Catering vs. Caterer: What's the Difference?
By Janet White & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 20, 2024
"Catering" refers to the service of providing food and drinks for events, while "caterer" is the person or company that provides this service.
Key Differences
"Catering" is a noun that describes the activity or business of providing food and drinks for special events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions. It encompasses everything from meal preparation to service and cleanup. Caterer," on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the person or business that performs the catering service. A caterer is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving food at various events.
Catering involves a broad range of tasks, including menu design, food preparation, transportation, setup, serving, and cleanup. It requires coordination and logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. A caterer is the entity or individual who executes these tasks. They may operate independently or as part of a larger catering company. The caterer's role is hands-on, requiring culinary skills, organizational abilities, and customer service expertise to deliver a successful catering service.
"Catering" refers to the service provided, while "caterer" refers to the person or company providing that service.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Definition
Service of providing food and drinks for events
Person or company providing catering services
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Example Usage
"The wedding had excellent catering"
"We hired a caterer for the event"
Focus
The service and process
The person or business
Scope
Broad range of tasks, including preparation and service
Individual or entity executing the tasks
Context
Events like weddings, parties, corporate functions
Professionals offering catering services
Catering and Caterer Definitions
Catering
An arrangement where meals are provided for a specific occasion.
They chose a catering package that included appetizers and desserts.
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Caterer
An entity that prepares, delivers, and serves food.
We hired a caterer to ensure all guests were well-fed.
Catering
A service that includes food preparation, delivery, and setup.
The catering for the conference was handled by a local restaurant.
Caterer
A person or company that provides food and drink services for events.
The caterer arrived early to set up the buffet.
Catering
The business of supplying prepared food.
Catering requires careful planning and coordination.
Caterer
A professional responsible for meal planning and execution at events.
The caterer suggested several menu options for the party.
Catering
The service of providing food and drinks for events.
The company specializes in catering for corporate events.
Caterer
Someone who coordinates all aspects of food service for an event.
The caterer handled everything from cooking to cleanup.
Catering
The act of organizing and delivering meals to various gatherings.
Catering for the wedding involved a full-course dinner.
Caterer
To provide food or entertainment.
Catering
To provide food or entertainment.
Caterer
A business that specializes in supplying food for special occasions.
The caterer offered a variety of cuisine styles to choose from.
Catering
To be particularly attentive or solicitous; minister
The nurses catered to my every need. The legislation catered to various special interest groups.
Caterer
To be particularly attentive or solicitous; minister
The nurses catered to my every need. The legislation catered to various special interest groups.
Catering
To provide food service for
A business that caters banquets and weddings.
Caterer
To provide food service for
A business that caters banquets and weddings.
Catering
To attend to the wants or needs of.
Caterer
To attend to the wants or needs of.
Catering
The business of providing food and related services; foodservice.
Caterer
A person employed to obtain and maintain the storage of provisions, especially food.
Catering
The business of providing such services for special occasions.
Caterer
A person or company hired to provide and serve food, usually for a large group and at a location separate from where the food is prepared.
Catering
(countable) The act of one who caters (to something).
Caterer
One who caters.
The little fowls in the air have God for Their provider and caterer.
Catering
Present participle of cater
Caterer
Someone who provides food and service (as for a party)
Catering
Providing food and services
FAQs
What is catering?
Catering is the service of providing food and drinks for special events.
Is a caterer always a company?
No, a caterer can be an individual or a company.
What types of events require catering?
Events like weddings, parties, corporate functions, and conferences often require catering.
What tasks does catering involve?
Catering involves menu design, food preparation, transportation, setup, serving, and cleanup.
Can catering be customized?
Yes, catering can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of an event.
Can catering include service staff?
Yes, many catering services include staff to serve food and drinks to guests.
What is the main focus of catering?
The main focus of catering is the service and process of providing food and drinks for events.
Can catering include drinks?
Yes, catering often includes both food and drinks.
What is a caterer?
A caterer is a person or company that provides catering services.
Do caterers provide all necessary equipment?
Often, caterers provide necessary equipment like serving dishes, utensils, and sometimes even tables and chairs.
What does a full-service caterer offer?
A full-service caterer offers comprehensive services including planning, preparation, delivery, setup, serving, and cleanup.
Is catering more expensive than self-preparing food?
Catering can be more expensive than self-preparing food, but it provides convenience and professional service.
Can a caterer help with event planning?
Some caterers also offer event planning services to help coordinate the entire event.
What is the main role of a caterer?
The main role of a caterer is to execute the tasks involved in providing food and drink services for events.
How do you choose a caterer?
Choose a caterer based on their experience, menu options, customer reviews, and your specific event needs.
What skills are needed to be a caterer?
Culinary skills, organizational abilities, and customer service expertise are needed to be a caterer.
Is catering only for large events?
No, catering can be provided for events of any size, from small gatherings to large functions.
Do caterers need special licenses?
Yes, caterers typically need licenses and permits to operate, ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.
Can catering accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, many caterers can accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests.
What should be included in a catering contract?
A catering contract should include details about the menu, services provided, costs, payment terms, and any special requests or requirements.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
