Caterer headcount deadline

I’m getting married on April 23rd 2022 our rsvp are due February and our catering is asking for the final head count to be done by last week of February

I agree. I don’t think any professional, reputable caterer is going to require a final headcount a month (or multiple months) ahead of time. For one, that is extremely inconvenient to the couple and their guests, and leaves way too much time open for guests to have change of plans that either mean they can no longer attend after all, or that they had originally RSVP’ed a decline, but a change of circumstance will now allow them to attend. That would just be a logistical nightmare.
Secondly, food prices fluctuate; even more so recently, post pandemic. Any good professional caterer would know this and not lock themself into a price months in advance, knowing that prices could go up or down significantly before the event.
Our chef is requiring our final head count 2 weeks prior to our wedding night.

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I would also take into consideration the supply chain issues though. Where they may have been able to get certain ingredients or place orders only a week ahead of time to get everything they need that time has been greatly increased due to trucking demands, food processing, labor shortages, etc.

Our final guest count is due exactly 1 week before our wedding night!

The final head count was due one week prior.

Our caterer needed a headcount 3 weeks before (and how many RSVPs were still pending) and we could add guests up to 2 weeks before.