Catering Costs
Average cost: $7,500 (22% of typical wedding budget)
Overview
Wedding catering encompasses all food and beverage service for your celebration, from cocktail hour appetizers to the main reception dinner and late-night snacks. The cost per plate varies widely based on the style of service (plated, buffet, family-style, stations), the quality of ingredients, and your bar package. Catering typically represents the second-largest expense after the venue.
Recommended booking timeline: 9-12 months before the wedding
Pricing Tiers
Budget
$30 - $60 per personSimple buffet-style meals, BBQ, taco bars, or food truck service
What's typically included:
- ✓Limited menu options
- ✓Self-serve buffet
- ✓Basic bar package
- ✓Disposable or simple servingware
Mid-Range
$60 - $120 per personPlated dinner with choice of entrees, cocktail hour, and open bar
What's typically included:
- ✓3-4 entree choices
- ✓Cocktail hour with passed apps
- ✓Standard open bar
- ✓Professional wait staff
- ✓Linens included
Premium
$120 - $200 per personGourmet multi-course plated dinner with premium bar and interactive stations
What's typically included:
- ✓5+ course meal
- ✓Premium spirits bar
- ✓Interactive food stations
- ✓Specialty cocktails
- ✓Late-night snack station
- ✓Dietary accommodation
Luxury
$200+ per personCelebrity chef catering, molecular gastronomy, and white-glove service
What's typically included:
- ✓Chef-designed custom menu
- ✓Wine pairing per course
- ✓Top-shelf unlimited bar
- ✓Tableside preparation
- ✓Artisan dessert displays
Tips to Save Money
- $Choose buffet-style over plated service to reduce labor costs
- $Limit the bar to beer, wine, and signature cocktails instead of full open bar
- $Reduce the cocktail hour menu to 3-4 passed appetizers
- $Skip the late-night snack station
- $Consider a brunch or lunch reception which costs 30-40% less
- $Ask about package deals with the venue caterer
Questions to Ask
- ?What is the per-person cost including service charges and tax?
- ?Can we do a tasting before booking?
- ?How do you handle dietary restrictions and allergies?
- ?What is the staff-to-guest ratio?
- ?Is there a cake-cutting fee?
- ?What happens to leftover food?
- ?Do you provide linens and tableware?
Red Flags to Watch For
- !No tasting offered before booking
- !Unclear pricing with hidden service fees
- !Inability to accommodate dietary needs
- !No food safety certifications
- !Refusing to provide ingredient lists