{"id":313649,"date":"2023-08-29T14:57:26","date_gmt":"2023-08-29T18:57:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lgcassociates.com\/?p=313649"},"modified":"2025-04-25T14:59:13","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T18:59:13","slug":"what-does-a-banquet-server-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lgcassociates.com\/es\/what-does-a-banquet-server-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Banquet Server Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every week we comb through the news to find employment trends affecting the hospitality industry so you don\u2019t have to. This week\u2019s Hospitality in the News topic: what does a banquet server do?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you <\/span>know<\/span><\/a> that the concept of banquets has been around for thousands of years? Large banquets requiring food service workers were held in civilizations such as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In modern day, banquets are a way to get a group of people together for a variety of reasons, but often for a celebration or recognition.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

LGC has two decades of experience with banquets, whether it\u2019s partnering with clients who host them or placing employees who work at them. It\u2019s safe to say that we know a thing or two about banquets.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One common question we get is, \u201cwhat does a banquet server do?\u201d Though there are some overlapping responsibilities between a banquet server and a traditional restaurant server, there are specific differences that are vital to working as a banquet server. Below we\u2019ll answer the question \u201cwhat does a banquet server do?\u201d and share tips for hiring and finding work as a banquet server.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does a Banquet Server Do?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

The most important thing to know about this position is that the server must know how to conduct banquet service. If the banquet has a plated dinner, it requires a specific style of service which prioritizes etiquette and follows a set of rules. <\/span>This<\/span><\/a> 90 second YouTube video does a great job of outlining the basics of plated banquet service, but the main rule you need to know is: serve with the left, clear with the right.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that your left hand will always be on the left side of the guest and used to place plates on the table. Your right hand stays on the right side of the guest and is only used to remove empty dishes from the table.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These rules aren\u2019t difficult per say, but if they\u2019re not followed to a T, it can throw off the entire service. Consistency is vital to creating a great experience for guests which means all banquet servers need to be on the same page.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not all banquets require plated service. Some may be more casual and have a buffet, food stations, or cafeteria-style service. There might also be tray service which also requires the ability to carry a large tray with plates on it. (<\/span>Here\u2019s<\/span><\/a> another helpful YouTube video.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To know what service is required, it\u2019s crucial to communicate with the event captain and\/or your supervisor. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for Hiring Banquet Servers<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Working as a banquet server requires a thorough understanding of the position and what\u2019s expected of the employee. Throughout the twenty years LGC has been hiring banquet servers, we\u2019ve learned exactly what great candidates need to be successful. Here\u2019s what we found:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n