Wedding Catering Cost: How Much Is It on Average?

When planning a wedding, one of the most significant expenses you need to take into consideration is the catering. You may be asking yourself, “How much does wedding catering cost?”, which is a pretty natural thing to do, especially if you wish to keep your guest happy and satisfied. 

Truth be told, understanding the average wedding catering cost is essential when planning an event, including a wedding. Why? There are two main reasons for that: it helps you manage your budget more wisely and reduces stress about your special day going out of hand. 

Read on to get a clearer picture of the typical wedding catering cost.

What Factors Influence Wedding Catering Costs? 

Before going through specific figures, it must be noted that several factors can influence the overall cost of wedding catering. These include (but are not limited to): 

• Your guest count More guests generally mean higher costs, as you’ll need to provide more food and beverages. 
• Menu selection The type of food and beverage service you choose -whether it’s a plated dinner, buffet, or food station – affects the price. 
• Location Catering costs can vary significantly based on geographic location and venue. For example, a wedding catering in a major city like New York or San Francisco might have higher costs due to higher overall expenses in these areas. In contrast, a wedding in a smaller town or rural area might have lower catering costs because of lower operating expenses and cost of living.
• Caterer experience Experienced caterers or those with a high reputation may charge more for their services.

Average Wedding Catering Costs 

On average, the cost of catering for a wedding can range widely depending on the factors mentioned above. Nevertheless, there are some price ranges that can give you a general idea of typical wedding catering costs. 

Average Wedding Catering Cost Per Person

On average, couples can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per person for wedding catering. Naturally, this range can vary based on the level of service and the menu selected. 

Average Cost of Wedding Catering Buffet

If you are more in favor for a buffet-style meal, the average cost can be slightly lower compared to a plated dinner. Expect to pay around $40 to $100 per person. The good news is that buffets often allow for more variety and can actually sometimes help you save more money, especially if your guest list is relatively long.

Typical Wedding Catering Cost Breakdown

Let’s go through the four most common wedding catering types: plated dinner, buffet style, food stations, and cocktail receptions.

• Plated dinner is generally considered the most formal and expensive option. Its costs range from $75 to $150 per person. 
• The buffet is a definitely more flexible and often more affordable option for the newlyweds. It typically costs between $40 and $100 per person. 
• Food stations range from $50 to $120 per person. 
• Cocktail reception offers smaller bites and drinks, which naturally translates into being the cheapest wedding catering option. You should pay between $30 and $80 per person.

Extra Tips for Managing Your Catering Budget 

TIP #1: Plan ahead

The earlier you start planning, the more options you’ll have and the better chance you’ll have at locking in your desired caterer at a favorable rate. 

TIP #2: Don’t Fret to Negotiate

Don’t hesitate to discuss pricing with potential caterers. Many are willing to adjust their packages or offer discounts.

TIP #3: Consider Off-Peak Times

Hosting your wedding during off-peak seasons or days of the week might help you save on catering costs. 

TIP #4: Choose a Simple Menu

Going for a simpler menu or fewer courses can help keep costs down while still providing a delicious meal for all your beloved wedding guests.

Summing Up: How Much Is Catering for a Wedding? 

No doubt, understanding the average wedding catering cost and how much it can vary is essential for effective wedding planning.

So, how much is catering for a wedding in total? Let’s say your guest list includes 100 people. In this scenario, the average wedding catering cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000. 

Remember that this wide range accounts for different service levels, menu types, and geographic locations.