When to Book a Caterer for a Wedding

Wedding venues and caterers book up quickly, especially during the peak season from late spring to early fall. Knowing when to book a wedding caterer is important if your big day falls on a popular date or if you’re hosting a large event. To secure your top choice, it’s recommended to book catering nine to 12 months ahead of the wedding.

Wedding Planning Checklist

Locking in a caterer who aligns with your vision is essential to ensuring your day goes smoothly. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process of booking your wedding caterer at the right time:

  • Set your wedding date and venue: Before you can start seriously looking for a caterer, you should secure your wedding date and venue. Many caterers require this information before discussing availability. 
  • Determine your budget: Before consulting, establish a clear budget for catering. Knowing what you can afford will help guide your discussions. 
  • Book your caterer nine to 12 months in advance: Many couples book their wedding caterers straight after booking their venues. 
  • Create a guest list: While the exact number of guests may fluctuate, having a general idea will help the caterer provide a realistic estimate for food quantities and costs. 
  • Schedule consultations and tastings: Schedule consultations and tastings to narrow down your choices. A tasting is also a great time to discuss menu options, dietary restrictions, and any specific ideas you have in mind. 

Our All-inclusive Wedding Menu

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and — let’s face it — a little bit of stress. At Catering By Design, we believe that your special day deserves only the best. Our goal is to make sure your catering experience is smooth, memorable and enjoyable. 

Our all-inclusive menu makes planning easy. Our wedding menus offer various options to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you want breakfast for dinner, a supreme buffet with global flavors, or chef-manned stations, we’ve got you covered. 

We can do customized catering events and complimentary private tastings for weddings with over 50 guests. Experience fast bookings, competitive and transparent pricing, reliable service and more. 

Let Us Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

Ready to start planning your dream wedding menu? Don’t get stuck with a last-minute choice that doesn’t provide the service and selection you’re looking for. With two decades of experience in the industry, we’ve catered to weddings of all sizes. Whether you’re dreaming of a lavish, grand reception or a cozy, intimate celebration, our experienced team delivers excellence time and time again. Over the years, we’ve learned what works, how to adapt to various wedding themes and how to navigate challenges so you can focus on what matters most — enjoying your big day.

Contact us today and benefit from our seasoned expertise. We work with brides, grooms, parents and wedding planners to develop individualized menus to fit every couple’s budget and theme. Just schedule the event and our team will handle the rest. 

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