If you're looking for a way to save money at your next special event, consider holding it during lunchtime, rather than dinnertime. Food portions are generally smaller, and you may even get a discount on an event venues. 

You can hold almost any type of event or special occasion during the day, including family and corporate holiday get-togethers, reunions, kids' and adults' birthday parties, wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers, and anniversary and graduation soirees. Daytime events are especially ideal when you're holding them at outside venues, such as country barns.

Lunchtime events will work for a wide variety of venues, from casual parks and vineyards to elegant banquet or reception halls and country clubs. For added convenience and possibly even money savings, pick a venue that offers on-site lunch catering so that you don't have to worry about cooking or hiring an outside food service. 

If you want a more specialized lunchtime menu, however, hiring a catering company may be the best way to go. You can work with the team to design your perfect menu, from appetizers to desserts. Don't forget to include a few vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well, to cater to everyone on your guest list.

Here are some creative catering ideas for lunchtime events.

1. Build-Your-Own Bar 

You can create a build-your-own bar for a wide range of food items, such as grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, pizza, burritos, tacos, and salads for an outdoor event. Set up all of the ingredients in individual dishes and bowls on a long, buffet table, and allow party-goers to create their own lunches. 

A buffet-style lunch service will allow guests to completely customize their meal while encouraging them to mix and mingle as they get hands-on with their food. A build-your-own lunchtime bar is especially fun for kids of all ages.

2. Soup and Salad 

When it comes to lunchtime options, you can't go wrong with soup and salad. Serving the combination of food will allow guests to have as hearty or as light of a lunch as they'd like. Serve a variety of made-from-scratch soup options, including vegetable, seafood, and meat-based choices. Be sure to accompany the soup with the appropriate toppings, such as croutons, crackers, or sour cream, depending on what type it is. 

Complement the soups with hearty Caesar, mixed, chef, Asian-inspired, or taco salads. Protein-packed topping ideas include grilled shrimp, chicken, steak, or tofu. 

For more information, contact a lunch catering service.