A bar where guests pay individually for their own drinks rather than the host covering the cost.
Cash bars shift beverage costs from the event organiser to the attendees. They are common at public events, large-scale conferences, and events where the organiser cannot or chooses not to subsidise alcohol. Cash bar pricing is set by the venue or caterer. Some events combine a hosted component (e.g. wine with dinner) with a cash bar for additional drinks.
BEO
Banquet Event Order — the definitive catering document listing every food, beverage, setup, and service detail for an event.
Canapé
Small bite-sized food items served during a cocktail reception or pre-dinner drinks period.
Cocktail Reception
A standing food and drink service, typically held before a formal dinner or as a standalone social event.
Plated Service
A formal meal service where each guest's dish is individually plated in the kitchen and served by waitstaff at the table.
Buffet
A self-service meal format where food is laid out on a table or station and guests serve themselves.
Family Style
A meal format where shared dishes are placed on the table and guests serve themselves and each other.