How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?
What's Included in Average Catering Cost:
- Appetizers and cocktail hour service
- Main course with choice of proteins
- Side dishes and salads
- Professional service staff and coordination
- Basic china, glassware, and flatware
- Setup and cleanup services
Costs vary significantly by region, with urban areas like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles seeing per-person prices of $100-$200, while rural and suburban locations typically range $50-$85 per person. Additional factors affecting price include menu complexity, dietary restrictions, service duration, and whether alcohol service is included.
| Service Style | Price Per Person | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet | $40-$70 | Self-service, variety, less staff needed |
| Plated Dinner | $70-$120 | Formal, controlled portions, more staff required |
| Family Style | $60-$100 | Shared platters, communal feel, moderate staffing |
| Stations | $75-$130 | Interactive, multiple food stations, premium experience |
| Food Trucks | $20-$45 | Casual, trendy, limited menu options |
Plated service costs more due to increased labor—you'll need approximately one server per 15-20 guests versus one per 50 guests for buffet service. However, plated service reduces food waste since portions are controlled. Consider your wedding planning timeline when deciding, as some styles require more coordination.
| Guest Count | Per Person Cost | Total Catering Budget |
|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | $75-$90 | $3,750-$4,500 |
| 75 guests | $70-$85 | $5,250-$6,375 |
| 100 guests | $70-$85 | $7,000-$8,500 |
| 150 guests | $70-$85 | $10,500-$12,750 |
| 200 guests | $65-$80 | $13,000-$16,000 |
Cost-Saving Tips by Guest Count:
- Smaller weddings (under 75): Consider restaurant buyouts or chef-prepared meals for personalized service
- Mid-size weddings (75-125): Sweet spot for negotiating—caterers offer competitive rates without huge overhead
- Large weddings (150+): Volume discounts kick in; negotiate staffing ratios and rental packages
| Budget Option | Cost Per Person | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-Off Catering | $15-$30 | Casual backyard weddings, DIY events |
| Food Trucks | $20-$40 | Trendy, casual outdoor weddings |
| BBQ/Grilling | $25-$45 | Summer outdoor celebrations |
| Brunch Reception | $30-$50 | Morning/afternoon weddings |
| Simple Buffet | $35-$55 | Flexible menu with crowd-pleasers |
Additional Money-Saving Strategies:
- Schedule weekday or off-season weddings for 15-30% discounts
- Choose buffet over plated service to reduce labor costs
- Limit menu options to 2 proteins instead of 3+
- Serve appetizers during cocktail hour instead of full meal
- Use seasonal, local ingredients for fresher food at lower prices
- Provide beer and wine only instead of full open bar
When planning on a budget, reference our wedding planning priorities guide to ensure you allocate funds effectively across all essential wedding vendors.
Premium Catering Features:
- Chef-driven menus: Michelin-starred or celebrity chef experiences
- Premium ingredients: Imported truffles, caviar, premium seafood, dry-aged meats
- Custom menu development: Personalized tasting sessions and bespoke dishes
- Enhanced staffing: 1:8-1:10 guest-to-server ratio for attentive service
- Specialty stations: Raw bars, carving stations, interactive chef experiences
- Premium rentals: Fine china, crystal glassware, designer linens
| Luxury Tier | Price Range | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $120-$180/person | Upscale menu, quality ingredients, enhanced service |
| Luxury | $180-$300/person | Celebrity chef, premium proteins, specialty stations |
| Ultra-Luxury | $300-$500+/person | Michelin experience, imported delicacies, bespoke service |
Luxury catering often includes complimentary services like menu design consultation, custom cocktail creation, and day-of coordination. When budgeting for high-end catering, factor in that it typically represents 25-35% of your total wedding planning budget rather than the standard 20-30%.
Expert Sources & Data
This analysis is based on 2024-2025 pricing data from The Knot, Zola's Wedding Index, WeddingWire, and verified pricing from professional caterers across the United States. Data represents real wedding expenditures and includes regional cost variations, service style differentials, and current market trends.
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