About how many days before a party does a caterer need a headcount?

Question

This would be for about 55 people. I'm trying to figure out what RSVP date to put down on invitations, but I won't get a chance to research caterers before the invitations go out. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Each caterer may have different guide lines.  It may also be dependent upon your menu.  Something that is complicated would have to have a longer lead time.

Answer 2

5 working days, depending upon the entree's and the # of persons attending.