Lyla Dejesus
Wedding catering can be expensive, and with children making up a significant portion of the guest list, it's natural to wonder if wedding caterers charge different rates for them. The answer is that it depends on the caterer. While some caterers may have a flat rate for all guests, others may offer discounts for children, especially if they are under a certain age or eating from a special children's menu. Some caterers may even suggest that you count every 2-3 kids as one adult when calculating the final headcount. Ultimately, it's important to communicate with your caterer and ask about their specific policies regarding children's rates to avoid any surprises on your final bill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age range considered a child | 3-12 years old |
| Age range considered an adult | Over 12 years old |
| Children's meal prices | Vary, some caterers charge half price for children, some charge full price, some have a sliding scale based on age |
| Children's meal portions | Smaller than adult portions |
| Children's meal options | Chicken fingers and French fries, mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, pasta, pizza |
| Babies | Eat milk and baby food provided by parents |
| Toddlers | Eat food from their parents' plates |
| Number of children per adult | 2-3 children per adult |
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What You'll Learn
Children's meal pricing
The type of catering can also impact children's meal pricing. For example, with buffet-style catering, some couples choose to estimate the number of children by taking the total number of children, dividing it by two, and then adding that number to the final count of adults. This estimation is based on the assumption that children eat smaller portions than adults. Other caterers may charge a flat rate for children, such as "two kids for the price of one adult".
It is important to discuss children's meal pricing directly with your caterer, as there is no standard pricing structure. Some caterers may offer a sliding scale charge based on age, with older children charged at a higher rate. Additionally, it is essential to include all guests who will be eating, regardless of age, in the final headcount to ensure enough food is prepared.
When planning a wedding with children in attendance, it is advisable to ask the caterer about their pricing structure for children and get this information in writing before booking their services. This transparency will help you manage your budget and avoid unexpected charges on your final bill.
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Caterers' individual rules
The rules regarding children's meals and pricing differ from caterer to caterer. While some caterers offer discounts for children, others charge a flat rate for all guests, regardless of age. It is important to communicate with your caterer about their specific policies and pricing structure for children.
Some caterers may have a sliding scale of charges based on the age of the child. For example, children under a certain age, such as 2, 3, 4 or 5, may be free of charge, while older children may be offered a discounted rate, such as half price, for a special kid's meal. The age range for discounted rates can vary, with some caterers offering discounts for children up to 8, 10, 11 or 12 years old.
In the case of a buffet-style dinner, some caterers may suggest taking children out of the initial food count and then adding back half of the number of children to the final count. Alternatively, some caterers may suggest counting every 2 or 3 children as one adult, especially if the children are very young and not likely to consume a full adult meal.
It is worth noting that some caterers may have a minimum guest count for their pricing, regardless of the number of children present. It is important to clarify the final headcount with your caterer beforehand and understand their policies on no-shows or additional guests.
To summarise, caterers have individual rules regarding children's meals and pricing. It is essential to communicate with your chosen caterer to understand their specific policies and ensure accurate planning and budgeting for your event.
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Buffet-style pricing
Buffet-style catering is a popular choice for weddings, and there are several factors that can affect the pricing. Firstly, the number of guests, including children, will impact the overall cost. Some caterers charge a flat rate per person, while others may offer discounted rates for children or infants. It is important to clarify with the caterer how they calculate their pricing to ensure accurate cost estimation.
The type of food served at the buffet can also affect pricing. Simple dishes, such as chicken nuggets and fries for children, may be included at no extra cost, while more elaborate options, like a carving station, can increase the price. The quality of ingredients also matters; luxury items like lobster or steak will result in a higher bill compared to more economical choices such as tacos or spaghetti.
Location is another critical factor in determining buffet-style catering costs. Weddings in large cities or remote areas may incur additional charges for staffing, rentals, and transportation. Furthermore, some caterers may charge travel fees if they need to travel a considerable distance to reach the venue.
It is worth noting that buffet-style catering typically costs less than plated dinners or formal sit-down meals. The self-serve nature of buffets reduces labour costs, making it a more economical option. Additionally, the average cost of wedding catering per person has fluctuated over the years, with an average of $70 in 2019, $75 in 2021 and 2022, $85 in 2023, and $80 in 2024.
To ensure transparency and avoid unexpected charges, it is advisable to request a detailed breakdown of expenses from the caterer before signing a contract. This should include food and beverage costs, service fees, rental fees, travel fees, and any other relevant charges. By understanding these factors, couples can make informed decisions about their wedding catering choices and manage their budget effectively.
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Discounts for kids' meals
When it comes to wedding catering, children's meals are an area where you can often save some money. Many caterers offer discounted rates for children's meals, with prices varying based on age and the type of food served.
Some caterers provide a sliding scale charge based on age, with younger children receiving higher discounts or even being included for free. For example, children under 2 or 3 years old may not be counted in the catering total, as they are likely to eat from their parents' plates or have their own snacks. Those between 3 and 12 years old are often considered children and may receive discounted meals, such as chicken fingers and fries. The cutoff age for children's pricing can vary, with some caterers setting it at 10 or 12 years old, while others may go up to 18-21 years old for discounted meals.
The type of food served also plays a role in pricing. Some caterers offer a "kids" menu with simpler dishes like chicken tenders, pasta, pizza, or mac and cheese. These meals are usually less expensive than adult meals, even if the portion size is similar.
It's important to note that pricing structures can vary significantly between caterers. While some may charge a flat rate per person, others might offer discounts for children or use a sliding scale based on age. It's always best to discuss the specifics with your chosen caterer and review the contract carefully to understand their pricing policies for children's meals.
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Final headcount
When planning your wedding, it is essential to communicate with your caterer about their policies on children's meals and headcount. Some caterers may have specific age cutoffs for children's pricing, such as free for children under a certain age or discounted rates for younger children. Others may charge a flat rate per person, regardless of age. Understanding these policies will help you accurately count the number of children and adults in your final headcount.
To make an accurate final headcount, consider the ages of the children attending your wedding and the policies of your caterer. Some caterers may suggest counting every two to three children as one adult for budgeting purposes, especially if they are very young and unlikely to consume a full adult meal. Others may recommend counting each child as half an adult or providing a special kids' menu with discounted rates. By understanding your caterer's recommendations, you can fine-tune your headcount to align with their pricing structure.
To further refine your final headcount, consider the dining preferences of the children attending your wedding. Some older children may prefer adult meals, while some younger ones may be content with a simpler kids' menu. Communicate with the parents of the attending children to understand their preferences and adjust your headcount accordingly. This ensures that you provide a suitable meal for each child while also managing your catering costs effectively.
In addition to the children's meals, don't forget to include vendor meals in your final headcount calculations. Most caterers offer reduced rates for vendor meals, and it's important to account for these additional guests to ensure everyone is fed. Discuss vendor meal options and pricing with your caterer to incorporate them into your overall headcount and budget.
Lastly, remember to ask your caterer about any potential extra expenses beyond the per-person catering costs. These may include service fees, taxes, travel costs, equipment rental fees, and other charges. Understanding these additional costs upfront will help you create a comprehensive budget and avoid unexpected expenses. Always request a detailed Banquet Event Order (BEO) or contract outlining all fees before booking your caterer.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the caterer. Some charge a flat rate per person, while others have different rates for children.
The age ranges vary depending on the caterer. Some common age ranges for child pricing include:
- Under 2 or 3: Free
- 3-5: Half price
- 6-10: Full price for a child's meal
- 11-12: Full price for an adult meal, but no alcohol
- 13+: Full adult price
The calculation depends on the caterer and the type of catering. For a buffet, some caterers suggest taking the number of children and dividing it by two, then adding that number to the final count. For a plated dinner, each child may be counted as a half or a whole adult, depending on their age.
