Catering nightmare

I think it depends on your location, I haven't had any issues at all (Chicago Suburbs - I almost imagine having a wedding in Chicago might be a nightmare) - but I booked my vendor just under 2 years out and all the food, drinks and dessert are inhouse. I hired my florist like last week, my photographer in March and I've gotten everyone I want. As for booking vendors I just need hair and makeup and I'm putting that off because thats the biggest stress point for me.

I'm sorry you have to deal with that, I understand 2022 might be busy since couples are pushing stuff back and don't necessarily want a "covid wedding"

Sending you luck and good vibes!

I also haven't had many issues, but yea. 2022 is going to be wildly busy with the couples that have delayed their weddings along with people that are finally getting engaged.

June in general is also a really busy season, would you be open/able to push your date back a few months? July/August are a slow season in a lot of areas so that might open some options back up.

Otherwise depending on what type of food you're wanting to serve, you may see about food trucks.

I would be very hesitant to do food trucks for more than 15 people because many are not able to serve more than one or two at a time. Exhaust all your options. Do a search on Google, Yelp, Instagram, Thumbtack for catering companies. Sometimes there are caterers who are less popular but are diamonds in the rough, being more flexible at a lower rate. Figure out what you want to serve. If regular catering doesn’t work out, then look at restaurant drop off catering which will be buffet style. You can use disposable plates and silverware from Costco in that situation to cut the rental costs.

I received a list of suggested vendors from my venue, you could start there. Also, searching on WeddingWire was suprisingly helpful too. And also there are many restaurants you wouldn't think do wedding catering that actually in fact will cater; BBQ, pizza, and taco restaurants are some of the options we looked into that seem more affordable. I'm also struggling because places are slow to get back to my inquiries, so I feel your pain.

I don't know which state or town you are in, but most people won't care about eating on paper or plastic disposable plates and napkins (Costco, Tuesday Morning, and even some grocery stores like Kroger's) have decent options.

Speaking of Costco, you can save a FORTUNE if you went with some of their food options. I don't know if this may be true, but I think you can even buy alcohol in bulk for a discounted price.

I have run into the same issue. Starting a year out for 2022 and everyone is booked. We're doing a restaurant that has catering. Many in Texas have a catering business that includes buffet and/or bar service. I wouldn't be discouraged if you have to look into restaurants, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I've had issues with photographers availability on my wedding date and we're struggling but there are still a few we're meeting with so fingers crossed there. I did notice in our venue search that there was limited availability for 2022 dates already though.