You can’t go a week in the wedding world without reading about food and beverage minimums. But what exactly are they? Let’s break it down.

Food and beverage minimum is the basic and mandatory amount that you have to spend on food and beverages to have your event catered. This will be stated in the catering contract. The minimum amount will differ depending on the vendor.

The vendor may also have additional requirements for the number of guests invited to your event, restrictions on room types, or a selection of specific food items that must be ordered from their menu. You can choose to stick with the minimum amount or spend more should you choose.

Each venue sets its own catering minimum, so it can vary from location to location

In fact, the same venue may have different catering minimums depending on the day of the week or time of year.

The good news is that most venues will work with you to meet your needs. For example, it is always a good idea to be completely transparent about your budget and vision with the venue’s team. In that way, they can suggest other options and meet your minimum. With good communication, you can come to an agreement that would help you realize your dream day.

The larger the space you rent, the higher the catering minimum

Typically, the larger the space you rent from an event venue, the higher your catering minimum will be. The catering manager at the venue will look at what space you’re renting, how many guests are expected to attend, how much time you need for your event, and finally determine what your catering minimum should be based on those details.

What’s usually included in the food and beverage minimum?

In some venues, the cost of cake cutting will be included in the food and beverage minimum; in others, it is not included. The cost of food and drinks–both alcoholic and non-alcoholic is always included. Most of them don’t include taxes, service charges, and gratuities. Make sure you know what is included in the calculations so you can determine exactly how much money you need to spend at the venue.

The food and beverage minimum plays a big role in your overall costs

Food and beverages are a major component of your wedding costs. There are many factors that can contribute to how much you’ll spend on food and beverages, including the type of event you’re hosting and the location where you’re holding it. 

For instance, if you’re having a large reception at a hotel with a built-in hotel catering service, you may end up spending less than if you were to host the same event in an outdoor venue with separate bar and kitchen services. 

Consider negotiating a food and beverage minimum

You may be able to negotiate this minimum, especially if you’re having a weekday wedding when the venue is less busy. Some venues will waive the requirement altogether, while others might reduce it or depending on if it is a busy or slow season. A certified wedding planner can help you navigate this and much more!

Hopefully, this information helps answer some of your questions about the food and beverage minimum. Feel free to reach out for any further details, or to schedule a meeting so we can discuss it in person.