A well-timed platter can change the tone of a meeting — and when planning office catering Melbourne clients should think beyond sandwiches. Busy event planners and office hosts want food that arrives on time, tastes great, and fits a budget. This guide gives practical advice on menus, portioning, dietary needs, and logistics so organisers can pick options that make an event run smoothly and leave attendees impressed.
What Makes Great Office Catering?
Great office catering is reliable, flexible, and tailored to the event’s rhythm. For corporate meetings, catering should support productivity — easy-to-eat items, clear labeling for allergens, and minimal fuss during setup. Presentation matters, but so does simplicity: food that’s easy to serve and clear portion guidance helps organisers avoid waste and last-minute stress.
Key Elements to Prioritize
Timeliness: Delivery windows and setup are non-negotiable for tight agendas.
Clarity: Menus that label allergens and dietary options reduce confusion.
Quality: Fresh ingredients and balanced flavours keep attendees satisfied.
Value: Clear pricing and portioning guidance ensure budgets are respected.
Popular Menu Types for Melbourne Offices
Melbourne offices tend to favour variety. Below are formats that work well in corporate settings, with brief tips on when to pick each.
Platters and Finger Food
Platters are versatile for short meetings, client visits, or networking. A mix of savory and sweet keeps energy up without a big cleanup. IQ Catering Melbourne specialises in a wide range of platter options — from sandwich and wrap platters to gourmet antipasto and sweet pastry selections — making them a practical choice for mixed-diet groups.
Buffets
For longer workshops or end-of-week lunches, buffets let attendees choose portions and plate combinations. Aim for 400–600g per person across proteins, sides, and salads to ensure no one leaves hungry.
BBQ and Hot Food
BBQ is ideal for team-building events or casual client functions. Plan one to one-and-a-half protein servings per person and complement with salads and breads. Hot food requires coordination for temperature control, so confirm delivery and serving logistics in advance.
Breakfasts and Grab & Go
Morning meetings need tidy, non-greasy options. Offer one to two items per person for short briefings: pastries, fruit cups, yogurt pots, or breakfast wraps. For larger groups, mix sweet and savory and include coffee service if possible. IQ Catering Melbourne offers grab & go items that are handy for quick turnovers and commuter-friendly events.
Portioning and Budget Tips
Estimating the right amount of food avoids both shortfalls and waste. Here are helpful rules of thumb:
Light morning meeting: 1–2 pieces or items per person (e.g., a muffin + fruit cup).
Morning tea/afternoon tea: 2–3 savory pieces and 1–2 sweet items per person.
Lunch platters: 4–6 substantial pieces or 350–500g per person if plated.
Buffet: 400–600g per person total; 25–30% vegetarians is a safe assume unless told otherwise.
BBQ: 1–1.5 protein servings per person plus 2–3 sides.
On budget: mix premium items with economical sides (salads, roasted veg, breads). Platters reduce staffing costs since guests serve themselves, while buffets might require staff for carving or hot food management.
Handling Dietary Requirements
Modern office catering in Melbourne must accommodate multiple diets. A practical plate includes at least one vegetarian, one vegan, and one gluten-free option for every 6–8 guests. For offices with diverse cultural backgrounds, offering halal or dairy-free selections shows respect and reduces last-minute substitutions.
Clear labeling is crucial. IQ Catering Melbourne provides detailed menu labels and can customise orders to include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal items on request, which is especially helpful for mixed groups or client-facing events.
Logistics: When to Order and What to Confirm
Timing and communication decide whether catering will be seamless or stressful. Organisers should follow a simple checklist:
Confirm guest numbers and dietary breakdown at least 72 hours before small events; larger events may need 1–2 weeks’ notice.
Specify delivery time, room location, and setup needs (tables, chafing dishes, cutlery, napkins).
Ask about staff support for service or cleanup if the event is formal or has hot food.
Get a written quote that includes delivery, setup, and any surcharges for short-notice changes.
For last-minute needs, many local caterers—including IQ Catering Melbourne—offer expedited options, but prices can be higher and menu choices may be more limited.
Making Catering Part of the Company Culture
Regularly catering meetings can boost morale if done thoughtfully. Rotating menus, spotlighting local produce, or featuring themed lunches help keep staff engaged. Sustainability matters too: choosing compostable packaging and reducing single-use plastics reflects well on corporate values and often resonates with Melbourne’s socially conscious workforce.
Conclusion
Office catering in Melbourne is about matching food to the event’s pace, attendees’ needs, and the host’s budget. Planners who prioritise clear communication, sensible portioning, and diverse dietary options will find the process much less stressful. Whether selecting platters for a board meeting, a buffet for a workshop, or grab & go breakfasts for commuters, services like IQ Catering Melbourne offer a range of practical, affordable options tailored to corporate life. Thoughtful catering turns meetings into moments — and good food makes people more focused, friendlier, and likelier to remember the event for the right reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should an office lunch be booked?
For small meetings, 48–72 hours is usually sufficient. Larger events (over 50 guests) should be booked 1–2 weeks in advance to secure menu customisation and delivery slots.
What are common portion sizes for platters?
Plan on 4–6 substantial pieces per person for a lunch platter. For snacks or morning teas, 2–3 smaller items per person typically work well.
Can caterers accommodate last-minute dietary changes?
Many caterers can, but availability varies. It's best to flag dietary restrictions early. Providers like IQ Catering can often adjust orders if notified in time, and they provide clear labeling to avoid confusion.
Are eco-friendly packaging options available?
Yes. Most Melbourne caterers now offer compostable or recyclable packaging. Request this when ordering if sustainability is a priority.
What’s the best way to keep hot food warm for events?
Chafing dishes and insulated carriers are standard. Confirm that the caterer includes appropriate equipment and staffing if hot-service is required.