In the world of catering, few relationships are as influential as those between caterers and venues. Venues are often the first decision made when planning weddings, social celebrations, and corporate events, and once that space is secured, the preferred catering list becomes the gateway to bookings. Being included matters, but being the caterer a venue actively recommends is what sets top performers apart.

In the world of catering, few relationships are as influential as those between caterers and venues. Venues are often the first decision made when planning weddings, social celebrations, and corporate events, and once that space is secured, the preferred catering list becomes the gateway to bookings. Being included matters, but being the caterer a venue actively recommends is what sets top performers apart.

That distinction was at the heart of the International Caterers Association’s recent webinar, “How Venues Choose Their Caterers (and How to Stay at the Top),” featuring Jonathan Aymin, founder of the Wedding & Event Venue Association (WEVA) and host of The Venue Rx Podcast. Drawing from years of experience owning and operating multiple venues and interviewing hundreds of venue professionals nationwide, Aymin offered a candid look at how venues evaluate catering partners and what it takes to earn lasting trust.

Understanding the venue perspective

Aymin opened with an important reminder: while every market is different, the pressures venues face are remarkably similar. Venue teams manage overlapping events, staff, vendors, and ownership expectations, all while meeting clients who increasingly expect instant communication and seamless execution.

In that environment, caterers are valued not only for culinary excellence but for their ability to simplify the process. Venues gravitate toward partners who communicate clearly, anticipate challenges, and operate with professionalism at every touchpoint. Food may open the door, but operational reliability is what keeps it open.

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