How far ahead of the wedding does the caterer need a head count?

Question

My wedding is 6/21/07. The caterer has been hired, but we haven't met to discuss the details yet. My fiance is in a panic because our rsvp date is 6/6. Will that be far enough in advance to have a head count for the caterer?

Answer 1

I worked for a catering company in Chicago and we needed two weeks. However, after that the count could go up not down. I have worked on weddings where the count would shift the day before. A good caterer takes this into account and usually plans some overage. Also buffet or sit down is a factor. Buffets are easier to add to than a sit down.

Answer 2

Yes definitely! The caterer doesn't need the final head count until at the most 2 weeks before the wedding. But once you decide on a caterer they will tell you and it will somewhere on the contract. My caterer wants my final head count the Monday before the wedding. Some may want it before then. But I thinkthat 6/6 seems like a very reasonable RSVP date and it shouldn't cause any problems. You can also tell your caterer beforehand that you alreday printed the invitations and that your RSVP date is 6/6 and will that be a problem.

Answer 3

Each caterer sets their own numbers, but normally it is 2-4 weeks before the wedding. You are cutting it a little close but it's not a big deal - plan to have the day of 6/6 free so you can call EVERYONE who didn't RSVP and get the numbers to your caterer by the end of that day - and let your caterer know when you meet them that this is the case so there are no surprises on either end.

Answer 4

This is something you should be discussing with your caterer while you were hiring them.

Most caterers I have heard have needed 30 days before the date for a final head count. Some caterers are different though.

Call your caterer now and ask.

Answer 5

It should definitely be far enough ahead to give them a count.

I just got married this past october 28th, and my RSVP date was October 14th. The caterer requested a set head count three days before the wedding that they would charge us for, and a rough number (like the number of people being invited) to give them an idea of the size of our wedding two months prior to the wedding.

Good luck and congrats!!!!

Answer 6

The caterer usually needs 1 month depending on how big or small your wedding is (and also how good your caterer is).

You will need to let them know before the 6th what you invitation count is at least so they have an idea of how many you are inviting.

Answer 7

First of all, get a caterer and discuss with them when they need a head count by. All caterers are different on this and they can help you the best on the answer.

Answer 8

I got married in September and typically they'll want rough figures a ways out (few months), but you should have a pretty good feel for how many are coming at that point (believe me, your parents will help with verbal RSVPs, your friends will mention whether or not they're coming, etc.). Then they only wanted a final, final headcount a week out from the wedding - so you should be ok. The other thing you could do is a Save-the-Date card / note / email... that way you'd have a better idea farther out for who can / cannot attend. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 9

young little ones below 12 and able to consume are area of the pinnacle count selection as little ones. Their nutrition are smaller, yet they nevertheless take a place. Ask your caterer. some feed little ones below 8 for unfastened. A 9 month previous would not be a area of the pinnacle count selection as they're oftentimes ingesting from mom's plate.

Answer 10

you will know ahead of time. when you send out your invitation 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding give the caterer a number of how many invites you sent, thatwill give her a idea. then when you all the rsvp's in call and tell her immediatly so she can arrange the food to the situation.