A standing food and drink service, typically held before a formal dinner or as a standalone social event.
The cocktail reception is a classic event format that encourages networking. Guests stand and move freely while waitstaff circulate with drinks and canapés or food stations are set up around the room. As a pre-dinner function, a cocktail reception typically lasts 30–60 minutes. As a standalone event, 2–3 hours with a more substantial food offering is standard.
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.
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.
Beverage Package
A pre-arranged and pre-paid drinks offering included in the event, covering a set selection for a fixed duration or per-head cost.