11 Most Common Catering Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Brittany Anderson
Editor
Planning a wedding involves countless details, and one of the most important elements is the food. A memorable meal can elevate your celebration, while catering missteps can leave guests disappointed. We gathered insights from professional event planners who’ve seen it all and shared the most common catering mistakes couples make—and offered practical tips on how to avoid them.
Pro Tip: While these common catering mistakes are focused on weddings, these tips are helpful to keep in mind when hiring caterers for all types of events.
1. Trying To Cater To Everyone In The Room
“Your menu should tell your story, not cater to every palate in the room. Choose dishes that reflect your unique tastes and journey as a couple—your guests will appreciate the personal touch far more than generic crowd-pleasers,” shared Allison, Catering Director, First Class Catering.
2. Lack Of Thematic Cohesion
“A mismatch between the food and the wedding theme can confuse guests. Tip: Choose a menu that complements your wedding theme, whether it’s rustic, elegant, or cultural. This creates a harmonious experience that enhances your overall vision,” shared Angie Raygoza, Director of Sales, Colette's Catering & Events.
3. Not Matching Your Venue To Your Catering Vision
“Your venue and catering dreams should go hand in hand. Before booking your venue, ensure it can accommodate your culinary plans. Does the venue allow outside caterers, or does it require in-house catering? If in-house catering is non-negotiable, request menus, sample dishes, and pricing early to ensure their offerings align with your vision. Addressing this before signing a venue contract can save you stress later on,” shared Danielle Lee, CFO and Co-Owner, My House Events.
“For couples dreaming of sushi stations, taco bars, or a New Orleans-style crawfish boil, make sure your venue’s capabilities (or their catering partners) can bring those ideas to life. My House Events excels at working with unique venues to execute your vision, regardless of the space's limitations. Your catering style should also complement your venue’s layout and capabilities.”
“For instance, buffet or family-style service requires space for serving stations, while plated dinners often demand additional staff for smooth service. If your venue is a historic home with multiple rooms or outdoor areas, a seated dinner might not be practical. Understanding these nuances ensures your catering style and venue flow perfectly.”
4. Skipping Dishes You Love
Allison of First Class Catering also shared, “Don’t shy away from serving what you love. A menu that stands out with bold flavors and personal favorites creates a memorable dining experience for your guests—it’s your day, and your menu should reflect that. The best caterers don’t just provide food—they help bring your vision to life. From honoring family traditions to accommodating dietary needs, a great catering partner ensures your menu is as inclusive and special as your celebration.”
5. Neglecting Beverage Pairings
Angie Raygoza of Colette's Catering & Events also shared, “Choosing the wrong beverages can clash with your food choices, impacting the overall dining experience. Tip: Work with your caterer to create pairings that elevate each course and consider signature cocktails that reflect your personalities as a couple.”
6. Skipping A Menu Tasting Or Final Walkthrough
Danielle Lee of My House Events also shared, “A menu tasting is your chance to sample dishes, refine the menu, and discuss preferences for presentation and service. Similarly, a final walkthrough allows you to address any logistical concerns with your venue and catering team.”
7. Letting Style Overshadow Substance
“When it comes to catering, don’t let style overshadow substance. Sure, a stunning charcuterie tower might look Instagram-worthy, but if the food doesn’t actually taste good or please a crowd, your guests will be snapping pics on an empty stomach. Prioritize dishes that are flavorful, satisfying, and universally enjoyed—because at the end of the day, no one remembers how the food looked if it wasn’t worth eating,” shared Allison, Catering Director, Just Good Food.
8. Overlooking The Full Pricing Model
“Wedding budgets can quickly spiral out of control if you’re not clear on all costs involved. Catering expenses can include service fees, taxes, gratuities, and additional charges for setup, breakdown, or rentals,” shared Danielle Lee of My House Events.
9. Ignoring The Importance Of Service Staff
“Couples may overlook the need for adequate event staff, leading to chaos during the event. Tip: Ensure you have enough trained staff to manage food service, especially during peak times. A well-staffed event helps guests feel pampered and cared for,” shared Angie Raygoza of Colette's Catering & Events.
10. Underestimating Rental Needs
“Venues without a kitchen or those requiring significant rentals can drive up your catering costs. For example, hosting an event at a historic home or outdoor garden might necessitate mobile kitchens, ovens, or refrigeration. Additionally, assess whether the venue provides essentials like seating, tableware, glassware, and serving pieces. If not, these will need to be rented,” shared Danielle Lee of My House Events.
11. A Mismatch Between Your Caterer And Your Story
Danielle Lee also shared, “Your wedding is a reflection of your unique love story, and the menu should be no exception. When selecting a caterer, it’s important to choose a company that understands your vision and can authentically represent your journey through thoughtful, personalized cuisine.”
“From incorporating family recipes to highlighting regional flavors or cultural traditions, the right caterer will create dishes that resonate with you and your guests on a meaningful level. Beyond just great taste, their attention to detail in presentation and service will elevate your celebration. Remember, your menu is more than just a meal—it’s an unforgettable part of your story.”
Find more event planning tips and party inspiration here on The Bash.
