Catering is one of the biggest lines in a wedding budget, often a quarter of the total with the bar. The guest count drives the cost more than anything else.
Planning Range
- Buffet or family-style dinner: about $50–$90 per guest including staff and service charge.
- Plated dinner: about $70–$130 per guest.
- Bar: add about $15–$45 per guest depending on beer and wine or full bar.
catering.broker planning assumptions, not quotes or survey averages.
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Check the Venue First
Many venues require their in-house caterer or an approved list, charge a fee for outside caterers, or have no kitchen. Ask before you fall in love with a caterer.
Ways to Save
- A brunch or lunch reception
- Food trucks or stations instead of a plated dinner
- Beer, wine and one signature cocktail instead of a full bar
- Cutting the guest list by 10–20 people
Plan the Rest of the Wedding
Our sister site ido.broker lists wedding venues, photographers, florists and cake bakers, with a free wedding budget calculator and planning checklist.