The short answer
As soon as you know your date and rough numbers. Summer Saturdays and the Fridays and Saturdays before Christmas are the busiest days of the year, and wedding dates are often booked many months ahead. For other dates, a few weeks’ notice is often enough, but there’s no harm asking earlier.
Busy times of year
- June to September weekends: weddings, garden parties and fêtes
- Bank holidays: parties and community events
- Late November to Christmas: work Christmas parties and fairs
Weddings
Couples often book catering soon after the venue. A hog roast caterer can usually hold a date with a deposit, then finalise numbers and menu nearer the time.
Short notice
Wakes, last-minute parties and staff events are often arranged with little notice. Ask anyway: a quieter weekday or a cancellation may mean we can help.
What to have ready
- The date and serving time
- The venue or postcode
- Rough numbers
- A photo of the cooking area
- Any menu ideas or dietary needs
Then ask for a quote.
Holding a date
Most caterers hold a date with a deposit and confirm details nearer the time. Read the terms: what’s refundable, how late you can change numbers, and what happens if the event moves.
If your date is taken
Ask whether a different time on the same day is possible, or whether a nearby date would work. Midweek and Sunday events are often easier to book than Saturdays.
Planning backwards
Once the date is booked, work backwards: final numbers and dietary needs a week or two before, menu and cooking spot agreed a month or so before, and invitations with a dietary question sent in good time.
Short-notice tips
- Be flexible on time if you can
- Have the venue, numbers and a photo of the cooking area ready
- Ask about weekdays and Sundays
- Keep the menu simple
Confirming in writing
Once a date is agreed, get the booking confirmed in writing with the date, address, arrival and serving times, menu, numbers and price.
Why some dates go so quickly
A hog roast caterer can only be in one place at a time with each roaster and team. On a peak summer Saturday, a caterer might be fully booked months ahead, while a Tuesday in the same week is wide open. If your date is flexible, you’ll have more choice.
Seasonal patterns
Spring brings christenings and early weddings; summer brings weddings, parties and fêtes; autumn brings corporate events and harvest suppers; winter brings Christmas parties. Each season has its own busy weekends, so ask early whatever the time of year.
Ready to check a date?
Send us your date, venue or postcode, rough numbers and when you’d like to eat, and we’ll tell you straight away whether we’re available.
Quick answers
Can I book before I know numbers?
Yes. A rough figure is fine to start with.
Do you take bookings a year ahead?
Ask us about your date.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.