Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Booking Catering (and how to avoid them)

Booking catering for an event should be exciting — it’s a chance to wow your guests with great food and service. But we know from experience that it can also feel overwhelming, and sometimes the little details get missed. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve put together the top 5 mistakes people make when booking catering (and how you can avoid them).

1. Not Being Clear on Guest Numbers

The mistake: Many hosts underestimate or overestimate how many guests will attend, leading to too little or too much food.

How to avoid it: Always give your caterer the most accurate numbers you can, and update them closer to the event. A good caterer (like us!) can build in flexibility, but the more accurate your numbers, the smoother everything runs.

2. Forgetting Dietary Requirements

The mistake: Overlooking allergies or dietary preferences can leave guests feeling excluded or worse, put their health at risk.

How to avoid it: Collect dietary information early. A professional caterer will happily adapt menus to suit everyone, whether it’s gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free. At Concerto Catering, we design inclusive menus so no one feels left out.

3. Choosing on Price Alone

The mistake: It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, but low cost can sometimes mean hidden extras.

How to avoid it: Compare what’s included in each package: staffing, set-up, serving, and clearing away matter just as much as the food. Think value, not just price.

4. Not Matching the Menu to the Event

The mistake: Picking a menu that doesn’t fit the tone, style, or season of the event (like serving heavy winter dishes at a summer garden party).

How to avoid it: Discuss the vision of your event with your caterer. We always recommend seasonal menus that not only taste fresher but also suit the vibe of the occasion.

5. Leaving Booking Too Late

The mistake: Many people don’t realise how far in advance catering can book up, especially during wedding season or at Christmas.

How to avoid it: Secure your date early. Even if you don’t have all the details finalised, booking your caterer means you won’t miss out.

Final Thoughts

Booking catering doesn’t have to be stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set your event up for success and give your guests an unforgettable food experience.

At Concerto Catering, we pride ourselves on making the process simple, transparent, and enjoyable, so you can focus on hosting while we handle the details.

✨ Planning an event? Get in touch today with the Concerto team to talk through your ideas and see how we can bring them to life.

Email: info@concertocatering.com

Phone: 01689 860 560

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