Nearly every gathering in Baltimore, from a milestone birthday to a formal corporate event, will spark the question: “What are the three types of catering?” Good news, the simplest answer is on-premise catering, off-premise catering, or a combined approach. Below, we’ll break down each category so you can match the perfect style to your plans.
Consider on-premise catering
On-premise catering is when all food is prepared and served at the event venue itself. This option often works best in places that come fully equipped with a kitchen, such as dedicated event halls or hotels offering in-house catering.
- Ideal for multi-course meals: If your event includes a sit-down dinner with appetizers, main courses, and dessert (like a wedding or corporate banquet), on-premise catering keeps all dishes fresh and hot.
- Fewer logistical worries: Because everything is cooked right on-site, you avoid the cost and complexity of transporting meals. Many venues also provide waitstaff, table settings, and clean-up services all under one roof.
- Possible limited menu: Some facilities may have a set culinary focus. If you need specialized cuisine or extra flexibility, you might explore other caterers or a combined approach.
A tip for large-scale events: if your headcount hits triple digits, explore ways to keep costs manageable. For instance, you could simplify a few decision points by checking out helpful resources like how to cater for 100 guests on a budget?.
Explore off-premise catering
Off-premise caterers prepare and cook in their own kitchen, then bring the finished (or nearly finished) dishes to your venue. This service style can suit many event types, from casual backyard barbecues to formal receptions in unconventional locations.
- Broad culinary choices: Because food is made off-site, you can pick a caterer known for BBQ, wedding cakes, or even unique global flavors. Some off-premise caterers also handle party rentals or table settings.
- Recommended for flexibility: If you’ve already chosen a venue without a full kitchen (for example, a historic mansion or an outdoor space), you can still offer a full meal by hiring an external caterer.
- Potential variance in cost or quality: Off-premise caterers may charge for travel, set-up, or extra staff. Look for referrals from friends or ask plenty of questions to ensure your chosen caterer has reliable experience.
If you anticipate special dietary accommodations, you might also want to explore what is diet catering?.
Try a combined approach
Some venues, like The Christy in St. Louis and O’Fallon (mentioned in research), offer both on-premise and off-premise options, giving you a hybrid solution. This combined approach is perfect if you enjoy the convenience of a venue that can handle food internally yet also want the unique flair of an off-premise specialist.
- Tailored blend: You can serve main courses on-site and bring in a separate caterer or food truck for dessert, cocktails, or late-night snacks.
- Expanded menu variety: A venue’s in-house team could create classic dishes while a partner caterer handles cultural or dietary options.
- Keeps planning simpler: You maintain a central contact at the venue, but you still gain more creative control over your event’s total menu.
A combined approach can feel more complex at first, but once you set roles clearly, it can offer both the reliability of on-premise catering and the excitement of external flavor.
Recap and next steps
Each catering style—on-premise, off-premise, or a balanced blend—comes with strengths. On-premise is great for seamless service and fresh meals, off-premise brings variety and venue flexibility, and a combination handles diverse needs in one event. Take some time to confirm the details that matter most to you, such as kitchen facilities, theme, guest count, and budget. Asking questions early will help you land on the best fit and create a memorable experience for everyone.
You’ve got this, and choosing the right catering partner is easier than it seems. Once you narrow down a style, simply confirm your date and finalize the menu. Whether you host a milestone party or a business function, the right choice ensures your guests feel welcomed, well-fed, and ready for a great time.