THE CALGARY GUIDE TO WEDDING CATERING
Planning your Calgary wedding is an exciting journey, but the choices can feel overwhelming when it comes to food and drinks. From selecting the perfect menu to ensuring your guests are well-fed and happy, catering plays a major role in your big day.
We have been catering in Calgary for over a decade and have put together this guide to help you navigate the catering process so you can enjoy every moment without stress.
STEP 1: SET YOUR BUDGET
Catering is often one of the largest expenses for a wedding, typically accounting for 30-40% of your total budget. To make the most of your investment, consider:
Guest Count – The more guests, the higher the cost. Be realistic about numbers.
Service Style – Plated dinners are elegant but require more staff, while buffet or food stations are more budget-friendly.
Beverage Service – Will you offer an open bar, drink tickets, or a signature cocktail station?
*Pro Tip: A great caterer will help you optimize your budget while still delivering an incredible culinary experience.
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR MENU
Your menu should reflect your taste, theme, and guest preferences. Consider:
Plated Dinner – Formal and structured, best for traditional weddings.
Buffet or Family-Style – Encourages guest interaction and provides variety.
Food Stations – Fun and interactive, perfect for casual or themed weddings.
Cocktail-Style Reception – Ideal for modern weddings with small bites and passed appetizers.
*Pro Tip: Offer a balanced menu with vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options so every guest can enjoy the meal.
A common concern is over-ordering or under-ordering food. Work with a catering company that can help you map this out so you have the perfect amount of food for everyone!
💡 Pro Tip: Order 10% more food than your guest count to cover last-minute RSVPs or unexpected plus-ones.
STEP 3: MAP OUT TIMING & LOGISTICS
The success of your wedding meal isn’t just about the food—it’s about flawless execution. Make sure to:
Confirm Your Timeline – Work with your caterer to coordinate meal service with speeches, dancing, and other activities.
Check Your Venue’s Catering Requirements – Some Calgary venues have preferred caterers, kitchen access restrictions, or bar service limitations.
Plan for Late-Night Snacks – Keep the energy up with poutine bars, taco stations, or dessert platters.
*Pro Tip: A well-organized caterer will handle rentals, staffing, and food setup, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
Step 4: PLAN YOUR BEVERAGE SERVICE
Your drink menu should match your vibe. Options include:
Open Bar – Unlimited drinks, great for guest experience but higher in cost.
Drink Tickets – Helps control alcohol costs while offering guests a choice.
Signature Cocktails – A fun, personal touch that reflects your love story.
Non-Alcoholic Options – Mocktails, coffee stations, or infused water bars.
*Pro Tip: If your venue doesn’t provide bar service, ask your caterer about bartender staffing and liquor licensing requirements.
STEP 6: BOOK A CATERER
Top wedding caterers in Calgary get booked 6-12 months in advance, especially during peak season. To ensure availability:
Confirm catering logistics with your venue.
Review your final guest count and dietary needs at least two weeks before the wedding.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask about catering add-ons like bartenders, tableware, linens, and servers to make your day seamless.
LET’S PLAN YOUR WEDDING
At Empire, we specialize in elevated wedding catering in Calgary—from plated dinners to late-night snacks. Whether you’re hosting a luxury reception or a casual outdoor wedding, we’ll handle the details so you can enjoy your special day.
Ready to start planning? Contact us today for a custom wedding catering consultation!