Abela Delices provides catering services that play an important role in events, businesses, and daily food needs across Lebanon. From weddings and corporate meetings to schools and hospitals, professional catering helps people enjoy quality food without the stress of cooking or serving. In Lebanon, catering services are widely used in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Tripoli, Jounieh, Saida, Tyre, and Zahle, supporting both social and business activities.
This guide explains catering services in a simple, honest, and practical way, helping readers understand how professional catering works and how to choose the right service for different occasions.
Main Types of Catering
Catering services vary depending on the event, food style, and service requirements. Understanding the main types helps you choose the right one.
1. Corporate Catering
Corporate catering focuses on business events like meetings, conferences, seminars, and office parties. The menu often includes sandwiches, salads, finger foods, and beverages that are easy to serve and enjoy. Abela Delices specializes in corporate catering that impresses clients and employees alike.
2. Social Event Catering
This type includes weddings catering, birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings. Menus are diverse and can include buffet spreads, multi-course meals, or themed dishes.
3. Mobile Catering
Mobile catering uses food trucks or portable kitchens for outdoor events, festivals, and street food experiences. It’s perfect for casual, on-the-go dining.
4. Destination Catering
For events at beaches, parks, or remote venues, destination catering ensures all food and service needs are met, including staff, equipment, and logistics.
5. Industrial Catering
Industrial catering serves schools, hospitals, factories, and institutions where bulk preparation, efficiency, and standardized menus are essential.
The 7 Ps of Catering
The 7 Ps are essential elements that make catering successful:
- Product – The quality and variety of food and beverages.
- Price – Cost based on menu, event size, and service type.
- Place – The event venue and delivery setup.
- Promotion – Marketing strategies to attract clients.
- People – Skilled chefs, staff, and servers.
- Process – How catering is organized from preparation to serving.
- Physical Evidence – Presentation, décor, and overall guest experience.
Using these principles, Abela Delices ensures every event is executed with professionalism, high-quality food, and exceptional presentation.
Examples of Catering Services
Catering can be customized for different occasions:
Wedding Catering – Multi-course meals, buffet, or themed stations.
Birthday Parties – Cakes, snacks, finger foods, and drinks.
Corporate Lunches – Sandwich platters, salads, and desserts.
Outdoor Events – Food trucks, BBQ setups, picnic-style menus.
Festival Catering – Quick-serve food and drinks for large crowds.
Tip: Many caterers, including Abela Delices, provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options to meet all guest preferences.
Four Types of Meal Service
The way food is served can change the guest experience. Here are the four main styles:
1. Plated Service
Food is cooked in the kitchen and served individually at the table. Ideal for formal weddings and high-end events.
2. Buffet Service
Guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes arranged on a table. Works well for large gatherings with multiple food options.
3. Family-Style Service
Dishes are placed on the table for guests to share. Creates a cozy and interactive dining experience.
4. Butler or Finger Food Service
Small bites are passed by staff, perfect for cocktail parties or networking events.
Understanding Level 3 in Catering
Level 3 catering refers to advanced professional catering skills. A Level 3 caterer can:
- Manage large and complex events like weddings and corporate galas
- Plan menus according to theme, dietary needs, and event style
- Coordinate staff, kitchen workflow, and logistics
- Ensure high-quality food, presentation, and service
With Level 3 catering expertise, Abela Delices guarantees that your event runs smoothly from start to finish.
The 7 Functions of Catering
Catering is not just about food; it serves multiple essential functions:
Food Preparation – Cooking, portioning, and presentation.
Menu Planning – Selecting dishes suitable for the event and guests.
Event Planning – Organizing logistics, staff, and equipment.
Food Safety and Hygiene – Safe handling, storage, and serving of food.
Customer Service – Staff interaction, attentiveness, and guest satisfaction.
Beverage Service – Offering soft drinks, cocktails, or tea/coffee.
Budget Management – Delivering high-quality services within the client’s budget.
Catering Tips & Price Guide
Planning your catering can be simple with these tips:
1. Plan Your Menu According to Guests
Know your guest list and preferences. For corporate events, finger foods or buffet work best. For weddings, multi-course plated meals leave a strong impression.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Catering costs depend on menu, service type, and location:
- Small Parties (10–50 guests): $10–$30 per person
- Corporate Events: $15–$50 per person
- Weddings / Large Gatherings: $30–$100 per person
Always include extra for service charges, rentals, or additional staff.
3. Choose the Right Service Style
Decide how food will be served:
- Plated Service: Elegant, formal
- Buffet Service: Flexible and cost-effective
- Family Style: Cozy and interactive
- Finger Food Service: Quick and convenient
4. Check Caterer Reputation
Look for reviews, request references, or schedule a tasting session. Professional caterers like Abela Delices ensure timely delivery, quality, and smooth service.
5. Consider Special Dietary Needs
Make sure your caterer can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options.
6. Book Early
Popular caterers book months in advance. Early booking secures your preferred menu, staff, and better rates.
7. Ask About Hidden Costs
Confirm if the price includes staff, rentals, setup, and cleanup to avoid surprises.
Catering is an essential part of any successful event. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, birthday party, or outdoor festival, choosing the right service makes a huge difference. By understanding the types of catering, meal service styles, Level 3 catering, and catering functions, you can plan an event that leaves guests impressed and satisfied.
If you’re looking for a trusted catering partner to make your event truly memorable, Abela Delices offers top-quality food, professional service, and customizable menus for every occasion.
📞 Contact Abela Delices today to discuss your event and get a personalized catering plan that fits your budget and style. Make your next event unforgettable with delicious food and flawless service!
FAQs
1. What are the main types of catering services?
The main types of catering include corporate catering, weddings and social events, mobile catering, destination catering, and industrial catering. Each type is designed to suit the event size, style, and guest requirements. Abela Delices offers all these catering types with customizable menus and professional service.
2. What are the 7 Ps of catering?
The 7 Ps are key elements for successful catering:
- Product – the food and drink quality
- Price – the cost for the service
- Place – the event location and delivery
- Promotion – marketing the catering service
- People – staff and chefs delivering the service
- Process – organization from preparation to serving
- Physical Evidence – presentation and décor
These ensure every event runs smoothly, and Abela Delices implements all 7 Ps for perfect results.
3. What are some examples of catering?
Examples include wedding catering, corporate lunches, birthday parties, outdoor events like BBQs or food trucks, and festival catering. Abela Delices can create custom menus for any occasion.
4. What are the four types of meal service?
The four main meal service styles are:
- Plated service – individual dishes served at tables
- Buffet service – guests serve themselves from a selection of dishes
- Family-style service – shared dishes placed on the table
- Finger food or butler service – small bites passed by staff
5. What is Level 3 in catering?
Level 3 refers to advanced professional catering skills, including menu planning, staff coordination, large event management, and quality control. It ensures high standards for events like weddings and corporate galas. Abela Delices employs Level 3 catering professionals for all high-end events.
6. What are the 7 functions of catering?
The seven functions include:
- Food Preparation
- Menu Planning
- Event Planning
- Food Safety and Hygiene
- Customer Service
- Beverage Service
- Budget Management
These functions help caterers deliver exceptional experiences, and Abela Delices covers all seven for every event.
7. How much does catering cost?
Catering prices vary depending on menu, event size, and service style:
- Small parties (10–50 guests): $10–$30 per person
- Corporate events: $15–$50 per person
- Weddings / large gatherings: $30–$100 per person
Prices may include staff, rentals, and setup depending on the caterer. Abela Delices provides clear pricing and no hidden costs.
8. How can I choose the right catering service?
Check for reputation, reviews, references, menu variety, service style, dietary options, and Level 3 expertise. Booking early ensures availability and better pricing. Abela Delices offers tastings, menu customization, and professional consultation to help you choose the perfect plan.
9. Does catering include special dietary options?
Yes! Most professional caterers, including Abela Delices, provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options to ensure all guests are catered for.
10. When should I book a catering service?
For popular dates, weddings, or corporate events, booking 3–6 months in advance is recommended. Early booking helps secure the best menu, staff, and equipment.
