue, Pink, or Turquoise
  • 6th Anniversary: Purple, Turquoise, or White
  • 7th Anniversary: Onyx, Yellow, or Off White
  • 8th Anniversary: Tourmaline, Tanzanite, or Bronze
  • 9th Anniversary: Lapis Lazuli, Purple, Green, or Terracotta
  • 10th Anniversary: Silver or Blue
  • 11th Anniversary: Turquoise or Yellow
  • 12th Anniversary: Jade, Opal, or Oyster White
  • 13th Anniversary: Citrine or White
  • 14th Anniversary: Opal or Ivory
  • 15th Anniversary: Ruby Red
  • 16th Anniversary: Emerald Green, Red, or Silver
  • 17th Anniversary: Yellow
  • 18th Anniversary: Blue
  • 19th Anniversary: Bronze
  • 20th Anniversary: Emerald Green or White
  • 21st Anniversary: Orange
  • 22nd Anniversary: Green
  • 23rd Anniversary: Silver
  • 24th Anniversary: Lavender
  • 25th Anniversary : Silver
  • 30th Anniversary: Green
  • 35th Anniversary: Coral
  • 40th Anniversary: Ruby Red
  • 45th Anniversary: Sapphire Red
  • 50th Anniversary: Gold
  • 55th Anniversary: Emerald Green
  • 60th AnniversaryDiamond White
  • 65th Anniversary: Sky Blue
  • 70th Anniversary: Platinum
  • 75th Anniversary: Diamond White
  • 80th Anniversary: Ruby Red
So, get creative.  This is not a gray area. You've got the green light to show your true colors.. Your guests will be tickled pink!

Contact BG Events and Catering to Plan Your Anniversary

Let us make your anniversary a memorable one. Whether it's your 2nd or your 80th, our team is here to cater delicious entrees and desserts, hire entertainment, create gorgeous floral centerpieces and so much more. Let us take the hassle out of planning your special day! For an absolutely one-of-a-kind experience, opt to customize your menu using fresh, local ingredients from the Boston community. We'll help you choose floral arrangements that tie perfectly into your color scheme as well as lighting to set the mood.

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Should I Hire a Professional Photographer for My Baby Shower?

A baby shower is one of the most joyously anticipated celebrations you will ever experience. It is a milestone marking the beginning of a family's evolution, of a  couple's new relationship to each other, of an individual's new role as parent, and as the first record of the baby when he or she was a twinkle in his or her parents' eyes. The close friends and cherished family members in attendance at a baby shower are there to cheer on the pregnant mom and dad.
Baby showers are fun with good food, drink, games, and decorations. They are typically planned with great care and thematic creativity, with an eye to exactly what the mother-to-be likes.  As such, we want to catch this all as it unfolds as accurately and artfully as possible.  Your guests are not at the shower to work. They are important members of the family's inner circle. No one wants to say, "No" to the parents-to-be when they ask, "Would you mind taking photos?" But, the reality is a) it's a big responsibility, and b) how can you be a participant when you are an observer? Guests are there to share in a collective welcome to the community, if not  to the baby itself exactly, then, at least, to the idea of the baby, and certainly to the parents-to-be. Let your guests be guests.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Photographer for Your Baby Shower

Don't leave the photography to anyone but a professional. These photos are the basis for quality memories. A professional photographer will capture candid photos, without bias, and with artistic flair and a unique interpretation. Further,  you will have the assurance that after the baby shower, there will be framable pictures.

Perfect Lighting & Poses

A professional baby shower photographer has the ability to create high-quality photos using state-of-the-art equipment and finding the right lighting. Making the necessary adjustment and editing the photos will go a long way, and this is something that should only be left to a professional. Photographers understand that these memories cannot be relived which is why they are thoroughly prepared the take photos that will last a lifetime. Although many are privy to taking photos on a smartphone, professional photographers truly know the ins and outs of photography.

What Do Professional Photographers Capture During a Baby Shower?

While a professional photographer will of course take breathtaking photos of the mom-to-be as well as smiling friends and family, there are plenty of other photo opportunities.
  • Party Favors: From delicious baked goods to ornate drawstring bags filled with goodies, even the little things should be captured.
  • Games & Decor: A baby shower isn't complete without pastel colored decorations and plenty of games for guests.
  • Invitations: Most invitations take a significant amount of planning which means they deserve a nice snapshot!
  • Behind the Scenes: You can remember all the effort that was put into the big day with a few photos from the setup.
  • Food & Drink: Whether catered or home cooked, food is always a focus at any party.
Ready to hire a photographer for your baby shower in Boston? We partner with the best photographers in Boston. Give us a call at (617) 581-1150 to learn more!
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