Book 8–10 months ahead

Wedding Caterers Near You

Full-service wedding catering, buffets, family style, food trucks and bar service. 1,256 listings in 52 states.

How Far Ahead Should You Book Caterers?

Couples usually book caterers 8–10 months ahead, and earlier for Saturdays in May, June, September and October. We list 1,256 caterers in 52 states, most in California, New York, New Jersey. Before booking, compare the total price, what is included, and the deposit and cancellation terms.

Updated October 28, 2026 · Source: OpenStreetMap listings (refreshed October 28, 2026); ido.broker planning guide.

Illustration: Full-service wedding catering, buffets, family style, food trucks and bar service.

Top Questions to Ask

  1. What is the price per guest, and what does it include (staff, rentals, cake cutting, tax, service charge)?
  2. Can we do a tasting, and is there a fee?
  3. Do you offer plated, buffet, family-style or stations, and how does the price change?
  4. How do you handle allergies and vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal or gluten-free meals?
  5. Do you provide bar service and bartenders? Do you hold a liquor license and liability insurance?

See all 10 questions and tips →

Good to Know

  • Ask for a sample invoice for your guest count so you see every fee.
  • Buffets are not always cheaper than plated; compare full quotes.
  • Feed your vendors: most contracts require a vendor meal.
StateListings
California146
New York141
New Jersey92
Pennsylvania71
Texas68
Washington57
Colorado45
Oregon41
Virginia39
Ohio38
Florida33
Maryland31
Arizona30
North Carolina30
Georgia28
Illinois28
Indiana26
Tennessee25
Michigan23
South Carolina22
Massachusetts19
Connecticut18
Minnesota17
Utah16
Wisconsin16
Iowa13
Kentucky13
Arkansas10
Louisiana10
District of Columbia9
Hawaii9
Montana9
Idaho8
Oklahoma8
Maine6
Mississippi6
New Mexico6
Missouri5
New Hampshire5
South Dakota5
Vermont5
Kansas4
Nebraska4
Alabama3
Nevada3
North Dakota3
Rhode Island3
Alaska2
Delaware2
Puerto Rico2
West Virginia2
Wyoming1

Questions Couples Ask

How far ahead should you book caterers?

Couples usually book caterers 8–10 months ahead, and earlier for Saturdays in May, June, September and October. Compare the total price, what is included, and the deposit and cancellation terms before booking.

How much do couples spend on caterers?

Couples who married in 2024 spent about $80 per guest on average, according to news coverage of The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study. Prices vary widely by city, date and guest count, so get two or three written quotes and compare the totals with every fee included.

What should you ask a wedding caterer before booking?

Start with: What is the price per guest, and what does it include (staff, rentals, cake cutting, tax, service charge); Can we do a tasting, and is there a fee; Do you offer plated, buffet, family-style or stations, and how does the price change. Our full list has 10 questions, and the quote comparison tool lets you line up the answers.

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Featured from the Map

Listings with the most contact details. Not paid placements.

Big Mama's BBQ

100 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL

CaterersPhone listedWebsite

Make A Meal

2730 Prince Street, Conway, AR

CaterersPhone listedWebsite

Elite Catering

3582 North Highway 112, Fayetteville, AR

CaterersPhone listedWebsite

Mermaids

2217 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR

CaterersPhone listedWebsite

The Garden Room

215 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, AR

CaterersPhone listedWebsite

Thornager's

2640 West Kiltie Lane, Flagstaff, AZ

CaterersPhone listedWebsite

Listings: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Data last updated October 28, 2026 · Sources & method