Start a full-service wedding and event catering business

Couples, families and companies booking an event, usually months ahead.

A per-guest price covering food, staff and equipment hire, with deposits on booking and the balance before the event.

• Menu planning and costing
• Managing and scheduling staff
• Cooking at volume
• Client communication and calm under pressure

• Approved commercial kitchen and a food premises permit from your local public health unit
• Food handler certification for you and your staff, check provincial requirements
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB registration once you hire, rules vary by province
• Serving alcohol usually needs a separate provincial licence or a venue that holds one, check your provincial liquor regulator
• Peak wedding season is short in much of Canada, so cash flow can be uneven
• Written contracts covering deposits, cancellations and guest number changes

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000 CAD, depending on kitchen access, equipment, vehicles, insurance and staffing. It is a bigger investment than smaller catering models, so plan your budget carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many events you book and their size. Wedding season can be short in much of Canada, so cash flow may be uneven through the year.

Check for an approved commercial kitchen and a food premises permit from your public health unit, food handler certification, insurance, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire. Serving alcohol usually needs a provincial licence or a venue that holds one.