5 Mistakes People Make When Booking a Grazing Table (And How to Avoid Them)
5 Mistakes People Make When Booking a Grazing Table (And How to Avoid Them)
Planning a grazing table for your event should be exciting — not stressful. But over the years, we've noticed a few common mistakes that can turn what should be a seamless experience into a last-minute scramble.
Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, here are the five biggest mistakes people make when booking a grazing table — and how to avoid them.
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Book
The Mistake:
Assuming grazing tables are easy to throw together and can be booked a week (or even a few days) before your event.
The Reality:
Quality grazing tables require advance planning — ingredient sourcing, design customization, and on-site setup coordination all take time. Popular dates (especially weekends during wedding season and holidays) book out weeks or even months in advance.
How to Avoid It:
Check your date as soon as you know your event details. We recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance for most events, and 6–8 weeks for peak season dates.
Bonus: Book within 48 hours of checking availability and you'll receive our 20% Early Booking Discount.
2. Underestimating Your Guest Count
The Mistake:
Guessing your guest count or rounding down to save on cost.
The Reality:
A grazing table is priced per foot, and each foot is designed to serve about 10–12 guests as a generous appetizer spread. If you underestimate, your table may look sparse or run out of food before the event ends.
How to Avoid It:
Use our grazing table calculator to get an accurate recommendation based on your confirmed guest count. If you're expecting 50 guests, plan for 50 — not 40.
3. Not Communicating Dietary Restrictions Early
The Mistake:
Mentioning allergies, vegan needs, or gluten-free requests the week of your event.
The Reality:
Sourcing specialty ingredients (dairy-free cheeses, gluten-free crackers, etc.) takes time. Last-minute requests can limit what we're able to accommodate or require upcharges for expedited sourcing.
How to Avoid It:
Share any dietary restrictions or preferences during your initial booking inquiry. The earlier we know, the better we can design a table that works for all your guests.
4. Choosing a Grazing Table When Individual Servings Make More Sense
The Mistake:
Assuming a grazing table is always the best option for every event.
The Reality:
Grazing tables shine at cocktail-style events where guests mingle and move freely. For seated dinners, formal receptions, or events with limited table space, individual charcuterie cups, boxes, or plated servings may be a better fit.
How to Avoid It:
Not sure which option works best? Reach out — we're happy to guide you based on your event format, guest count, and venue setup.
5. Skipping the Date-Availability Check
The Mistake:
Planning your entire event around a specific date without confirming vendor availability first.
The Reality:
We take on a limited number of events each week to ensure every table gets the attention it deserves. If your date is already booked, we can't always accommodate last-minute requests.
How to Avoid It:
Use our date-availability tool on the grazing tables page before finalizing your event plans. If your date is open, you'll be able to move forward with confidence.
Ready to Book Your Grazing Table?
Avoid the stress and secure your date today. Check availability now, and if you're ready to book within 48 hours, you'll receive 20% off your grazing table.
