How to become a wedding caterer

How to become a Wedding Caterer

Becoming a wedding caterer calls for a combination of culinary and organizational skills, event planning knowledge, and business experience. Here’s a look at the pathway to succeeding in the role:

Basic Education
Complete high school or equivalent as a foundation.

Culinary Training
Start by attending a culinary school or completing a professional cooking program to learn food preparation, safety, and presentation. Many caterers also gain valuable training and experience working in restaurants.

Catering Experience
Work with established catering businesses or event companies to understand the logistics of large-scale food service and menu planning.

Learn Event Management
Since catering involves coordinating with venues, vendors, and clients, developing event planning and customer service abilities are essential.

Obtain Certifications
Food handler’s permits, health and safety certifications, and sometimes business licenses are required depending on local regulations. These credentials are particularly relevant for caterers:

• ServSafe Food Handler – Developed by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Conference for Food Protection, this ServSafe course/assessment does not have an official prerequisite. It may be completed by any individual seeking knowledge of basic safe food handling procedures.
• ServSafe Manager Certification – The ServSafe Manager exam focuses on food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards. The credential is one of the most recognized in the restaurant and foodservice industry. It ensures that candidates understand food safety regulations, which is critical for managing a commercial kitchen and ensuring compliance with health codes.
• Allergen Awareness Certification – In the USA, food allergen awareness training is increasingly common, with some states requiring it for certain foodservice businesses and schools. Several organizations, like ServSafe, SafeCheck Learning, and Trust20, offer online allergen awareness courses and certifications. These courses often cover the basics of food allergies, how to prevent cross-contamination, and how to handle situations involving allergic reactions.
• Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) – This certification is offered by the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), one of the largest professional groups dedicated to those working in the field.
• ACF Certifications – The American Culinary Federation offers a variety of industry-recognized credentials for culinary and catering professionals: Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC), Certified Culinarian (CC), Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC), Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC). Requirements include a specified level of knowledge and passing a practical exam.

Build a Portfolio and Network
Start by catering smaller events, parties, or corporate functions to build a reputation. Networking with wedding planners and venues can lead to more wedding-specific opportunities.

Start Your Own Catering Business (Optional)
Many wedding caterers operate their own businesses. As this requires knowledge of marketing, budgeting, staffing, and legal compliance, courses in these areas are helpful.

Continuous Learning
Stay updated with food trends, dietary options, and customer preferences to offer appropriate and appealing wedding menus.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support caterers and the wider foodservice community:

• International Caterers Association (ICA) – ICA focuses on advancing the catering industry worldwide through training, advocacy, and events.
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI) – While broader in scope, MPI includes catering professionals and provides resources related to event planning and management.
• International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) – This global network of culinary professionals, including chefs, food writers, and kitchen managers, provides access to professional development resources, conferences, and networking events.