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The Daily Insight

What you need to know about starting a catering business?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Feb 09, 2026

How to start a catering business

  • carry out some market research.
  • work out how much money you will need.
  • learn how to manage your costs.
  • decide whether to operate as a sole trader or a limited company.
  • be clear on how you will pay tax.
  • register your business with your local authority.
  • create a business plan to secure funding.

    How big of a catering business can I start?

    You can start by catering for 20 people or less, conversely, you can as well start your catering business by catering for a large crowd. The bottom line is that catering business is known to be a very lucrative business in all parts of the world, and not just in the United States of America.

    How to start your own wedding catering business?

    Do this by being courteous, communicative, on time and respectful of the event property. Entrepreneur.com spoke with caterer Jerry Baker of The Food Matters about how he started his successful wedding catering business with wife and business partner Chris Baker. What would you recommend people do first if they’re interested in wedding catering?

    What’s the best question to ask a caterer?

    Some caterers will offer to work with you to create the perfect menu, others prefer to work off of the items they have perfected themselves. Either way, whatever is important to you, it’s good to ask. If you have a specific ethnic or cultural food that you’d like, be sure they can accommodate. Not all caterers can rock all specialties. 06.

    Do you have to taste the food before hiring a caterer?

    If you’ve had their food before, either at another wedding or event they’ve catered, you have a strong idea of their food and presentation. If not, it’s crucial to taste things in advance. Some include tastings in the cost, some limit the number of tastings, others charge, it really depends on them.