Written by
Bella Jolly
Brand Lead
With 10 years' experience working in brand and content for some of the UK's biggest hospitality brands under her belt, Bella takes ownership of the Togather brand. Bella's passion for the events industry shines through in her work, ensuring the stories of amazing suppliers and unforgettable events are effectively communicated through various mediums such as video, photo and the written word.
Outside of work, she can be found scrolling TikTok or enjoying a spicy margarita.
Published on Tue 24 December 2024
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Wedding Catering?
When you think back to a friend’s weddings, you might not remember the first dance song but we can guarantee you remember the food - especially if it was exceptional (or terrible). Your wedding catering plays a crucial role in creating a memorable experience for your guests and whether it’s an elegant sit-down dinner or a laid-back buffet, delicious food and drinks can really elevate your celebration. But how far in advance should you book your wedding caterer to ensure everything is perfect on the day? Here’s what you need to know.
1. When Should I Book My Wedding Catering?
We’ve looked into the trends on our platform to find out when we get most enquiries, when suppliers are busiest and on average how long it takes from the point of first enquiry to finalising all the details and booking the caterer of your preference.
With this knowledge and 1000s of interactions with couples planning their wedding, the ideal time to book your wedding catering is 9–12 months in advance, though this can vary depending on your wedding date, location, and the type of catering you’re looking for.
Peak season weddings (May–September): Book your caterer at least 12 months in advance, especially if you’re considering a popular catering company or unique food options like food trucks or interactive stations.
Off-peak weddings (October–April): You may have more flexibility, but it’s still a good idea to secure your caterer 9–10 months ahead to lock in availability and pricing.
Smaller weddings: For intimate weddings or micro-weddings, you might be able to book closer to the 6-month mark, particularly if you’re working with local suppliers or a venue that includes catering.
Catering add-ons: If you’re looking to add something extra like an ice cream van or street food truck for late night pizza, we recommend booking this around 6 months before.
2. Why Is Booking Early Important?
Knowing when to book your caterer is one thing but there is method and reason behind this too. Here are some of the main factors behind the importance of booking early
Popular suppliers book quickly: Well-reviewed or unique caterers (e.g., street food vendors or bespoke cocktail bars) are often in high demand and may book out months in advance.
Menu customisation: Booking early gives you ample time to discuss dietary requirements, seasonal menu options, and any special touches you want to include.
Coordination with your venue: Many venues have preferred catering suppliers or restrictions on external caterers. Early booking ensures you have time to coordinate logistics and meet any venue requirements.
3. What Should I Consider Before Booking?
Before reaching out to caterers, make sure you have a few key details locked down:
Guest list size: Knowing how many people you’re roughly expecting helps caterers provide accurate quotes and menu recommendations.
Budget: Set a realistic budget for your catering. On average, catering can account for 20–30% of your total wedding budget, depending on your choices.
Catering style: Decide whether you want a plated meal, buffet, food trucks, or family-style dining. For more ideas, check out our blog Wedding Catering Trends.
Venue details: Confirm whether your venue has in-house catering or kitchen facilities, and whether you are allowed to use external caterers, as this may impact your choice of caterer.
4. Tips for Booking Your Wedding Catering
To make the process smooth and stress-free, follow these tips:
Start researching early: Even if you’re not ready to book, start exploring your options as soon as possible to understand the costs and styles available. Get quotes from a variety to compare and get a feel for what you can get for your money. Togather has the UK’s top wedding caterers, and you can compare all your quotes in one place.
Schedule tastings: Many caterers offer menu tastings as part of the booking process. Use this opportunity to sample dishes and ensure they meet your expectations.
Ask the right questions: During consultations, ask about portion sizes, staffing, additional requirements they might have like access to power and water, and whether they can accommodate dietary restrictions. For more inspiration, check out our blog on Questions to Ask Your Wedding Caterer.
Read Reviews: Look for testimonials from other couples to gauge the caterer’s reliability and food quality.
5. How Late Is Too Late to Book?
If you’re planning your wedding on a shorter timeline, there are still ways to find great catering options:
Be flexible with menu options: Opt for simpler menus or buffet-style service, which may require less preparation time.
Consider local vendors: Local food trucks or smaller caterers often have more flexibility and may be able to accommodate last-minute bookings. At Togather we can help you find the best local suppliers to your wedding venue.
Use a trusted platform: We work with a wide range of the UK’s best catering suppliers, and our team can help you find available caterers quickly, with quotes delivered in as little as 5 minutes.
6. Related Blogs to Help You Plan
Planning your wedding catering goes hand-in-hand with other key aspects of your day. Explore these blogs for more helpful tips:
Remember...
Booking your wedding catering early ensures you have plenty of time to plan a menu that reflects your tastes, accommodates your guests, and enhances your celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of gourmet cuisine or casual food trucks, securing the right caterer will help make your wedding day unforgettable.
At Togather, we partner with some of the UK’s best wedding caterers, from traditional sit-down dining to creative street food options. Complete our enquiry form today to connect with trusted caterers who can provide tailored quotes and availability in as little as 30 minutes.