Food

5 Tips for Planning a Birthday Party at a Steakhouse

Restaurants have always been popular go-to venues for birthday parties. They offer ample space, great ambiance, excellent food, and topnotch service, which means the planner or celebrant does not have to do any hard work before or during the event, except maybe to add a few personal touches to the place.

By checking steakhouse promotions beforehand, the birthday celebrant can even enjoy various exciting perks and freebies during the party.

Since celebrating birthday parties at restaurants has been quite the norm for many years now, everyone should already have an experience or two for planning one for a loved one, friend, or co-worker.

However, there will still be some who are yet to throw a birthday party at a restaurant, particularly at a steakhouse. If you haven’t planned a bash at a steak restaurant but want to host one for an important person, here are some tips that will help you breeze through the whole process and hold a fun, memorable celebration:

  1. Start making plans early

At least a month before the celebrant’s birthday, think about what kind of party you want to host. Is it a formal sit-down dinner or a casual get-together in a private room?

Consider the preferences and habits of the celebrant and guests too. Would they be more comfortable in a private area, or will they interact better when they are seated in the main dining area?

Think about the number of guests you will invite as well. This is to ensure you will choose the right venue and set the correct budget.

Additionally, consider the best date and time to have the party. Start thinking about the menu items too. If you are unsure about the preferences of everyone who will be coming or if someone has any food allergies, you can ask the celebrant and guests about this.

  1. Check the venue

Begin your search for a good steakhouse as soon as you have chosen the type of party to have. Go online and look for the top-rated steak restaurants with excellent reviews regarding the food, décor, space, ambiance, and service.

Make sure that the restaurants you will list down have the amenities you need. If you want to hire a private room, choose steakhouses that have them. In case you want to host a casual party in the dining area, look for establishments that have large communal tables.

Once you have shortlisted at least five steakhouses, drop by these restaurants. If you already have the time for the party, try to visit them within the same period to get a feel of the vibe and find out how busy the place is.

If possible, order something, especially if you haven’t tried the restaurant yet. However, you don’t have to get something expensive. By tasting even the most affordable dish, you will get an idea of the quality and taste of the food they order. It will also give you the chance to peruse the menu (if it isn’t online) and check the speed of service.

  1. Make the arrangements as soon as possible

As soon as you have chosen the venue, talk with the restaurant manager or the staff in event coordinator to schedule the birthday party.

This is something that you have to do as soon as possible, especially if you chose a popular steakhouse. Their private rooms can go pretty fast, particularly during peak seasons. You won’t be able to pick the best table or spot for your group as well if you don’t make your reservations early.

Additionally, by making the arrangements early, you will get help with customizing the menu according to your budget, preferences, and health requirements of everyone attending the party.

Moreover, you will get help with the other elements of the party, including planning the decorations and with the arrangement of the tables beforehand.

  1. Plan the menu

Food plays a crucial role in the success of any party. Because of this, you must create the perfect menu that will please all your guests.

Once you have a list of the preferences and dietary restrictions, if any, of your guests, work with the restaurant manager or in-house event coordinator on the food choices. Choose at least three appetizers and main courses. Make sure there are fish, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. Of course, don’t forget to include steak on the menu.  

Additionally, find out if the birthday celebrant will get a free cake from the steakhouse so that you won’t have to buy one. Ask for their recommendations regarding desserts too.

In case you want to serve the guests a traditional or made-to-order birthday cake, find out if you can bring in one and if they can serve it at the end of dinner.

  1. Send invitations

Finally, make sure all guests will show up for the birthday party by creating and sending them invitations.

You can go either the digital or traditional route with your invitations. If you choose the modern way, compose an email or use an app to create a formal invite.

If the party is only for 12 or fewer people, handwrite the invitations and give them or mail them to the guests. Personalized invites won’t fail to impress anyone and the ones who receive them will certainly put going to the party on top of their priority.

Whether you send out digital or paper invites, make sure you do this at least two weeks before the party so that they will have plenty of time to clear their schedules for the event.

By taking these steps, you will throw a more enjoyable party, one that will be imprinted on the birthday celebrant’s mind forever.

AUTHOR BIO:

Chiara Bisignani is the F&B Marketing Executive at Saadiyat Beach Club. She oversees website maintenance, PR requests, marketing initiatives and all general guests’ enquiries for the company’s destinations of KOI Restaurant & Lounge, Boa Steakhouse and Caramel Restaurant and Lounge in Abu Dhabi.