“A well-planned wedding menu is more than food, it’s a memory you create with flavor.”
Table of Contents
Why Early Booking Matters
Ideal Timeframes for Boutique Wedding Catering
Factors That Affect Booking Timelines
What You Risk by Waiting Too Long
How to Approach Your Caterer Early
Final Thoughts
Why Early Booking Matters
Planning a wedding in San Francisco means juggling dozens of details, but catering is one you can’t afford to push to the bottom of your checklist. At Capitola Garden Feast, I’ve seen firsthand how couples benefit from planning their menu early, and how avoidable stress creeps in when they don’t.
As a boutique caterer, I don’t operate like a massive hotel kitchen. My style is tailored, intimate, and exclusive. That means I take on only a limited number of clients each season so I can offer a fully personalized dining experience. Booking early gives us time to craft a menu that tells your story, whether you’re planning a vineyard ceremony or a backyard celebration under string lights.
Ideal Timeframes for Boutique Wedding Catering
So how far in advance should you book? Here’s a simple guide based on your wedding season:
Peak season (May–October): Book 9 to 12 months in advance. These months fill up fast, especially for Boutique Wedding Catering in San Francisco, CA, where summer weekends are in high demand.
Off-peak season (November–April): You may have a little more flexibility, but I still recommend booking 6 to 9 months ahead.
Short-notice weddings: It’s worth checking availability, occasionally, a cancellation may open up, but don’t count on last-minute luck.
This kind of timeline ensures you’ll have access to your preferred caterer, enough time to finalize the menu, and space to coordinate with florists, planners, and other vendors.
Factors That Affect Booking Timelines
A few elements can affect how early you need to book:
Guest Count: If you’re planning a micro-wedding or elopement, the prep work is different. But larger weddings (75+ guests) definitely need more advance planning.
Venue Requirements: Some venues have strict rules for caterers. I often help clients navigate this process to avoid delays.
Custom Menus: I love creating something unexpected, handmade ravioli inspired by your grandmother’s recipe, or a wine pairing from the vineyard you got engaged at. That level of detail takes time to perfect.
Availability of Top Chefs: Many couples specifically look for chefs with a fine dining background. If you’re looking to work with someone who’s cooked for royalty, popes, or iconic names like Lamborghini, my calendar doesn’t stay open for long.
What You Risk by Waiting Too Long
There’s no shortage of caterers, but finding the right fit, someone who understands your vision and has the skill to execute it, can be a challenge if you wait too long.
Late bookings often lead to:
Limited menu flexibility
Fewer tastings or rushed planning
Inability to accommodate special dietary needs
Missing out on a Top-rated Restaurant for dinner party in San Francisco, CA turned private chef for your event
I hate turning couples away, but once a date is gone, it’s gone.
How to Approach Your Caterer Early
Here’s what helps move the process along smoothly:
Know your wedding date and venue (even if it’s your own backyard).
Have a general idea of your guest count.
Reach out with your story. I build menus around who you are, not just what’s trendy.
Be open about your budget. A good caterer can create something unforgettable at almost any price point if they know the boundaries upfront.
Final Thoughts
Securing your boutique caterer should never be an afterthought. It’s a foundational piece of your celebration, one that shapes the experience of every guest at your wedding.
As the chef behind Capitola Garden Feast, I bring a fine dining background to a relaxed, personal setting. If you’re seeking Boutique Wedding Catering in San Francisco, CA, the earlier we connect, the more we can bring your vision to life, flavor by flavor.
Let’s get your date on the calendar. Reach out now and start planning a wedding feast that your guests will remember for years to come.
