Email Marketing for Catering Companies in 2026: Book More Events & Build Reputation
Caterers that use email marketing book 40% more events and increase repeat client rate by 50%. Here is the complete guide.
⚡ QUICK ANSWER: Best email platforms for caterers: GetResponse (best overall — AI + webinars), Brevo (cheapest — SMS + email), Mailchimp (beginners), MailerLite (best free plan), ActiveCampaign (CRM + event tracking).
Why Catering Companies Need Email Marketing
| Metric | With Email | Without Email |
|---|---|---|
| Event booking rate | 45-60% | 20-30% |
| Repeat client rate | 50-60% | 15-25% |
| Google reviews | 300% more | Baseline |
| Seasonal revenue | +40% | Baseline |
| Referral rate | 3x higher | Baseline |
5 Best Email Platforms for Caterers
1. GetResponse — Best Overall
- AI email writer for menu descriptions and promotions
- 200+ landing pages for quote requests and menu showcases
- Webinar hosting for virtual tasting sessions
- Automation for quote follow-up and review requests
- E-commerce for online booking
- Free plan: 500 contacts
2. Brevo — Best for SMS + Email
- SMS for event day coordination (98% open rate)
- Unlimited contacts ($25/mo)
3. Mailchimp — Best for Beginners
- Easy to use, 300+ integrations
4. MailerLite — Best Free Plan
- 1,000 contacts free
5. ActiveCampaign — Best for CRM + Event Tracking
- CRM with event pipeline tracking
- Lead scoring for hot prospects
Catering Email Sequence Templates
Quote Follow-Up (3 emails)
- Day 0: "Your catering quote from [Company] — any questions?"
- Day 2: "Here is what our recent clients say" (testimonials)
- Day 5: "Last chance: 10% off if you book by [date]"
Post-Event Review Request (Automated)
- 24 hours after event: "How was your event? Leave us a review ⭐"
- Include direct Google review link
Seasonal Menu Showcase (2 emails)
- 2 months before season: "New [season] menu is here — book early"
- 1 month before: "Last chance: [season] catering availability"
Welcome Sequence (3 emails)
- Day 0: "Welcome to [Company]! Here is our menu + 10% off first event"
- Day 3: "5 tips for planning a memorable event"
- Day 7: "Meet our chef + our approach to catering"
Holiday/Corporate Event Campaign (3 emails)
- 2 months before: "Book your holiday party now — dates filling fast"
- 1 month before: "Last chance: holiday catering availability"
- 2 weeks before: "Final call: book your corporate holiday event"
Our Top Recommendation: GetResponse
- AI email writer — generate menu descriptions in seconds
- 200+ landing pages — quote requests and menu showcases
- Webinar hosting — virtual tasting sessions
- Automation — quote follow-up and review requests
- E-commerce — online booking
- Free plan — 500 contacts
Bottom line: Caterers should use email for menu showcases, quote follow-ups, and review requests. GetResponse offers AI tools, webinar hosting, and e-commerce perfect for caterers. Use our Email Sequence Generator to create catering sequences.
