Your wedding catering choices will set the tone of the day for your guests. Your food will leave an impression they’ll remember for years to come – but will it be a good impression or a not-so-good memory?
Your wedding reception caterer will help you all along the way, reminding you when you need to make which decisions. Your timeline will also be outlined in your written agreement with your wedding catering company.
But, to be sure you’re prepared, here is a simple rundown of the couple’s obligations to their wedding caterer.
When Should You Choose Your Wedding Caterer?
Most wedding planners and catering professionals recommend choosing your caterer no later than seven to eight months prior to your special day.
However, if you’ll be having a holiday season wedding, you may need to get on the caterer’s schedule more than a year out. Corporate holiday parties and other seasonal events tend to schedule the subsequent year’s catering during this year’s festivities.
You won’t have to specify the details of your menu at this time but you will have to commit to a style of service (buffet, sit-down dinner, carving stations, etc.) and estimate your guest count.
Three Months Pre-Wedding Catering To-Do Items
With three months to go until our wedding, catering professionals need to have a better headcount and a commitment to your menu.
For your count, give your wedding caterer a number equal to 80 percent of your total guest list.
If your caterer will be providing a tasting for you, you should schedule this now. After your tasting, you will provide the caterer with your final menu selections. You will also have to finalize your choices for anything else the company will be providing, such as including your beverage selections, linens, etc.
Once you have finalized all of these details, your catering company will send you the final cost breakdown and payment structure.
One to Four Weeks Pre-Wedding Catering To-Do Items
Contact your wedding caterer and ensure they have everything they need from you, and confirm the date, time and location of the event with them. Ask what amenities or information they need from the venue and coordinate those with your venue contact.
Send out the final payment in advance of the event, if possible. Otherwise designate a trusted friend or family member to deliver the final payment at the reception venue.
Confirm with the company when they must have the final “drop dead” guest count. Some companies will let you make changes up to 72 hours before the event. Other companies require your final number at the one-week mark.
In Provo, Brown Brothers Catering provides Northern Utah’s best wedding catering services, with award-winning food at realistic prices. We offer regular complimentary tasting events, to introduce couples to our exceptional quality and service. Contact us today to reserve your spot, or to request a price for your wedding catering or event.
