Gala dinner: what it means in catering

The gala dinner is the formal evening of a company, a conference or an association: guests seated, speeches, sometimes awards or a show. The menu matters, but so do service, timings and set-up.

For large numbers the most common service is plated, that is Italian-style service, because it keeps to time. With few tables you can add a Russian-style or guéridon moment. The typical structure is starter, pasta course, main, dessert and coffee, often preceded by an aperitivo.

What to ask

Write a running order with speeches and awards and share it with the caterer's maître: the courses must move around the programme. In a historic palazzo, check kitchen, access and restrictions first. The choices are in the guide to the corporate gala dinner, the rough ranges in corporate catering prices.

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Costs

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Price ranges per person for coffee breaks, light lunches, aperitivo and corporate dinners, with VAT, invoicing and the items to check in a quote in Rome.

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Frequently asked questions

Which service should I use at a gala dinner?

With many guests, Italian-style service, with the plate already composed, is the most even. For a few tables you can choose a more theatrical service.

How far ahead should I organise it?

For conferences and galas, guides suggest starting even 6-12 months ahead, with brief, site visit and first quotes.

Gala dinner

What to ask

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Related terms

Read more in the guides