Book 2–6 months ahead

Full-Service Caterers Near You

Dedicated catering companies: menus, cooking, delivery, staff and setup for parties, weddings and business events. 1,706 listings in 52 states.

How Far Ahead Should You Book Caterers?

People usually book caterers 2–6 months ahead (8–12 for peak-season weddings). We list 1,706 caterers in 52 states, most in New York, California, New Jersey. Before booking, compare the total price with every fee, what is included, and the deposit and cancellation terms.

Updated November 5, 2026 · Source: OpenStreetMap listings (refreshed November 5, 2026); catering.broker planning guide.

Illustration: Dedicated catering companies: menus, cooking, delivery, staff and setup for parties, weddings and business events.

Top Questions to Ask

  1. What is the price per guest, and what exactly does it include?
  2. Can you send a sample invoice for our guest count with every fee, tax and service charge?
  3. Do you hold a food permit or license and liability insurance? Can our venue get a certificate of insurance?
  4. How do you handle allergies and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal or kosher meals?
  5. When is the final headcount due, and can it change after that?

See all 12 questions and tips →

Good to Know

  • Ask every caterer for a quote on the same menu and guest count so you compare like with like.
  • Service charges of 18–25% plus sales tax are common; they are not the same as a tip.
  • Weekday and daytime events are often cheaper than Saturday nights.
StateListings
New York169
California165
New Jersey117
Pennsylvania102
Texas87
Washington75
North Carolina64
Virginia59
Florida55
Ohio55
Oregon52
Colorado49
Maryland46
Illinois40
Michigan40
Georgia35
Indiana35
Arizona34
Tennessee33
South Carolina31
Wisconsin31
Massachusetts28
Connecticut27
Kentucky22
Minnesota18
Utah18
Arkansas16
Iowa15
Louisiana15
Missouri14
Oklahoma14
District of Columbia13
Alabama12
Hawaii12
Idaho11
Montana10
New Mexico9
Kansas8
New Hampshire8
Maine7
Mississippi7
Nebraska7
South Dakota7
Vermont7
West Virginia6
North Dakota5
Nevada4
Rhode Island4
Alaska3
Delaware2
Puerto Rico2
Wyoming1

Common Questions

How far ahead should you book caterers?

People usually book caterers 2–6 months ahead (8–12 for peak-season weddings). Weekends from May to October and the November–December holiday season fill first. Compare the total price, what is included, and the deposit and cancellation terms before booking.

How much do caterers cost?

As a planning range, expect about $30–$110 per guest for food depending on service style, before staff, service charge and tax. Prices vary widely by city, date, menu and guest count, so get two or three written quotes and compare the totals with every fee included. Our cost calculator lets you plug in your own numbers.

What should you ask a caterer before booking?

Start with: What is the price per guest, and what exactly does it include; Can you send a sample invoice for our guest count with every fee, tax and service charge; Do you hold a food permit or license and liability insurance? Can our venue get a certificate of insurance. Our full list has 12 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.

100 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL

Full-Service CaterersBBQ CateringPhoneWebsiteHours

2730 Prince Street, Conway, AR

Full-Service CaterersPhoneWebsiteHours

3582 North Highway 112, Fayetteville, AR

Full-Service CaterersPhoneWebsite

2217 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR

Full-Service CaterersSeafoodPhoneWebsiteHours

121 West Township Street, Fayetteville, AR

Full-Service CaterersBBQ CateringDessert CateringBar & Coffee CateringFriesCoffee shopPhoneWebsiteHours

215 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, AR

Full-Service CaterersPhoneWebsite

Listings: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Data last updated November 5, 2026 · Sources & method