Amount to tell caterer

I wouldn’t tell them less than your final headcount after RSVPs. What would happen if you ran out of food?

I told ours 3 people more. I wanted more food. I would have felt so bad if we ran out or someone wanted more.

I can honestly say that I have never heard of telling them less. I'd say tell them your final count after getting RSVPs.

You tell them the actual number

I thought you were suppose to tell them a little more than expected? That way you know you would have enough.

We gave them our true headcount. We were told we could lower it as it was likely that we would get some last minute cancellations. My dad and I both agreed that we would be nervous all week that everyone would show and we wouldn't have enough food. We decided that wasn't worth the stress. We did have a few that didn't show up that day, but oh well.

Tell them the actual number. Happy Planning 🍷

I think the "telling them less than" thing is ridiculous. You might run out of food! Tell them your final number or couple a extra.
My caterer already accounts for like 5% over the number to ensure there's plenty of food.

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I agree with this

You tell them your actual headcount...

You tell them the exact amount of people that RSVPed yes to attend.

Most caterers will ask for an estimate and/or minimum guarantee when you book, but then within those numbers will ask for a final guarantee a week or two before the wedding. That final number should be the one you are required to pay in full, whether fewer people show up or not. I agree with pps that I would do everything possible to make sure that final number was accurate -- I would absolutely NOT give the caterer a lower number than the RSVP total. (I'd also make sure before contracting with a caterer that I understood exactly what the caterer would be supplying as a per person portion-size and make sure it was reasonable/generous.) Daughter attended a wedding where they would only serve her one small chicken tender, even though she couldn't eat the other entree option, because that was what was budgeted for.... You don't want your guests to remember your wedding because they were starving, so make sure your caterer will have plenty of food to accommodate guests. (Also, having servers for a buffet helps with portion control rather than having guests serve themselves and potentially take too much, meaning later people through the line don't have anything left for them.)

We are telling ours the exact amount we get RSVPs for, then they can recommend if we should do a few more or not just in case. We did an estimate of our initial quote of 175 (we invited 225).

Any social gathering you always want to have more food than not enough. And this applies especially for your wedding.

If you’re having a plated meal then you absolutely need to give them the exact number. I guess if it’s a buffet you can go lower if you think you’ll have some no shows. But it’s just as possible you could have unexpected extras like uninvited plus ones. I’d tell them the headcount as you know it, it’s not worth the risk of running out of food.

We had zero no-shows. Do NOT give them a lower number! There is NOTHING worse than running out of food or booze.

Tell him the 120 now so when he quotes you then you know final total number if all of the 120 show up. Then after you have RSVP tell them exact number.

Considering my entire pricing is on a per person basis I would never tell them more than the actual final head count cuz then I am just paying for more people's food/alcohol that don't exist. I am sure your caterer will supplement a certain amount over at no charge to ensure there is enough food. I wouldn't openly tell them more cuz that's on me to pay then.

We gave our caterers our estimated attendance count, and will give them an exact number of guests 2 weeks before, after we receive our RSVPs. We will also add more meals for our vendors. Don’t try and cheat your vendors. It makes you look like a fool when something goes wrong and they have all the proof it was your fault. That’s honestly such a sleazy and shameful thing to do in a pathetic attempt to save a few dollars. Pay your vendors for honest and accurate headcounts for all of their work on your wedding day.

I would tell them the full number to start, most places don't require a final head count until 2-4 weeks before, so after the RSVPs come back. They will usually adjust to cost to the head count at that time but its better to make sure they have enough staff/materials reserved.