How far in advance to book the caterer?

We are still in catering talks. and we have a bout 2 months to go. i know you are suppose to get a caterer months and months in advanced. but that wasn't working out very well for us.

I'd say the sooner the better. We booked ours about a year in advance. September is a pretty popular month.

I'd also say the sooner the better. Depending how popular your date is for weddings in your area. And I suppose it depends on your guest number too ...

Do you have a particular caterer in mind? If so, ask them if they can hold your preferred date for a week or two. They may say Yes, they may say No. But at least they'll know you're very interested.

The sooner the better! Book them as soon as you find out which date will be yours! I agree with Nancy, most will hold your date if you know when you can give them a for sure answer!

As everybody else said the sooner the better,

Im a last minute bride lol, we have met with 4 diffrent catering companys, finally found one that we like & will be meeting with them tomorrow.. My wedding is in May... but like I said im a last minute bride lol

Venue first, then caterer. It wouldn't do you any good to have the best food to offer if you don't have a place to offer it.

Depending on the venue you find, they may have a list of required caterers, or an in-house catering option. So find the venue first.

We booked in January for a November wedding.

I agree with Mrs. S, you need to get your venue and date set, then book your caterer.

@Nancy- I do have a particular caterer in mind, but I feel silly calling them until I have a date set. Maybe I'll call just to see how busy they are in September.

@Jennifer W- You must have nerves of steel! I'd be freaking out if I was having a May wedding and hadn't booked a caterer yet. I'm freaking out now!

@Mrs S- We're having a park wedding so I don't have to worry about required caterers. We want to do a pig roast and I'm hoping our dates are late enough in the season that the good BBQ places won't bee too busy.

@Jenny M. I know!!!! everybody thinks im crazy!!! Im actually starting to think Im crazy because I have everything else booked, dj, photgrapher,Videographer,& photobooth, Venue,cake.. & I just went dress shopping 3 weeks ago.. lol & I still have to make centerpieces, & everything else.. haha

You have to have the date and venue booked FIRST, and of course, a close estimate of the guest list. Have ideas about what kind of food you want and how you want it served... AND THEN book a caterer.

It doesn't hurt to look into caterers, but you really need the info from the venue first, because that may impact your costs.

I would try to get everything finalized ASAP. Good caterers book quickly and I think September is a popular month.

As soon as you have a venue.

I agree with Celia. Dont be like me trying to book the caterer 2 weeks in advance. Its sooo freaking stressful!