Event dessert buffet service

Couples planning weddings, parents booking birthday and baby shower parties, and companies or venues hosting events.

A package price per guest or per table size, often with extra fees for delivery, setup, custom items and display hire. A deposit usually secures the date.

• Baking or sourcing quality sweets
• Visual styling and display
• Event planning and organizing
• Customer service

• Food businesses usually need a permit or inspection from the local public health unit, and home kitchens may not be allowed for events, so check before selling
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many venues require proof of
• Allergen labelling and cross-contact rules for nuts, dairy and gluten, check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and your province
• Keeping food at safe temperatures during transport and at the event
• Wedding season is busy and winter is slower in many areas, so plan cash flow
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much display ware, signage and serving equipment you buy and whether you bake items yourself or buy them in.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many events you book and their size. It can start at around 10 hours a week. Wedding season is busy and winter is slower in many areas, so plan cash flow.

Check with your local public health unit about a food permit or inspection, as home kitchens may not be allowed for events. Also check insurance, since venues often require it, plus allergen labelling rules with the CFIA and your province.