Catering backyard and tented events

Start with the site, not the menu

Backyard weddings, milestone parties and summer staff events in the GTA all start with the same walkthrough questions: how much flat ground is there, how do vans reach the yard, where does power come from, and where can a working kitchen sit out of sight but within a short walk of the guest tent?

A side yard or driveway usually becomes the catering area. We look for a spot on firm, level ground, ideally 20 to 60 feet from the guest tent, with a route that does not cross the dance floor or the ceremony aisle.

Tents: size, permits and staking

Rental companies commonly size a seated dinner at roughly 12 to 15 square feet per guest once tables, a buffet or stations and a dance floor are included, and a standing cocktail party at about half that. A separate catering tent (often 10 by 20 feet or larger) keeps the kitchen dry and out of view.

Larger tents can need a building permit under the Ontario Building Code. The City of Toronto notes that small tents under 60 square metres in aggregate area generally do not, subject to conditions, and that you must contact Ontario One Call at least five business days before staking into the ground. Your tent supplier normally handles both, but confirm who is responsible. Tents are not permitted on the public right-of-way.

The field kitchen

A backyard field kitchen typically includes prep tables, insulated carriers or electric hot boxes, rented refrigeration or a large supply of ice and coolers, a handwashing station with warm water, and a covered area for dirty dishes. If we cook outdoors, propane grills and burners sit in the open or under a well-ventilated tent side, with a fire extinguisher at hand and a safe distance from guest areas.

Holding temperatures matter more outside than in any building. Ontario's Food Premises regulation (O. Reg. 493/17) sets the cold and hot holding limits at 4°C and 60°C. On a 30°C July afternoon, cold displays sit on ice or in refrigeration, and anything served buffet-style is replenished in smaller batches.

Power, water and washrooms

Power. Household outdoor outlets are rarely enough for a kitchen, tent lighting, a band and a coffee station together. Plan a dedicated generator for the catering area (placed away from the tent for noise and exhaust) or confirm the house circuits with an electrician.

Water. A garden hose is not a kitchen water supply. We bring potable water for handwashing and cooking and a plan for grey water disposal.

Washrooms. Most homes cannot handle 100 guests on one or two toilets and a septic system or older plumbing. Rental companies can advise on portable washroom trailers sized to guest count and event length.

Neighbours, noise and alcohol

Toronto's noise bylaw (Municipal Code Chapter 591) sets lower limits on amplified sound between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and other GTA municipalities have their own rules. A courtesy note to neighbours and a plan to move the party indoors or turn the music down late will save the evening.

Alcohol at a residence needs care. The AGCO does not allow liquor to be sold at a residence, so a cash bar or drink tickets are not an option at a private home. A host bar is the usual approach. Read our Special Occasion Permit guide and confirm your plan with the AGCO before the invitations go out.

Menus that suit a backyard

Family-style platters, buffets with a double-sided line, and grill or carving stations suit outdoor events because they are forgiving on timing. Plated dinners are possible, but they need a larger catering tent, more staff and good lighting. Delicate items such as raw bars, soft cheeses and cream desserts need shade and ice or a short service window. For the full wedding planning view, see backyard and tent weddings and our backyard catering checklist.