When Plum Caterers started, they had one simple dream—to feed people amazing food and make their special moments even more memorable. Over the years, they’ve learned that every event has a unique personality, and choosing the right catering style can make all the difference between a good gathering and an unforgettable one.
Whether you’re planning an intimate family celebration or a massive corporate bash, the catering style you choose sets the tone for your event. It’s like picking the perfect outfit—you want something that fits just right, makes you feel confident, and leaves everyone talking about how great everything was.
Pickup Catering – The DIY Champion
Pickup catering is like getting a home-cooked meal without doing any of the cooking! You swing by the kitchen, grab your beautifully prepared dishes, and head to your event. Perfect for hosts who love being hands-on and want complete control over their setup.
This style works great for at-home gatherings or venues where you have plenty of time to arrange everything. Dishes are packaged in easy-to-transport containers, and many taste even better after the flavors meld together.
Ideal for family gatherings, small office parties, backyard barbecues, or any time you want restaurant-quality food with a personal touch. It’s budget-friendly since you’re paying for the food and preparation, not service staff or delivery fees.
Drop-Off Catering – Convenience Meets Quality
Drop-off catering is like having a fairy godmother for your event! The caterer arrives, sets everything up beautifully, instructs you on keeping food warm, then leaves you to enjoy your guests.
This style offers professional presentation without the formal service atmosphere. Everything comes in signature serving dishes with heating instructions and serving utensils.
Perfect for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and casual business meetings where you want great food without full service’s formality. Orders are recommended 48-72 hours in advance for fresh ingredient sourcing and careful preparation.
Full Service Catering – The Complete Experience
Full service catering is the “white glove” treatment with complete setup, professional service staff, beautiful presentation, and thorough cleanup.
With full service, you get more than food—you get an entire dining experience. The team arrives early, manages the event smoothly, and stays until the last dish is cleared. This service transforms spaces into elegant dining experiences with linens, serve-ware, and more, allowing you to be a guest at your own event.
Ideal for weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations where you want lasting memories without lifting a finger.
Food Truck Catering – The Show-Stopping Experience
Food truck catering is one of the most exciting ways to feed a crowd! Having “The Plum Pit” roll up to your event creates a fun and social atmosphere, with guests excited to watch fresh food being prepared.
This offering features the same high-quality ingredients and preparation as other styles—think gourmet street tacos, artisanal grilled cheese, or “Plum Perfect” burgers made from locally sourced ingredients.
Perfect for outdoor events, corporate picnics, festivals, casual weddings, or anytime you want a fun, memorable experience. The logistics require just space and access for the truck; power and water are self-supplied.
How to Choose Your Perfect Style
Choosing the right catering style depends on your event’s vibe, budget, and how involved you want to be.
- Event personality: Is it a formal dinner (full service) or a casual backyard party with kids running around (food truck)?
- Budget: Pickup offers the most value; full service is premium convenience; drop-off and food truck are moderate options.
- Involvement: Pickup is hands-on; full service is stress-free enjoyment. There’s no wrong choice—only what feels right for you.
Making Your Final Decision
After catering hundreds of events, the best catering style is the one that lets you enjoy your event. You can mix and match styles—like food truck main courses with drop-off desserts or pickup mains with full service cocktails. Flexibility is key to making your vision a reality.
Ready to start planning your perfect event? Contact Plum Caterers or check out the full menu to get inspired.
Great food brings people together, but the right catering style creates magical moments your guests will remember for years. Let’s make your next event unforgettable!