Ordering a caterer: how far in advance?

The day before for a breakfast or lunch trays, 48 hours from 50 people, longer with service and equipment: the ordering lead times of a corporate caterer.

For a breakfast, a break or lunch trays, the day before is enough at most corporate caterers. For a cocktail reception or a seminar, you need a few days. For an event with service and equipment, in December or June, several weeks. Here are the lead times, service by service.

Lead times at L'Écrin Traiteur

Service	Order no later than
Breakfast, break, lunch trays, lunch box, delivered cocktail reception	The day before, before 2 pm
From 50 people	48 hours before
With a maître d'hôtel, equipment hire or flowers	As early as possible: availability confirmed in the quote
Changes to quantities	Until 2 pm the day before
Free cancellation	Up to 2 working days before, before 10 am

The quote is sent within 24 hours. Deliveries start at 6:30 am, at the exact time requested.

Usual lead times on the market

Lunch trays: the day before, often before 6 pm with delivery platforms.
Delivered cocktail reception without service: generally 3 to 7 days before.
Event with service, in high season: 2 to 4 months before at some Parisian caterers, especially for end-of-year parties.

The recommended countdown

When	What
As soon as the date is known	Request a quote, especially if you need service or equipment
1 week before	List dietary needs: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies
2 days before	Confirm numbers, with a 10% margin
The day before, before 2 pm	Last adjustment of quantities
On the day	One person present for the delivery, with their mobile

And for tomorrow morning?

If you are reading this before 2 pm, there is still time to order a breakfast for tomorrow: request your quote or call 01 74 54 23 10. Our prices are on the prices page, and the full list of points to check is in the office manager's checklist.

Sources

L'Écrin Traiteur lead times: terms and conditions and prices, as of 17 October 2026.
Market lead times: Créer une entreprise (17 June 2026) and MyTraiteur, accessed 17 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should you order an office breakfast?

At L'Écrin Traiteur, until 2 pm the day before for delivery from 6:30 am the next day; 48 hours from 50 people.

How far in advance should you book a caterer for a cocktail reception?

For a delivered cocktail reception, 2 pm the day before at L'Écrin Traiteur (48 hours from 50 people). With a maître d'hôtel or equipment, as early as possible: availability is confirmed in the quote.