Wedding catering is the largest order most people will ever place, often 300 to 500 guests across a long day in a dewan or a marquee. The food matters, but so does what happens in the hours around it, which is why drinks stations and live counters have become as common as the buffet line itself.
Further than you think. Two weeks works for a small order, but Saturday dates in wedding season go early and the vendors worth booking close their calendars first. If your date is fixed, book as soon as the venue is confirmed.
Most vendors price per pax and set a minimum guest count, both shown on the package. Order to your confirmed headcount rather than your invite list. Over-ordering for a crowd that does not arrive is the most common way money gets wasted.
Yes, and it is common. A caterer for the main spread plus a separate drinks bar or dessert station is a normal combination. Each is booked separately against its own availability.
15 vendors

Buffets · Meal Boxes

Buffets

Live Stations · Refreshments

Dessert Tables · Refreshments· +1

Meal Boxes · Refreshments· +1

Buffets · Meal Boxes· +1

Meal Boxes · Dessert Tables· +1

Food Trucks

Carts & Booths · Live Stations

Meal Boxes

Meal Boxes

Live Stations · Carts & Booths

Meal Boxes · Dessert Tables

Meal Boxes

Buffets · Meal Boxes· +1