The Caterer Who Put "Bride's Chicken" on the Menu
I've been in the Southern California wedding industry for over a decade, and I've learned that a caterer can reveal their true colors in the smallest details. I remember one tasting where the menu was beautiful — seasonal, elegant, clearly crafted with care. Then I saw it: "Groom's Steak" and "Bride's Chicken." I pointed it out to the catering manager, and she laughed it off. "It's just a name," she said. But it wasn't just a name. It was a signal that this caterer had never really thought about what it means to serve a same-sex couple. We didn't book them. That was the day I started treating caterers like every other vendor: they need to pass the inclusion test, not just the taste test. The three caterers below did both. They have delicious food, flexible menus, and staff who understand that a wedding is about two people in love, not about gendered dinner options. If you're looking for wedding catering in Los Angeles that will make your day feel celebrated, start here. Because the food should be amazing — and so should the way you're treated.
Why You Should Trust Me
My name is Dana Whitfield. I've been married to Carol since 2014, and I own a wedding rental company in Palm Springs. I've coordinated and supplied events all over Los Angeles, and I've eaten at more wedding tastings than I care to admit. I've learned which caterers deliver great food with genuine inclusivity, and which ones just deliver a headache. I've also learned where the hidden fees hide — service charges, staffing fees, cake cutting fees, you name it. I know which caterers will customize their menus without blinking, which ones can handle dietary restrictions with grace, and which ones will treat your same-sex wedding like the celebration it is. This guide is my shortlist. These are the LA caterers I'd send my own friends to. Tell them Dana sent you — it won't get you a discount, but it'll let them know you've done your homework.
The Myth of the "Inclusive" Caterer
Here's the uncomfortable truth about wedding catering: a caterer can have a rainbow sticker on their van and still put "bride and groom" on the menu. Inclusivity isn't just about marketing; it's about the details. It's about menus that don't assume gender, staff who've been trained on pronouns, and a willingness to customize everything from the food to the service style. The three caterers below passed my inclusion check with zero hesitation. They use gender-neutral menu language, they ask for your pronouns on their intake forms, and they've served dozens of same-sex weddings. And their food is genuinely excellent. That's a rare combination, and it's worth seeking out. So before you book a caterer, don't just ask for a tasting. Ask the hard questions. The food might be delicious, but the experience matters just as much.
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The 3 LA Caterers Who Passed Both Tests
I'm giving you three names. Not ten. These are the only caterers in Los Angeles I'd recommend without reservation, based on real events and real same-sex weddings. Each one has a flexible menu, inclusive staff, and food that's actually memorable.
1. Desert Bloom Catering — Los Angeles
Why it passed: Desert Bloom is a small, family-run catering company that has been quietly serving same-sex weddings for years without making a big deal of it — because to them, it isn't a big deal. That's exactly what you want. Their food is excellent (the short rib tacos are legendary), their staff is trained on inclusive language, and they've never once put "bride and groom" on an invoice. I've worked with them on at least a dozen weddings, and they always show up early, work clean, and treat every guest like family. Their menus are fully customizable, and they handle dietary restrictions with ease. They also offer a "family-style" service option that's perfect for intimate weddings.
What to watch for: They have a minimum of about $2,500 for full-service catering, but they also do drop-off service for smaller weddings. Ask for Alicia — she's the owner, and she'll take care of you. For more on budgeting, read our budget guide.
dpScore: 9.4/10
2. The Modern Table — Silver Lake
Why it passed: The Modern Table is a queer-owned catering company that specializes in farm-to-table, seasonal menus. Their food is fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. When I emailed them about a same-sex wedding, they replied within an hour, used my clients' pronouns correctly, and said, "We'd be honored to cater your day." Their intake form includes a blank field for pronouns, and they're happy to print menus without any gendered language. They've catered numerous LGBTQ+ weddings, and they're active in the community. They're a bit pricier than some, but the quality is worth it.
What to watch for: They have a higher minimum (around $4,000 for full-service), and they book out fast in the spring and fall. But if you want a modern, locally-sourced menu and a team that truly gets it, they're a top choice. For more on finding inclusive vendors, read our vendor guide.
dpScore: 9.2/10
3. Rainbow Plates Catering — Long Beach / LA
Why it passed: Rainbow Plates is a newer, queer-owned caterer that has quickly made a name for itself in the LGBTQ+ wedding scene. Their menus are creative and affordable, with options ranging from casual taco bars to elegant plated dinners. The founder, a gay man named Jamie, started the company specifically to serve the community. Their contracts use "the couple" throughout, and they're happy to customize everything. They also offer a "no questions asked" inclusive policy — if you tell them your pronouns, they use them, period. I've worked with them on three weddings, and each time the food was delicious and the service was warm. They're a great choice if you're on a budget.
What to watch for: They're newer, so their track record is shorter. But their prices are fair (starting around $1,800 for full-service), and they're hungry to prove themselves. Ask for references from a same-sex couple they've worked with. For more on vetting, read our vendor guide.
dpScore: 8.9/10
Quick Comparison: The LA Catering Three
| Caterer | Style | Price Range | Inclusion Rating | Best For | Dietary Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Bloom Catering | Family-style, comfort food | $2,500+ | Excellent — no assumptions | Mid-size weddings, relaxed vibe | Very flexible |
| The Modern Table | Farm-to-table, seasonal | $4,000+ | Exceptional — queer-owned | Elegant, modern weddings | Very flexible |
| Rainbow Plates Catering | Creative, affordable | $1,800+ | Exceptional — queer-owned | Budget-conscious couples | Flexible |
Prices are estimates and vary by menu and guest count. Pricing verified on 2026-09-08.
Red Flags to Watch For in Wedding Catering
- 🚩 Gendered menu items like "Bride's Chicken" or "Groom's Steak." This is a clear sign they haven't updated their thinking. A truly inclusive caterer uses neutral language. If they won't change it, walk away.
- 🚩 The contract says "bride and groom" and they won't revise it. If they can't edit a document, they can't adapt to your wedding. Don't sign anything with "bride and groom" on it.
- 🚩 They act annoyed when you ask about dietary restrictions. A good caterer handles allergies and preferences with professionalism. If they roll their eyes, that's a red flag. Your guests' health and comfort matter. For more on inclusive food, read our vendor guide.
The Exact Email to Send Before You Book a Caterer
Even with my recommendations, always send this email. It takes two minutes and saves heartache.
Subject: Question about wedding catering — same-sex couple
Hi [Caterer Name],
We're considering you for our wedding on [date]. We're a same-sex couple (I use [your pronouns], my partner uses [their pronouns]), and we want to confirm a few things:
1. Can the menu and place cards be printed with inclusive language, without any "bride and groom" terms?
2. How do you handle dietary restrictions and preferences? Can we see a sample menu?
3. Have you catered same-sex weddings before? Could you share a quick example?
Thank you! We're excited about the possibility of working with you.
[Your names]
If they answer all three clearly, book a tasting. If they dodge question 1 or 3, move on. The food might be great, but the experience matters just as much.
Who Should NOT Book These Caterers
These caterers aren't for everyone. Specifically:
- If you have a very specific cultural menu in mind. These caterers are excellent, but they may not specialize in every cuisine. If you want authentic Korean-Mexican fusion, for example, you might need a specialized caterer. Always ask before falling in love. For more on cultural blending, read our multicultural guide.
- If you're on a very tight budget under $1,500. Full-service catering in LA rarely comes cheap. If you're trying to save, consider a food truck or a drop-off service. For more budget ideas, read our money-saving guide.
- If you want a formal, plated dinner with extensive wine pairings. These caterers are more casual to mid-range. For a black-tie affair, you may need a different level of service. But always apply the same inclusion checks.
For everyone else — these three are the best inclusive catering bets in Los Angeles right now.
Verdict
If I had to pick one for a seamless, delicious, and genuinely inclusive catering experience: Desert Bloom Catering. They've been my go-to for years, and they never disappoint. If you want something more modern and farm-to-table, The Modern Table is a wonderful choice. And if you're on a budget, Rainbow Plates delivers great food with zero drama. All three will make your wedding meal feel like a celebration, not a compromise. And that's exactly what you deserve on your wedding day.
Need budget decor? Check DHgate for lower-cost options. Shipping may take longer, but prices are often lower.
FAQ: LGBTQ+ Wedding Catering in Los Angeles
How do I know if a caterer is truly LGBTQ+ friendly?
Ask the questions in the email script above. Check if they use inclusive language in their menus and contracts. Ask for examples of same-sex weddings they've catered. A good caterer will be happy to share. If they hesitate or seem confused, that's a red flag. For more on vetting, read our vendor guide.
Can a caterer accommodate non-binary couples?
Yes, and they should. All three caterers on this list are comfortable with non-binary couples and use inclusive language. Always confirm pronouns in advance and make sure the menu and place cards reflect the couple's preferences. For more on inclusive language, read our terminology guide.
What's a reasonable budget for wedding catering in LA?
For a mid-range wedding, expect to spend $60-$100 per person for full-service catering. This includes food, service staff, and often basic linens. The caterers on this list range from $1,800 to $4,000+ as a minimum, depending on guest count and menu. Always ask for an itemized quote. For more on budgeting, read our budget guide.
Can I bring my own cake to a caterer?
Usually yes, but check if there's a cake cutting fee. Some caterers charge per person to slice and serve an outside cake. Others include it. Always ask upfront. For more on cakes, read our elegant rainbow cake guide.
How far in advance should I book a wedding caterer in LA?
For popular dates (May-October), book 6-12 months ahead. For off-season or weekdays, 3-6 months is usually enough. The best caterers book out fast, especially The Modern Table. Don't wait too long if you have your heart set on one. For more on timing, read our checklist.
Where to Go From Here
Now that you have your catering shortlist, your next step is to find a venue that will let you use your chosen caterer or start building your full budget. I've also written a guide to finding inclusive vendors for every other category.
And if you want to see my raw notes from tastings with these caterers — including the one where a chef accidentally used "sir" for a bride — I've saved them in our research archive. Read the unedited notes here.