Guaranteed Minimum Count

Category: lifestyle

The final, legally binding number of guests a client commits to paying for, submitted to the caterer before the event.

Typically due 14 to 30 days prior to the wedding, this number sets the kitchen’s purchasing orders. If 150 guests are guaranteed but only 120 show up, the client is still contractually required to pay for the full 150 meals. If the count goes up, the price scales accordingly.

Common Examples

• We locked in our guaranteed minimum count of 175 guests with the catering department to finalize our bulk steak orders.
• Planners keep an aggressive eye on the RSVP deadline to ensure the guaranteed minimum count doesn’t miss the venue’s drop date.