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How to Budget for a $1,800 Catered Family BBQ

How to · Event

How to Budget for a $1,800 Catered Family BBQ

Handle the catering deposits for a holiday weekend by spreading the cost over 15 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $120.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Planning a big family BBQ on a holiday weekend means you are competing for the same caterers and rental gear as everyone else. To get the good brisket and enough chairs, you have to book and pay deposits months before the first guest arrives in your backyard.

Using the Discover it® Cash Back helps we manage that $1,800 upfront cost without the immediate sting. You can lock in your vendors today and deal with the bill in smaller, more manageable pieces over the next year.

The intro period is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance when the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers expires, you will start paying the standard interest rate on every dollar left on the card.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock your caterer early

    Holiday weekends sell out six months in advance. Pay your deposit now to secure the date and the menu. This usually accounts for half of your total $1,800 budget.

  2. 02

    Use the intro window

    You can use the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers to pay for the big deposits. If you spend $1,800, paying $120.00 a month will clear the balance before the interest kicks in.

  3. 03

    Reserve your rentals

    Tables and chairs are the first things to go when people start planning reunions. Book these at the same time as the food so your guests have a place to sit. Most rental companies require a small deposit to hold the gear.

  4. 04

    Stock up on dry goods

    Buy your drinks, napkins, and plates a month before the holiday. Stashing these in the garage early keeps you away from the grocery store crowds during the holiday rush. It also spreads out your smaller costs.

  5. 05

    Confirm the final count

    Give your caterer the final headcount two weeks out. This is when the remaining balance is usually due. Since you have your monthly payment plan set, this final charge won't wreck your monthly budget.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

You might lose your intro rate and get hit with a late fee. It is best to set up an autopay for at least the minimum amount so you do not forget.

Do caterers charge more for holiday weekends?

Many do. Expect a holiday surcharge or higher minimum spends. We accounted for this in the $1,800 estimate, but always ask for a quote before you sign anything.

Is the 0% rate automatic?

It applies to the purchases you make within the timeframe specified in your card terms. You still have to make your minimum monthly payments to keep the account in good standing.

Can I use this for the rental deposit too?

Yes. Any purchase made during the intro window falls under the 0% rate. This includes catering, tent rentals, and even the extra bags of ice.