When it comes to high-end, luxury events, no detail is too small.

From the very moment guests arrive until they depart, it is essential to not only achieve, but maintain an experience that exceeds guest’s highest expectations.

When hiring luxury event staff, understand that their role is to provide impeccable service that leaves a lasting impression on guests.

This insider guide focuses on the key elements that distinguish a standard staffing experience from a truly luxurious service experience - exploring catering styles, dinner service etiquette, and professional presentation.

We highlight the important factors to take into consideration and how to make the most informed decision when selecting luxury event staff for your event.

Mastering Catering Service Styles

The manner in which food and drink are served can make or break an upscale event. Luxury guests have discerning tastes, and different catering styles require specific skills and finesse from event staff. An elegant plated dinner calls for rhythmic, unobtrusive service - from flawless course presentation to perfectly timed plate clearing. Here is a detailed list of tips to follow when running a luxury catering service.

Plated Dinner Service:

Train servers on rhythmic, unobtrusive service techniques
Ensure flawless course presentation with proper plating and garnishing
Time plate clearing to perfection, allowing guests to savor each dish
Avoid making guests feel rushed or pressured to finish quickly
Promptly remove crumbs from the table between courses
Discretely refill drinks without interrupting conversations

Passed Hors d'oeuvres Service:

Hire servers with a delicate touch and warm, engaging demeanor
Instruct servers on the art of politely offering bites without being overbearing
Train servers to read cues and know when to respectfully exit a conversation
Ensure servers can smoothly navigate through crowds without spilling or being disruptive

Family-Style Service:

Emphasize wise portion control to staff to avoid overfilling or under-filling plates
Train servers to anticipate when dishes need refilling before plates look too empty
Instruct staff on the proper technique for refilling dishes without interrupting guests
Ensure servers can smoothly navigate around the table to refill dishes from all angles

General Luxury Catering Tips:

Hire staff with excellent fine dining experience and attention to detail
Provide extensive training on luxury service standards and etiquette
Ensure staff is knowledgeable about the menu items and ingredients
Emphasize the importance of discreet, anticipatory service
Instruct staff on how to handle spills, mishaps, or guest requests professionally
Maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance for all staff

Event Coordination:

Conduct thorough pre-event briefings with catering staff
Assign experienced captains or managers to oversee service quality
Coordinate with the venue on layout, timing, and any special requirements
Have a plan for managing dietary restrictions or allergies
Be prepared to handle any last-minute changes or requests with poise

Remember, luxury catering is about creating a seamless, elevated experience for guests through impeccable service, attention to detail, and anticipation of their needs.

The Look of Luxury

As representatives of the event, luxury event staff must embody a level of professionalism that extends beyond mere attire. Impeccable grooming and exemplary hygiene are non-negotiable.

From well-maintained hair and nails to a fresh, discrete scent, every detail contributes to the overall impression. Staff should be mindful of strong fragrances that may be distracting or disruptive to guests.

Here’s some important hygiene standards for luxury staff:

Hair should be groomed and well kept.
Long hair should be neatly tied back.
Facial hair should be groomed and neat.
Fingernails should be trimmed and cleaned.
Staff members should shower before their shift.
Staff members should wear deodorant.
Staff members should refrain from wearing strong aftershaves, colognes or perfumes.
Make up should be natural and minimal.

Dress code standards, whether upscale uniforms or specified black-tie attire, must be consistently polished and on-brand.

Here’s some important dress code standards that luxury staff should abide by:

Dress shirts and slacks should be cleaned and pressed (Have staff members either dry clean or iron their clothing)
Dress shirts should have no pockets.
Ties must be skinny and black with no patterns. Tie clips are preferred so they don’t end up in the food and drinks…
Belts should be black with silver buckle (non-branded)
Shoes should be uniform for all staff members. (Black Oxfords or Tassle Loafers)
Socks should be black and halfway up the ankle.
Pants should be reseting at the top of the shoe.
Shirts should be buttoned all the way and tucked appropriately.

That means crisply pressed tuxedos or suits, or pristine server uniforms with shined shoes. Each detail must present a tidy and cohesive appearance that aligns with the event's aesthetic.

Beyond just looking the part, staff should carry themselves in a manner that exudes both poise and confidence.

Making direct eye contact when engaging with guests, good posture, and warmly greeting guests all contribute to that elusive quality of sophistication.

Every movement and guest interaction should be handled with genuine warmth and graceful etiquette.

Remaining calm under pressure is vital.

No matter the last-minute request or the occasional hiccup, a luxury staff member will skillfully find a resolution without ever making guests aware of the issue.

Dinner Service Etiquette

At the heart of any luxury event is the dining experience.

Luxury event staff must be well-versed in the intricacies of dinner service etiquette to ensure a seamless and unforgettable culinary experience for guests.

From detailed napkin folds to perfectly synchronized plate clearing, every aspect of table service demands steady attention to detail and seamless choreography.

Here are some essential luxury service etiquette guidelines to follow:

Always serve from the left and pull from the right.
Have a clear understanding of every course that is being served and the dishes and cutlery that are associated.
Be sure to pull the appropriate cutlery when a course is finished.
When you pull dishes only grab 3 plates at a time. Stacking is tacky.
Ensure all guests have their glasses filled at all times, unless they say otherwise.
Do not talk too much with guests unless approached first.
Await chef instructions in the kitchen and take initiative on the floor.

Maintaining a smooth flow and consistent pacing throughout courses allows guests to truly indulge in the dining experience and converse uninterrupted.

In order for dining to be a sophisticated experience, it is essential for servers to have extensive food and beverage knowledge.

Whether it's performing the ceremonial decanting of a prized vintage or offering informed wine pairing recommendations, staff’s expertise can greatly enhance the overall experience.

Subtle signaling systems between staff help to ensure that empty glasses are punctually refilled and dirty plates cleared away in one deft motion.

Accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies with discretion and care is not only a matter of hospitality but also a matter of safety.

Staff should be thoroughly briefed on special meal requirements.

As a vegetarian myself, I always go through extra lengths to ensure that staff is aware of my dietary restrictions.

Unfortunately even with these extra measures there have been multiple occasions where I have received dishes containing meat.

Mistakes like this are not only extremely inconvenient, but also pose a great risk of upsetting or even harming guests when it comes to allergies.

Choosing the Right Staffing Partner

For event planners, caterers, and venues, finding a reputable and reliable staffing partner is key to ensuring a flawless luxury event.

An agency's past experience in executing high quality service for other high-profile luxury events should be carefully considered - read reviews, get references, and even do site visits if possible to gather as much information as you can before making your decision.

Staff training programs that cover service standards, etiquette, and an in-depth understanding of luxury hospitality is crucial.

Understanding the agency's hiring and vetting processes is also important.

Background checks, reference checks, and in-person interviews should be standard procedures to ensure the highest caliber of staff.

Another factor to take into consideration is the company’s insurance and licensing.

Make sure they have the proper credentials and insurance for your protection such as carrying general liability coverage, liquor licenses where applicable, and everything required to operate above-board.

You will also want a staffing partner that has excellent communication channels and is responsive to your needs and concerns throughout the planning process of the event.

Conclusion

Luxury event staff are the ambassadors of an exceptional event service, tasked with creating a memorable experience for guests.

Through the mastering of catering service styles, cultivating a professional appearance, and demonstrating a deep understanding of dinner service etiquette, they elevate events to new heights of elegance and sophistication.

For event planners, caterers, and venues, selecting the right staffing partner is crucial to ensure a seamless and successful luxury event.

By partnering with a reputable luxury staffing agency like Elevate Events, you can rest assured that your event will be staffed by true professionals who embody the highest standards of service excellence.

A Guide to Luxury Event Staff