At Your Service — Planners Demand, these Minnesota Event Suppliers Supply

Every planner knows that successful events are all about the details. Of course, the venue is crucial. But if you host your gala in Buckingham Palace and the food is bad, what are your guest going to remember? (Okay, maybe they’d remember the queen, but that bad corn would stick in their minds long after it got stuck in their teeth.) Whether it’s your lunch or your linens, the tent or the torts, the blooms or the booze, when you get the details right, everything comes together flawlessly.

The best caterers serve up a mouthwatering menu that is sure to please. Look for a caterer who not only knows food, service, and presentation, but is familiar with what’s trending - from farm to table, food trucks to sweet botanicals, artisan cheeses to chocolates. Why not sample something from one of these Minnesota Caterers:

• Crave Catering. A local favorite, this award-winning catering company draws from a wide range of menus, experience, and professionals from twelve of the Twin Cities top restaurants. Using only the freshest local ingredients they’re serving up good taste from light appetizers (chicken wontons, grilled steak bites) to robust entrees (stuffed chicken roulade, pork tenderloin, lasagna), desserts, beverages, and more.

• Lancer Catering. With more than thirty years in the business, Lancer takes pride in providing food that is celebratory, that satisfies the senses, and makes people happy. Serving at exclusive locations including the Como Park Zoo + Conservatory, Edinburgh USA , and Normandale Japanese Garden, Lancer individually designs menus for each client.

• Mintahoe Catering + Events. With multiple gorgeous venue locations (Minnesota Boat Club, Mississippi Gardens, Nicollet Island Pavilion, to name a few) this award-winning caterer dishes up cuisine that clients clamor for. From simple breakfast options (scrambled eggs, muffins, yogurt with granola) to sandwiches, salads, and soups, to buffets with savory entrees (herb roasted chicken, baked ham, chopped sirloin) they are true crowd pleasers.

• Envision Catering + Hospitality. Formerly Prom Catering, this local favorite has been skillfully preparing and presenting delicious food since 1940. They can serve up to 750 guests at their location, the Envision Event Center in Oakdale, or come to you at your location. A seasonal favorite are their summer BBQs with hot dog bar, burger bar, pulled pork, southern BBQ and more.

For a complete list of event caterers, check out our Minnesota event catering directory.

Linens in every imaginable fabric and color; lights that create a fantasy ambiance; technology that keeps your crew connected - -there is always room for rentals in your event budget. Just look and see what these Minnesota rental companies have in their inventory:

• Apres Event Decor & Tent Rental. If you need it, they’ve got it. They’ve even got what you didn’t know you needed. Tenting, tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware, glassware, serving pieces, chair covers, draping, lounge furniture … the list goes on and on.

• Festivities Event Rental Decor + Floral. Their selection of “stuff” boggles the mind. They’ve got functional stuff like tables and chairs, linens, chair covers, tents, and dance floors. Then there’s their decorative stuff like centerpieces and vases, draping, and lighting. And of course, you must check out their fun stuff like games and entertainment to amuse and engage your guests.

• Midwest Radio Rentals. Logistics can be a nightmare if you can’t communicate effectively with your staff. Two-way radios and cell phones from Midwest Radio Rentals keep you connected to your crew and ensures your event goes off without a hitch.

• Rhino Communication Rentals. Specializing in two-way communication solutions, Rhino rents high-quality wireless communication products. Offering you instant communication and improved coordination with headsets, lapel microphones and more, you’re in touch with your team without having to invest in the technology.

For a complete list of event rental vendors, discover our Minnesota event rental directory.

You’ll know every detail is in place when you let your local CVB help service your event. Partake of free marketing materials, down time calendars, event registration, plus expert knowledge on the area, the venues, the attractions and more. Find out what these Minnesota Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus can do for you:

• Central Minnesota. Close enough to the cities to partake of all the amenities, yet far enough away to enjoy the tranquility of small-town Minnesota. With an abundance of lakes and rolling prairies, tap into Central Minnesota CVBs at Willmar Lakes Area, Explore Hutchinson, and St. Cloud.

• Metro. Sure, they’re home to the wholesome in the guise of Mary Tyler Moore and Garrison Keillor. But they’re also known for Prince, Sir Tyrone Guthrie, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and many more bon vivants. Discover sophistication and urban edge with the CVBs at Bloomington, Discover SLP, Lakeville, Roseville Visitor’s Association, and Twin Cities’ Gateway.

• Southern Minnesota. Escape. Explore. Enjoy. The Minnesota River Valley is one of the most picturesque in the nation. Known for antique shops, historic architecture, and ethnic festivals, you’ll want to tap into the CVB resources for Albert Lea, Marshall, Owatonna, Red Wing, and Visit Mankato.

• Northwest Minnesota. It’s lake country. More than 400 lakes within 25 miles equals serenity, relaxation, fishing, swimming, a getaway and more. Check into Detroit Lakes CVB for the best that Mother Nature has to offer.

For a complete list of CVBs, explore our Minnesota Convention and Visitor Bureau directory.