Catering Guides
Clear, practical answers for every step, from the first quote to the last tip.
Where Should You Start Planning Event Catering?
Start with three numbers: your guest count, your budget per guest and the date. Use the cost calculator to see which service style fits, the food quantity calculator to size the order, then get two or three written quotes on the same menu and compare every fee before you pay a deposit.
Catering Cost Calculator
Estimate food, staff, service charge and tax.
Food Quantity Calculator
How much food and drink to order per guest.
Catering Checklist
Tasks from booking to clean-up, printable.
How Much Does Catering Cost Per Person?
Planning price ranges for drop-off, buffet, family-style, plated and food truck catering, plus the fees that push the total up and how to compare quotes.
How Much Does a Food Truck Cost for an Event?
How food trucks price private events (minimums, per-guest packages, guest-paid service), how many trucks you need, and what to check before you book.
How Much Food Do You Need Per Person?
Rules of thumb for protein, sides, appetizers, desserts and drinks per guest, with adjustments for kids, long events and buffets. Try the free food quantity calculator.
How Far Ahead Should You Book a Caterer?
How far in advance to book caterers, food trucks and restaurant catering for weddings, parties, holidays and office events, with a printable planning checklist.
Do You Tip Caterers When There Is a Service Charge?
The difference between a catering service charge and a gratuity, common tipping amounts for servers, bartenders and delivery drivers, and what to ask before you sign.
Buffet, Plated, Family-Style or Stations?
Compare catering service styles by cost, staff, food quantity, guest experience and timing, and pick the right one for your event and budget.
How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?
Planning ranges for wedding catering per guest, what drives the price, venue rules to check, and how to save without running out of food. Linked with ido.broker.
Drop-Off or Full-Service Catering?
What drop-off and full-service catering include, what each costs, how much work you take on, and which fits office lunches, parties and weddings.
Catering Contract Checklist
The 15 items every catering contract should include, red flags to watch for, and how to protect your deposit.
How Many Servers Do You Need for an Event?
Staffing ratios for buffet, family-style and plated catering, bartenders per guest, hourly minimums, and how staffing changes the catering bill.