Engagement Party Catering
Big Boards Catering delivers elegant engagement party catering across Clermont, FL, with styled grazing tables, passed bites, and menus built around the newly engaged couple.
The Top Engagement Party Catering in clermont, FL
Big Boards Catering creates polished, celebratory engagement party catering for couples and their families across Clermont, FL. Chef Andy Raphael owns and operates the company, and he plans every engagement menu with the care of someone who knows this party opens a whole wedding season. We build each spread around the couple, the guest list, and the tone the hosts want to set, from a relaxed backyard toast to a dressed up cocktail evening. Styled grazing tables anchor the room while passed bites like Fig Prosciutto & Brie Bites and Caprese Crostini keep guests mingling. Celebratory starters such as Colossal Shrimp Cocktail and Prosciutto & Burrata Sliders give the night a champagne worthy feel. Sweet finishes like French Macarons and Mini Cannolis close the evening beside the toast. Our team handles delivery, setup, service, and cleanup, so the couple and their parents actually get to enjoy the party. Dietary needs across two families and two friend groups get planned from the very first call. Fresh ingredients and careful prep keep every platter consistent from the first pour to the last. We scale smoothly from twenty guests in a living room to one hundred fifty at a venue. Pricing stays transparent and itemized, which helps when parents and the couple are sharing costs. When you book Big Boards Catering, your engagement party gets a partner who treats the beginning of the story with real care.
So my wife and I had Andy and his team over last night for a private dinner with friends… words cannot express how amazing and incredible this experience was. My friends were all left in awe of how wonderful the service, the food and the atmosphere was. They made sure everything was taken care of and even asked my wife to check the kitchen to ensure that they left it cleaner than when they arrived. Absolutely loved this and will be using them again.
The absolute best food and service I have ever experienced. I will use Andy’s catering company for all my personal and business events in the future.
I can't tell if it was the food or the experience that I liked most but both were fantastic.
Big Boards did an event at our annual camp for special needs two weeks ago. The staff was accommodating for our many needs and fantastic to work with! They helped me plan everything from start to finish and brought plenty of their staff to help serve and get things out quickly. Not only was the food flavorful and delicious, the buffet they set up was beautiful! The vines and flowers around the buffet table, and the carafes they used for everything were stunning. Extremely professional, clean, and super helpful. I will definitely be using them again in the future.
Delicious food and even better service, I had Chef Andy take care of the meal part of my housewarming party and I could not stop getting compliments on the food. By far the best pulled pork and grits I’ve had in my life!
Andy and his team made my milestone birthday party absolutely fabulous! The food was delicious and the presentation was festive and elegant. All of my guests raved about how they enjoyed the food. The set up and take down were super smooth as well. I highly recommend Big Boards Catering!
I recently attended a birthday party catered by Big Board Catering. The food was excellent and the shrimp and grits were unmatched! I highly recommend Big Boards!
We had Chef Andy and Big Boards cater my wedding a few weeks back and it was nothing short of amazing! Andy is the absolute best and always made himself available to me no matter what time it was. He listened to all my crazy requests (some of them being unreasonably last minute) and he made it happen! We personally asked for crab cakes to be part of the menu and even though it was not something he had done previously he KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK (definitely recommend those for your event!). He was also the life of the party personally my guests could not stop talking about him! Cannot thank him enough!
Big Boards Catering handled food for a combined event at our house — my son's grad party and my other son's 21st birthday, all in one day. They nailed it. The buffet looked incredible, with gold chafing dishes, fresh greenery, and a little fountain centerpiece that had everyone asking who did our catering. The food was just as good as it looked. The meatball and cherry tomato dish disappeared fast, the pesto pasta and marinara penne were both great, and the pretzel bites and chicken skewers were a hit too. Everything stayed warm and got refilled without us having to flag anyone down, which made a big difference with two different crowds to feed. Juggling a grad party and a 21st birthday under one roof wasn't simple, but they made it look effortless. Would absolutely book them again.
Andy is the epitome of professionalism. He and his team at Big Boards truly specialize in making the experience stress-free and highly enjoyable for the host. If you want a caterer who serves gorgeous and delicious food and takes amazing care of you from start to finish, Andy is your guy!
We hired Andy to cater our daughter’s Baby Shower and he did an exceptional job. It was an “Amalfi Coast” themed event and the menu Andy developed was superb. Everything was delicious, the set up and staffing of the event was perfect. Highly recommend!
Andy and his crew catered our Halloween party and the set up was stunning and the food was incredible. All of our guests loved the food. We usually have left overs, but not this time! It was devoured. Will definitely hire them again and have recommended them to all of our family and friends.
We were truly blessed to have Big Boards Catering provide a meal for our entertainment team and crew on the day of our show at the House of Blues Orlando. Andy and his team not only delivered exactly what was promised, but went above and beyond with their guidance, professionalism, and attention to detail. They understood our group’s needs perfectly, and the food presentation was outstanding—absolutely fitting for the setting and occasion. Everything was handled with excellence. As a former member of the Country Music Association, Gospel Music Association, and the Recording Academy (Grammys), I can confidently say I highly recommend this local business for any catering needs. You will not be disappointed.
When we first talked with Andy about catering our wedding, which was at a unique venue; a nature center in the woods, what sold us was his immediate enthusiasm. He and his team were wonderful. His diligence to make sure we were happy with everything was impressive. He even asked us to come visit the kitchen a few months before the wedding to sample some items before we committed to hiring him as our caterer, even had us try a few items we hadn't asked about having on the menu before hand. Himself and his team were incredible at the wedding. For my next event I know who I'm hiring to cater, it'll be Andy from Big boards.
Outstanding food and service!!! We used Andy and his team for my daughter’s high school graduation party, and they absolutely exceeded every expectation. The food was incredible, the presentation was beautiful, and the entire staff was professional, friendly, and attentive from start to finish. Andy made the planning process so easy and stress-free, and he truly helped make the party so memorable. Highly recommend for any special event!!
I attended a party that Big Boards did the catering for, the food was amazing! The cheese grits were awesome, best cheese grits I've ever eaten. All the food was amazing, but the chicken biscuits were a special standout!
They are catering my niece’s graduation party. The food is the best and so is the staff!!!
Excellent selection of appetizers. Loved the crabcakes. Great service, constant staff circulation.
Big Boards Catering absolutely delivered one of the best private chef dining experiences we’ve had. Chef Andy Raphael and his team, Erica and Judy, created a restaurant-quality chef’s tasting experience right in our friend’s home with flawless execution, incredible presentation, and genuinely warm hospitality from start to finish. Every course stood out. The shrimp ceviche with avocado was bright and refreshing, the lollipop lamb chops with Yukon mash were perfectly cooked and packed with flavor, and the lobster skewers with seafood boil sauce were unforgettable. The sous vide tomahawk steak finished over fire with chimichurri was a true showstopper, perfectly rare with an amazing charred and smoky finish. The Mediterranean shrimp and cheese grits and the beef tenderloin with multicolored carrots in pan sauce were both rich, balanced, and beautifully plated. Luxurious! They ended the night with lovely chocolate cannolis finished with salted caramel drizzle. Beyond the food, the service was superb. Chef Andy, Erica, and Judy were professional, attentive, organized, and made the entire evening feel elevated but comfortable at the same time. This was easily food worthy of a high-end chef’s tasting menu experience. Highly recommend Big Boards Catering for private dinners, special occasions, or anyone looking to seriously impress their guests.
Shrimp and grits were absolutely delicious We also had a tomahawk steak cooked Perfectly. Everything tasted great and very friendly staff
Absolutely incredible dinner catered by BIG BOARDS CATERING. From the fresh ceviche and chili oil lobster to the perfectly cooked tomahawk steak, shrimp & grits, and beef tenderloin with carrots — every course was outstanding. And the chocolate cannolis were the perfect ending. Not only was the food amazing, but the team was professional, personable, and incredibly tidy throughout the entire evening. Such a great experience from start to finish. Highly recommend 🙏
Amazing! Outstanding! Delicious! From seafood to lamb to steak…cannot be BEAT!!!
Incredible service, Andy and his team gave our dinner party winning dishes one after another. Would highly recommend.
SO GOOD!!! Always such a pleasure seeing this team at an event & the food never ever disappoints!
Matthew's Hope used Big Boards for our Fall Fundraiser event, and they absolutely knocked it out of the park! The presentation was stunning, the selection was incredible, and our guests couldn't stop talking about how amazing the spread looked and tasted. From planning to delivery, the team was professional, reliable, and a joy to work with. They helped make our event a massive success, and we will definitely be using them again. Highly recommend!
Search no more. Big boards is the one! Amazing, delicious And Beautiful catering. Thank you Andy and team!
BBC did an amazing job providing the food for our cocktail hour at our December 2024 wedding at Sterling Events Venue in Minneola. There was such a great variety of options for everyone to enjoy, and everything was displayed so beautifully. Our guests absolutely loved it! I would highly recommend them for any catering event.
We’ve had Andy and his team support multiple events, and they consistently exceed expectations every single time. The food is outstanding both in quality and presentation, and the staff is professional, attentive, and genuinely committed to creating a great experience. What truly sets them apart is their flexibility and partnership. They work closely with us on menu selection, timing, and overall event flow, making everything seamless and stress-free. I would highly recommend Andy for any event whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale function. They deliver excellence across the board.
Working with Andy to plan our Derby party was delightful. He really listened and delivered on our vision. The set up, take down and service during the party left nothing for us to do but enjoy our party! Thank you Andy and team!
Thank you to Andy and Teresa Raphael at Big Board Catering and My Favorite Tutor! We are so grateful for your generous donation of a Taco Bar for Foundation Academy Teacher Appreciation luncheon!
Went to a Kentucky Derby party they catered. Food was excellent and staff was great. Highly recommend them.
Attended a Derby Party and the food was a highlight! Everything was delicious and there was a wide variety of items to choose from. Would definitely recommend for your next event party!
Andy and the team at Big Boards Catering is the best. Ate some of the most delicious food at a catered event in Winter Garden recently and I was blown away. Everything was extremely well-seasoned, juicy and tender proteins, and staff was very kind/professional. Was so impressed I'm having them do wedding catering for me later this year! I love this team and their food; you will too 😉
Andy is a culinary genius, creating the most savory, mouthwatering dishes. His personality is magnetic and his attention to detail is impeccable! With Andy, you can enjoy the parties you host!!!
Andy did an absolutely amazing job with planning our Family party! It was such a good feeling to enjoy the Party rather than worry about details of serving! Andy will be cherished as “Must Have” to all my events!! 🎸⭐️
Our meeting was catered by Big Boards and the food was delicious, and thats saying something because im pretty picky. Great work and they are so friendly!
We had Andy from Big Boards Catering serve our networking event. Great food and service. I highly recommend them for any event!
What an amazing experience! Great service, the food was delicious, top quality and presentation was flawless. I highly recomend Big Boards for any event you need catering.
We were trying to decide on food for a large event but we’re worried about clean up. Andy was very quick to respond and suggested a perfect solution. I have his food at a number of events and it’s always delicious.
Really amazing food. And, the company culture is beautiful. Love the food and the team. Andy was so kind to come to my home and quote the event. He even brought samples!! Excellent communication. Shrimp/Grits/Brisket/Mac and cheese. Everything was amazing.
I love the deliciousness of his food, the service and presentation of big boards catering. I don’t have time to make lavish meals for my parties and Chef Andy always surpasses my expectations. I highly recommend you book them asap. Make your people happy through good food. You won’t regret it.
Andy and Big Boards Catering makes some delicious food! Sometimes with catering and making mass qualities, quality can be lost and that’s not the case with Big Boards. I would highly recommend them for any event! They are the best.
Excellent savory food made with care. If you want someone who cares to cater your special event, call Andy. Best food and catering in orlando! Anything from formal events to bussiness meetings and a delicious bite, Big Boards Catering is amazing!
Being from Virginia I know pulled pork and big board catering provided me with truly authentic Virginian( North Carolina..lol) pulled pork.. tasty without being dried out.. delicious
Great tasting food and excellent service is what you will get when you hire Big Boards Catering
Wow thank you! They showed up and made it easy to feed our group of 50. The food was fresh and delicious.
I am so grateful for Andy and Big Board Charcuterie. I call Andy “Mr. Clutch” because when a caterer had to back out at the last minute, I reached out to Big Board Charcuterie and not only did they come to the rescue, but they were simply amazing. The food, the professionalism of the staff, their set up, all of it was top tier. Since that day, I have used Big Board Charcuterie for many events and they continue to impress me. I would definitely recommend Big Board Charcuterie.
The displays are always impressive and the flavors are always there to back up the presentations.
Andy and his team always deliver fabulous food and over the top customer service! We had Big Boards do our daughter’s engagement party back in April of 2022 at the Oakland Park Town Hall. Andy listened to our needs and requests and created a wonderful smorgasbord for our guests! He is definitely a top recommendation when anyone asks for a catering team to make their event a success!
Andy and his team at Big Boards Catering has blessed many of our events with his creativity and ability to theme food, decor and fun. The food is always the best and presentation is amazing. His team is professional and always ready to help and serve. I would highly recommend them for any and every event.
All the wow without any worry. The team is always superb-delivers exceptional service, amazing food and no hassle set up and clean up. They have made our family celebrations next level (weddings, birthdays and services). When we we need an event catered-they are always my first choice. They have become family.
Andy at Big Boards is the best catering service in Clermont and all of Lake County, FL. My team visited the area for a Christmas party in December and I couldn’t believe how delicious the food was. I asked Billy Harper of Empowered Electrical “Who made all of this? This is some of the best food I’ve ever had” he let me know it was Andy and his team. We love Andy so much that he’s flying out to us and catering for my brother and sister-in-law in August. If you’re looking for a white glove service from a world class team, it makes zero sense to go anywhere else. Andy and the Big Boards team will provide a magical experience. 10/10!! 🇺🇸🔥
Big Boards Catering made my niece’s bridal shower absolutely unforgettable! Andy and his crew were phenomenal from start to finish. The attention to detail was incredible, and Andy was such a great communicator throughout the entire process—he truly overdelivered and exceeded all of my expectations. The food was outstanding. The deviled eggs were a huge hit, and the shrimp and grits were hands down the best we’ve ever had & everyone is still talking about them! Everything was beautifully presented and perfectly executed. I’m so grateful for the experience and will definitely be working with Andy again in the future. Highly, highly recommend! Photos to come!
Working with Big Boards Catering is always an excellent experience, the food is incredible and the service is top tier! We’ll always recommend them.
Big Boards has the most beautiful presentations of savory cuisine ! They cater from small groups to large reunions! We have gone to several events from Breakfasts to dinners. Big Boards is always professional with a variety of dishes that are so delicious! They have great team work and are a special addition to every event !
Andy and his crew absolutely knocked it out of the park catering my cousin’s bridal shower at our home. From start to finish, everything was seamless. The food was exceptional—beautifully presented and even better tasting (guests are still talking about it). Every detail felt thoughtful and elevated the entire event. The service was just as impressive. Andy and his team were professional, attentive, and made everything feel effortless on our end. They truly went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly so we could actually enjoy the day. I would recommend Andy to anyone without hesitation and will definitely be using him again for future events. Five stars all the way!
I just have to say—Andy absolutely knocked it out of the park. The food was incredible from start to finish, but the shrimp and grits were on another level. Hands down the best shrimp I’ve ever had—perfectly cooked, flavorful, and just melt-in-your-mouth good. You can tell a lot of care and skill went into every bite. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending this to everyone I know!
Such a great catering company! If you want class paired with absolutely delicious food, this is the one. Everything was beautifully done and tasted even better than it looked!!
Food was delicious, the set up was beautiful, and the staff was incredible!! 🙂
The presentation was incredible, the food was absolutely amazing. But the staff was by far the best part! I highly recommend!
Shrimp and grits were incredible!! The service is amazing. I’ve never been unsatisfied.!! We have hired Andy three times now and every time it’s absolutely perfect!! High quality and definitely recommend them!
We used Big Boards for our wedding shower in Winter Garden this past August, and they were fantastic! The food was delicious, especially the charcuterie board and cannolis 😉, which were a huge hit with our guests. The display was beautifully set up, and everything was handled so professionally. They truly made the day special. Highly recommend!
Big Boards Catering made celebrating my special event an enchanting evening, and my guest are still raving about the food and excellent service.
We highly recommend Andy and his team for any event. We were fortunate enough to have him cater our wedding last October in Howie in The Hills. The food we chose was amazing: Entrees *Pulled pork and Mac and cheese *Chili Glazed Meatballs with Yukon gold mash potatoes Sides *green beans with almonds *Chili Rice and Beans We plan on using him for our other events and can’t recommend Big Boards Catering enough.
Have attended several events where Big Boards Catering provided the food. It's always been excellent food and excellent service! I've been impressed with their attention to detail in how they set up and display the food as well as break down and clean up!
Andy and his team are awesome! I will use Big Boards again in a heartbeat. My guests were so impressed with not only the presentation but the food itself was outstanding! Big Boards Catering is an absolute must use ... again and again!
We have used big boards several times as well as been at events they have catered. Everything is always wonderful. We highly recommend them!
We’ve used Andy and staff for about 3 events and they have been amazing. Food has been delicious and when accompanied with their amazing service, they are perfect for any event!
Big Boards Catering never disappoints! The food is always absolutely amazing and the teams smiles are an added bonus. Fresh, flavorful, and a hit no matter the size of the gathering. I have attended small get-togethers and some large events they catered and they consistently deliver quality and professionalism. What truly sets them apart is the heart behind the business. Andy is incredibly kind and generous, not only to his clients, but also to his team. My daughter works for him, and it means so much knowing she’s part of a company that genuinely cares about its employees. If you’re looking for catering that goes above and beyond, Big Boards Catering is the way to go!
Shrimp and grits to die for! Highlight recommend! Great service and delicious foods for parties and family gatherings
Amazing! Perfect beautiful amazing services I love them so much! The food is so good!!
Thank you to the Big Boards Catering Team for the community support by sponsoring Windermere Wine & Dine (multiple years and in very cold temperatures outdoors with smiles on their faces), Matthew's Hope catered fundraising evening, and so many local charities. Beyond your Team's generous hearts and great attitudes, the food that you gifted was delicious, creative, and "Pinteresting." Your company has created jobs and opportunities for so many people, including former students of mine that I taught during their high school years. I am honored to recommend Big Boards Catering to my clients and friends without hesitation because I know that consistently they show up and bring the wow-factor as well as caring for their employees. You are ambassadors of the very best in event/wedding catering industry for professional standards - both in food and business practices. Bless you for all that you do here in Central Florida for our community ❤️🧑🍳☕️✅️
The BEST catering company in the Orlando area. Food is amazing and full of flavor. The staff is kind and will take amazing care of you for your event. If you want great service and amazing food you don’t need to look any further. Go ahead and book Big Boards Catering.
Goodbye party for ED. Wonderful variety and amount of food for staff party (Feb 2026). Everyone was raving about the food.
Andy and his team put together an amazing menu for my son's Wedding Rehersal dinner at our home. What made it even better was we did it all in under 2 weeks! Andy reassured me it would all be perfect and it absolutely was! The food was delicious and his team did all the work...including the clean up!!
Wow!! Thats really the best way to describe Big Boards!! They have catered many events for one of the non profits I am a part of as well as multiple events around central Florida that we have attended....They knock it out of the park everytime!! They are extremely prompt, professional, and the owners go above and beyond for each client!! Small dinner party at home call them!! Office party for 50 people call them! Big corporate event for 300 people and food allergies CALL them!! I cannot reccomend Andy and his crew enough!!!
Delicious food and amazing elevated experience. Owners are extremely personable and always engaging at events. Definitely next level for catering.
Big Boards has been a go-to for my husband and me from Day 1, and we will continue to have them cater our yearly New Years Day event (wouldn't consider any other caterer....ever!). Andy and his team always go the extra mile and bring our events to another level. We have never been disappointed in the quality of the food and service we receive, and we so appreciate the way Big Boards brings that WOW factor! Highly recommend!!!
Every year my husband and I host a Christmas party for our staff of about 75-100 people. Big Boards has been catering this event for the last 4 years. They are always a joy to work with and food is always consistent and DELICIOUS. You must try their deviled eggs! We plan to continue to use their services for our Christmas party and any other events that come up.
I’ve used Big Boards Catering for several events, and they’ve been exceptional every time. They always arrive with a positive attitude, serve delicious food, and truly go above and beyond to ensure everything aligns perfectly with your event’s theme. Last December, our downtown Orlando office building turned 100 years old. They planned a “100-Year Old Christmas” party for me, and it was outstanding. They exceeded all expectations. If you’re looking for someone to handle your event, Andy and his team are a fantastic choice. They absolutely will not disappoint.
Andy and his team were phenomenal for our wedding this past January at Villa Festa in Deland FL. The food was amazing and the presentation was stunning. Andy’s attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommend for any event!
Big Boards Catering is incredible! Great Service, Incredible Food, Highest Communication Ever! Total knowledge, diverse menu and flexible with all options, All around 5x5 stars! Thank you Andy and Teresa!
Big Boards has the best food catered to your preference and service is excellent. Will be using them at our next event
We have had Andy cater three events and he is a genuinely good person with great food and service! Highly recommend!
I’ve had Big Boards Catering multiple times through our BNI group, and it’s something I genuinely look forward to. You can tell he really cares because everything is always fresh, creative, and put together with intention. It’s never your typical boring spread. Highly recommend.
I’ve have several great experiences working with Big Board Catering. The professionalism, creativity, and fun they bring to every function is unmatched! Looking forward to next time!
Locations We Offer Engagement Party Catering in Central Florida
Big Boards Catering styles engagement parties in homes, gardens, clubhouses, and event venues across Central Florida, from Clermont and Windermere to Orlando, Winter Park, and Lake Mary. Browse our locations directory to confirm engagement party coverage in your specific city.
- Altamonte Springs
- Apopka
- Baldwin Park
- Casselberry
- Celebration
- Clermont
- Dr. Phillips
- Fairview Shores
- Fern Park
- Forest City
- Gotha
- Groveland
- Horizon West
- Kissimmee
- Lake Mary
- Lockhart
- Longwood
- Maitland
- Mascotte
- Minneola
- Ocoee
- Orlando
- Pine Hills
- Plymouth
- Wekiwa Springs
- Windemere
- Winter Garden
- Winter Park
Our FUll List of Catering Services
Couples who love their engagement party often book us again for the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding itself, which keeps the flavors consistent across the whole celebration season. Visit our full services directory to see every catering option we offer across Central Florida.
- Anniversary Private Chef
- Baby Shower Catering
- Bachelorette Catering
- BBQ Catering
- Bridal Shower Catering
- Brunch Catering
- Buffet Catering
- Corporate Catering
- Dessert Catering
- Engagement Party Catering
- Girls Trip Catering
- Grazing Table
- Holiday Catering
- Party Catering
- Private Chef
- Quinceañera Catering
- Rehearsal Dinner Catering
- Sandwich Catering
- Sweet 16 Catering
- Taco Catering
- Vacation Private Chef Catering
- Wedding Catering
working with us
our Delicious Food
YEars Experience
Client Satisfaction
Menu Options
Events Catered
Engagement Party Catering in Clermont
Most engagement parties run best as cocktail style celebrations, and our menu is built for exactly that rhythm. Passed bites like Blackberry Cucumber & Mozzarella Skewers and Prosciutto Wrapped Fruit Skewers move through the crowd while toasts and stories unfold. Crostini options span Caprese, Brie with Berries & Honey, Smoked Salmon with Creme Fraiche, and Goat Cheese Pear Prosciutto & Hot Honey, each one elegant enough for the occasion and small enough for one hand. The Italian Sushi Roll and Mini Monte Cristo Sandwich Bites give guests something a little unexpected between conversations. Deviled eggs in varieties like Bacon Maple and Everything Bagel add a playful note to a dressed up spread. Seafood lovers gravitate to the Signature Colossal Shrimp Ceviche and Mediterranean Shrimp, which feel festive without weighing anyone down. Everything is portioned so guests can hold a glass, a plate, and a conversation at the same time. That easy flow is what separates a great engagement party from a stiff one.
Clermont sits at the heart of our engagement party work, and the service travels across Central Florida every week. Couples in Winter Garden, Horizon West, and Windermere host us for backyard celebrations and clubhouse parties where both families meet properly for the first time. Orlando, Baldwin Park, and Winter Park bring us into restaurants’ private rooms, garden venues, and rooftop spaces. We run regular routes north to Lake Mary, Longwood, Maitland, and Altamonte Springs for family hosted evenings. Dr. Phillips and Gotha couples often plan more formal affairs, and we scale the styling to match. Lake County neighbors in Minneola, Groveland, and Mascotte receive the same doorstep service we give our hometown clients. Celebration and Kissimmee fall comfortably inside our range near the resort corridor. Every address gets the same early arrival, the same fresh platters, and the same steady team behind the table.
A styled grazing table gives an engagement party its centerpiece, and ours are designed to stop guests mid sentence. We layer cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, warm breads, and honey drizzles with the height and color that make a table photograph beautifully. Boards like Brie with Cranberry Honey Pistachios & Pink Salt and Whipped Goat Cheese with Fig Jam Pistachios & Hot Honey anchor the display with flavors guests remember. Individual Charcuterie Cups and Individual Charcuterie Cones give mingling guests a tidy grab and go option that keeps the table looking full. The Fresh Seasonal Fruit Display and Bread & Cracker Assortment stretch the spread with abundance. We style the whole table to the party palette, from soft romantic tones to bold modern color. Ring themed touches and a small signage moment can celebrate the couple right at the table. Presentation is a signature of Big Boards Catering, and an engagement party is exactly where it shines.
Some families prefer a fuller dinner style celebration, and our menu rises to that occasion easily. Beef Tenderloin with Rosemary Garlic & Shallots and Roast Beef with House Au Jus or Chimichurri give a seated or buffet dinner a proper centerpiece. Sliced Rib Eye Sandwiches and Apricot & Orange Glazed Grilled Chicken Skewers serve beautifully at semi formal gatherings. Pasta dishes like Penne Pasta in Tomato Vodka Sauce and Pesto Tortellini carry the table for guests who want a real plate. Salads such as Pear Walnut & Blue Cheese and Strawberry Burrata add brightness between richer courses. Comfort sides like Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans with Almonds Bacon & Black Pepper complete the plates. Warm Garlic Rolls and Dinner Rolls round out the meal the way a family dinner should. The couple picks the tone, and we build the menu to hold it.
The toast is the heartbeat of an engagement party, and we design the dessert moment around it. French Macarons in the couple’s colors stack into a display that pairs perfectly with raised glasses. Mini Cannolis, Cannoli Shooters, and Cream Puffs give guests elegant sweets they can enjoy standing. Individual Cheesecake Bites offer a rich finish in a portion that suits a cocktail crowd. Our Viral Dessert Cup Bar can close the night with Strawberries & Pound Cake Dessert Cups layered under Dark Chocolate, Caramel, or Nutella toppings. We time the sweet service so it lands right after the speeches, when the room is warm and the cameras are out. Displays get built with height and lighting in mind, because these photos end up in the wedding slideshow later. A dessert moment done well sends every guest home smiling.
On the day of the party, our team carries the logistics so the couple and their parents stay present. We arrive early, build the grazing table and stations, and style every platter before the first guest rings the bell. Servers circulate passed bites, refresh the displays, and clear plates through hours of mingling and toasts. Food temperatures get monitored constantly, because a long celebration demands both freshness and safety. The layout gets planned around the toast spot, the photo corner, and the natural flow of the room. Cleanup happens quietly while the party keeps its energy. We pack out our equipment and leave the home or venue in the condition we found it. The hosts end the night with memories and photographs instead of a kitchen full of trays.
Planning an engagement party often involves the couple, both sets of parents, and sometimes a surprise element, and we navigate all of it smoothly. Chef Andy Raphael starts with a free planning session covering the date, the venue, the guest count, and the budget. Surprise engagement parties get handled with complete discretion, right down to unmarked timing and quiet setup. We gather dietary needs from both families early, since two guest lists always bring twice the range of allergies and preferences. Vegetarian and gluten conscious options get woven across the spread rather than parked in a corner. Itemized pricing keeps cost sharing between families simple and friction free. Final counts a week out keep the estimate accurate, and a deposit locks the date. Clear communication at the start of a wedding season builds trust that lasts through the wedding itself.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION
We believe successful catering starts with strong communication. Our team stays responsive throughout the planning process so expectations, timing, and event details stay organized.
FULL SERVICE CATERING
Our team handles setup, serving, coordination, and cleanup so you can focus on your guests instead of managing event logistics. Big Boards Catering delivers smooth, professional service from start to finish.
CUSTOM EVENT MENUS
Every event is different, which is why Big Boards Catering creates menus tailored to your guest count, event style, and food preferences. We help build a catering experience that feels organized and memorable.
Commonly Asked Engagement Party Catering Questions
Engagement party catering covers the grazing table, the passed bites, the toast moment, and the full setup and cleanup behind the first celebration of a wedding season. The questions below answer what Clermont hosts search for most before booking the party.
Engagement party catering cost depends on the guest count, the menu, and the level of service the evening calls for. Across Central Florida, most engagement parties land between roughly twenty and fifty dollars per guest. A cocktail style spread with a grazing table and passed bites sits in the middle of that range. Premium additions like shrimp cocktail, tenderloin, and a custom dessert display push the number higher. Styled drop off service costs meaningfully less than a fully staffed evening. Staffing, rentals, and travel appear as clear line items when they apply.
The format of the party moves the budget as much as the dishes do. Cocktail style events spread cost across many small bites and typically price below a full seated dinner. A dinner format with proteins and sides raises the food cost but can trim the passed service hours. One showstopper element, like a dramatic grazing table, often delivers more impact than three modest additions. We help hosts decide where to invest for the photos and where a simpler choice serves just as well. Trimming a single appetizer can fund an upgrade guests will actually remember.
Headcount rounds out the estimate in predictable ways. Engagement lists tend to grow as word spreads, so we plan a sensible buffer. Locking the count a week out keeps the quote honest. Weekday and daytime celebrations can trim staffing costs compared to Saturday nights. Larger guest lists usually pull the per guest price down through volume. Venue requirements occasionally add small fees, and we flag them early. Your free planning session walks through all of these levers with real numbers. Call with your date and your list, and we will price the party down to the line.
The best engagement party food is elegant, easy to hold, and generous enough to carry a long evening of mingling. A styled grazing table gives the room a centerpiece and feeds guests at their own pace. Passed bites like Caprese Crostini, Fig Prosciutto & Brie Bites, and Prosciutto Wrapped Fruit Skewers keep the celebration moving. A festive seafood moment, such as Colossal Shrimp Cocktail or ceviche, signals that this night is special. Something slightly heartier, like Prosciutto & Burrata Sliders or Mini Monte Cristo Sandwich Bites, anchors guests who arrive hungry. Fresh salads and fruit balance the richer flavors. A sweet display beside the toast closes the night properly. We shape the exact lineup around the couple’s taste and the tone the hosts want.
Cocktail style menus reward variety over volume. Eight to ten different bites feel abundant even when each guest only takes a few of each. Contrast matters, so we balance creamy, crisp, fresh, and savory across the selection. Vegetarian bites like Blackberry Cucumber & Mozzarella Skewers hold their own beside the charcuterie. Warm items such as Dumplings and Mini Spring Rolls add comfort to an elegant spread. Deviled eggs in playful varieties give guests a conversation starter. The couple’s favorite flavors deserve at least one dedicated bite on the menu. A varied spread keeps guests circling back all night, which is exactly the energy an engagement party wants.
Dinner style parties call for a different structure. A carved or sliced beef option gives the meal a celebratory centerpiece. Pasta dishes and grilled chicken skewers cover the middle of the table reliably. Two or three sides per guest complete the plates without overloading the buffet. A salad course brightens the meal and photographs well on the table. Bread ties the spread together the way family dinners always have. Dessert still gets its moment beside the toast, regardless of format. Tell us the tone you want, and we will match the structure to it.
Plan on eight to twelve bites per guest for a cocktail style engagement party that runs two to three hours. A party that replaces dinner needs closer to a full meal per person, either through heavier bites or a proper buffet. Grazing tables stretch further than plated food because guests portion themselves in small rounds. Two desserts per guest keeps the sweet display full through the toast and beyond. Champagne and cocktails increase appetites, and engagement parties always pour generously. We factor the schedule, the format, and the crowd into every portion calculation. A sensible buffer covers late arrivals and enthusiastic returns to the grazing table. The target is a spread that still looks abundant when the last toast lands.
Timing shifts the math in ways hosts often underestimate. Early evening parties that bridge the dinner hour eat the most. Afternoon celebrations run lighter and lean on grazing rather than plates. Late night gatherings after a dinner elsewhere need elegant snacks more than substance. Long guest lists with rolling arrivals need food refreshed in waves rather than set out once. We rotate and replenish platters so the table at hour three matches the table at hour one. Years of Central Florida celebrations keep our counts sharp. Your run of show tells us most of what we need.
Variety controls waste better than sheer quantity. When guests can sample ten things, they take smaller portions of each. We weight the reliable favorites, like shrimp and charcuterie, with deeper backup. Dietary counts shape how much of each category gets prepped. Kids at family heavy parties get simpler portions that will not go to waste. Leftovers get packaged safely for the couple and the hosts at the end of the night. Very little gets thrown away when the plan starts with real numbers. Share the headcount and the timeline, and we will size everything precisely.
Most engagement parties work best as cocktail style celebrations, and there are good reasons for that. The whole point of the night is mingling, since two families and two friend groups are often meeting for the first time. Passed bites and a grazing table keep guests moving and talking instead of anchored to assigned seats. Cocktail format also flexes gracefully as the guest list grows, which engagement lists tend to do. The budget usually stretches further across small bites than across full plated dinners. Toasts land naturally in a standing room, with everyone gathered rather than scattered across tables. Photos of a mingling crowd capture the energy better than rows of seated guests. For most couples, cocktail style simply fits what the night is for.
A seated dinner still makes sense in certain situations. Smaller guest lists of twenty to forty can share a long table in a way that feels intimate and intentional. Families with older relatives sometimes prefer the comfort of assigned seats and a paced meal. Formal households and formal venues occasionally call for the structure of courses. A dinner format also suits parties where the toast anchors a full evening rather than a passing moment. We serve both formats with equal care, from plated courses to family style platters. The choice belongs to the hosts, and we make either one run smoothly. There is no wrong answer, only the right fit for your crowd.
A hybrid approach often delivers the best of both. The evening can open cocktail style with a grazing table and passed bites while guests arrive and mingle. A heartier station or buffet can follow once the room settles, giving guests a real plate without formal seating. Dessert and the toast then close the night as one gathered moment. This structure keeps the social energy of a cocktail party while feeding guests like a dinner. It also spreads the food service across the evening, which keeps everything fresh. We map the format to your venue, your guest list, and your budget during planning. Tell us how you picture the night, and we will build the service around it.
Yes, we cater engagement parties at private homes and venues across Central Florida. Home celebrations are the classic choice, from Clermont backyards to Windermere pool decks where the two families can relax together. We adapt the setup to your space, your furniture, and the natural flow of the rooms. Small kitchens are never a problem because the food arrives prepped and ready to style. Venue parties at clubhouses, restaurants, gardens, and event spaces run just as smoothly. We coordinate directly with venue managers on access, timing, and house rules. Outdoor evenings get planned around Florida heat, shade, and food safety. The setting changes our logistics, never the quality on the table.
Home hosting comes with details we quietly take off your plate. The grazing table gets placed where traffic flows past it naturally instead of bottlenecking a hallway. We bring our own serving equipment, so your dishes and platters stay in the cabinet. Power, refrigeration, and counter space get confirmed before the date. The toast spot and photo corner get factored into the layout plan. Setup finishes before the doorbell rings, and breakdown happens without interrupting goodbyes. Your home returns to normal before the last car pulls away. Hosting the families at home stops feeling like a performance.
Venues bring rules, and we know how to work within them. Load in windows, kitchen policies, and required paperwork get sorted early. We have served private rooms and event spaces across Orlando, Winter Park, and Lake Mary. Some venues require staffed service or insured caterers, and we meet those standards. Our timeline respects your rental window so no overage fees appear. Unfamiliar layouts get a walkthrough when the plan raises questions. Every event receives a written arrival, setup, and breakdown schedule. Share the address and we will handle everything else.
Most hosts book engagement party catering three to six weeks ahead. Engagement parties tend to follow the proposal quickly, so the planning window is naturally shorter than other wedding events. Spring and fall weekends fill fastest across Central Florida. Booking early protects your preferred date and gives the menu real attention. Custom touches like colored macarons need ordering lead time. Big Boards Catering can often accommodate shorter timelines for smaller gatherings. Availability always comes down to our calendar for your specific date. An early call keeps every option open.
Lead time makes the planning calmer for everyone involved. The menu gets refined with the couple’s input rather than rushed to a decision. Two families coordinating costs and guest lists need time to align. Venue paperwork and timing details settle faster without a deadline pressing. A deposit locks the date on our calendar. Final headcounts a week out keep the estimate accurate. Chef Andy Raphael plans best with room to breathe. That calm shows up in the party itself.
Short timelines are common with engagement parties, and we handle them well. Grazing tables and cocktail menus assemble quickly because board work is our daily craft. A beautiful celebration can come together in under two weeks when our schedule allows. We tell you honestly what a tight date can support. If we cannot do the party justice, we say so up front. Holiday weekends and proposal season book out the furthest. Sometimes shifting the party by a single week opens everything up. Reach out today and we will check your date.
Yes, dietary planning is standard at every engagement party we cater. Two families and two friend groups always bring a wider range of needs than a single household. Nut, dairy, gluten, and shellfish allergies get documented from the first call. Platters and passed bites get labeled clearly so guests choose with confidence. Allergy items get prepped separately with dedicated utensils to reduce cross contact. Vegetarian guests find real options across the spread, never a single lonely tray. The couple’s own restrictions shape the menu first, since the night belongs to them. Every guest at the celebration deserves a full plate and zero worry.
Food safety carries the plan from our kitchen to your party. Allergen ingredients stay separated through storage, prep, and service. Servers at staffed events know the contents of every bite they pass. Severe allergies can receive a fully separate, individually prepared plate. We confirm the final dietary count with the hosts before the date. Long evenings get temperature monitoring across the entire window. Cheese boards can include gluten free crackers alongside the breads. Careful process protects your guests and your peace of mind.
Accommodation never has to look like compromise. Blackberry Cucumber & Mozzarella Skewers and fruit displays are naturally vegetarian and beautiful on the table. The Hummus Board with Olives Cucumbers & Honey satisfies plant based guests with style. Grilled chicken skewers give gluten conscious guests a hearty option. Desserts can include selections for common allergies on request. The accommodations blend into the spread, so no guest feels singled out. Chef Andy Raphael treats these requests as part of the core design, not an afterthought. Send us the needs with the RSVP list and we will build around them.
Yes, and many couples plan exactly that from the start. The engagement party often works as an informal tasting, since the couple and both families experience our food and service firsthand. Couples who love the night frequently book us for the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding reception. Keeping one caterer across the season creates consistency in flavor, styling, and communication. We already know your dietary lists, your preferences, and your families by the second event. Planning gets faster each time because the foundation is already built. Multi event bookings can also unlock friendlier pricing across the season. One relationship carries you from the proposal to the last dance.
The engagement party teaches us things that make the wedding better. We learn which bites your guests devoured and which flavors your families favor. We see how your crowd moves, drinks, and gathers, which shapes wedding service planning. Your grazing table style, your colors, and your favorite desserts carry forward with refinements. Feedback from the first event gets folded directly into the next menu. The couple never has to re explain their vision from scratch. Trust built early makes the big decisions easier later. That continuity is worth as much as the food itself.
Booking the season together stays flexible and pressure free. There is no obligation to commit to the wedding when you book the engagement party. Many couples simply start with one event and decide as the season unfolds. We provide separate itemized quotes for each celebration so budgets stay clear. Dates get held with standard deposits, one event at a time. If plans change, we adjust with you instead of locking you in. Our goal is to earn the next booking, not demand it. Start with the engagement party and see how the partnership feels.
Get The Best Engagement Party Catering In Central Florida
Book your free engagement party catering planning session and estimate today by calling Big Boards Catering at (954) 778-0456 or by booking online using our 24/7 appointment system.






