Oops! The Caterers Have Run Out Of Food! (How to Manage an Event Crisis)

Everyone has at some point come face to face with a crisis or emergency that seemed challenging.

The stand-by generator breaks down just before the couple’s first dance? 2 tiers fall off the wedding cake? Whether natural or man-made, certain things must be done to prevent an event crisis from becoming a total disaster and in turn your professional career.

Stay Calm; Nerves can make an outrageous idea seem right in the space of a second or two. Take a time out, control those nerves and arrange the right thoughts.

Assess the Situation; Find out what needs to be done to salvage the situation and also avert a
possible re-occurrence.

Explore all available resources within and without; Scan through a number of possible solutions before making an informed decision. The help you might need could be right under your nose.

Address the situation the best possible way; The best or suitable solution should be a permanent or temporary hold enough to keep the client smiling until the event draws to a close.

So how do you avoid/manage a catering emergency?

·        As a planner you should always check with your providers. The quantity of food should correspond with the number of people budgeted for.

·      If at a point you notice a shortage, notify the client and get them to sign an approval to get more food.

·        Go to the nearest restaurant and make up the number needed.

The next time you are bottleneck with an event crisis, natural or man-made, remember remain calm, assess the situation, explore available resources and address the situation the best possible way. Good luck and manage that crisis!

Share your thoughts with us. How would you handle a catering emergency?