Unveiling The Secrets Of Wedding Catering: A Guide To The Average Spread

Planning a wedding can be exciting, but it's important to consider the costs to ensure the special day doesn't break the bank. One of the most significant expenses in a wedding budget is often the cost of catering. The average cost of wedding catering can vary depending on factors such as the number of guests, the type of food served, the location, and the level of service.

According to recent surveys, the average cost of wedding catering in the United States ranges from $70 to $150 or more per person. For a wedding with 100 guests, this could mean spending between $7,000 and $15,000 on food alone. The type of meal service can also affect the cost, with plated meals being the most expensive, followed by buffet stations and family-style service.

When planning a wedding, it's essential to consider the catering options carefully and choose a caterer who can work within the desired budget. Couples should also be mindful of hidden costs, such as gratuity, cake-cutting fees, and rental fees for items like linens and glassware. By being mindful of these factors, couples can make informed decisions and create a memorable day that fits within their financial means.

Cost per head

The cost per head for wedding catering can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the wedding, the type of food served, and the number of guests. On average, wedding catering costs around $70 per person, but this can range from $18 to over $100 per person.

For example, a low-priced catered meal might include breakfast, brunch, or lunch options, or a casual barbecue or buffet dinner, and would cost around $10 to $15 per person. Medium-priced catering options typically include a traditional wedding dinner and range from $20 to $75 per person. Banquet halls or upscale caterers often charge $80 or more per person.

The type of food service chosen can also impact the cost per head. A plated dinner, where guests are served individually by waitstaff, typically costs more than a buffet-style service. According to one source, the average cost of a plated meal is $40 per person, while a buffet costs around $27 per person. Another source suggests plated meals can range from $100 to $200 per person, while buffets cost between $50 and $100 per person.

In addition to the cost of food, there are also other factors that can impact the overall cost per head for wedding catering. For example, the cost of alcohol can be a significant expense, with open bars or full bars costing more than limited bars or cash bars. The cost of rentals, such as tables, chairs, dishes, and linens, can also add to the overall cost per head. It's important to consider all of these factors when budgeting for wedding catering.

Catering styles

The style of catering you choose for your wedding will depend on several factors, including your budget, the number of guests, the venue, and the desired ambiance. Here are some popular catering styles to consider:

Buffet-Style Catering: This is a more casual and budget-friendly option, where guests serve themselves from food tables. It can be a great choice if you want to reduce the number of servers and create a relaxed atmosphere. The average cost per person for a buffet-style meal ranges from $50 to $100.

Plated Meals: Plated meals are the most expensive option, with wait staff serving each guest individually in courses. The average cost per person for plated meals can range from $100 to $200. This style is perfect for a formal and elegant wedding reception.

Family-Style Catering: Family-style catering combines the benefits of a buffet and plated meals. The wait staff brings large platters of food to each table, and guests serve themselves. It's a more relaxed and affordable option than plated meals, with an average cost per person of $120 to $150.

Food Stations: Food stations offer a variety of food options, with different stations for carving, macaroni and cheese, desserts, and more. This style encourages guests to mingle and interact. The average cost per person for food stations is around $50 to $75.

Cocktail Hour: A cocktail hour is a great way to welcome your guests before the main meal. It includes drinks and appetizers, usually in a separate space from the reception. The average cost per person for a cocktail hour is around $35.

Hors d'oeuvres: Hors d'oeuvres can be served before the main meal or as the main event. Heavier appetizers like fried chicken, egg rolls, or cheese trays can be a delicious and budget-friendly option. The average cost per person for hors d'oeuvres is $60 to $85.

Brunch: Serving brunch instead of dinner can significantly reduce costs, as breakfast foods are generally less expensive. It's a great option for a daytime wedding or a more casual celebration.

When choosing a catering style, consider the number of servers required and the level of formality you want to create. The cost of catering also depends on the ingredients, with premium and organic options being more expensive. Don't forget to include gratuity in your budget, typically around 15-20% of the total catering bill.

Alcohol

Types of Wedding Bars

There are several different ways to serve alcohol at your wedding, depending on your guests' preferences and your budget:

• Full open bar: Offers a variety of wines, beers, hard alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverages. The hosts cover the entire bill, so guests don't have to pay for their drinks. This is the most expensive option and can lead to guests drinking more than they usually would.
• Limited open bar: Offers wine and beer, and perhaps a single type of hard alcohol, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. This option is cheaper than a full open bar as it doesn't include a wide range of hard alcohol.
• Cash bar: Guests pay for their own drinks. This is the cheapest option for the hosts but is considered controversial and may not be appreciated by guests.
• Non-alcoholic bar: Also called a "dry bar," this option only serves non-alcoholic drinks.

Amount of Alcohol to Buy

It's important to estimate how much alcohol to buy for your wedding, as couples often underestimate how much their guests will drink. It's better to overestimate and have some left over than to run out during the event. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each guest will consume around four drinks during a four-hour reception, including the cocktail hour. This equates to about one drink per person per hour. However, this may vary depending on the duration of the party and the drinking habits of your guests.

When choosing the types of alcohol to serve at your wedding, consider offering a variety of wines, beers, and liquors to cater to different tastes. Here are some specific options to consider:

• Wine: Provide a variety of reds and whites, such as Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Merlot. Don't forget dessert wines like Rosé. A standard 750ml bottle of wine serves 5-6 glasses, so you'll need about 26.6 bottles of wine for 100 guests.
• Beer: Offer a mix of craft beers and traditional choices, such as a standard Lager and light beers. Provide about 1.5-2 beers per person. For 100 guests, you'll need approximately 150-200 beers, or 5-6 cases.
• Liquor: Provide a variety of fundamental spirits such as vodka, whiskey, scotch, rum, and gin. For mixed drinks, you'll need about 2/3 of your total beverages (about 266 drinks for 100 people) to be liquor options.

Mixers and Garnishes

In addition to alcohol, don't forget to stock up on mixers and garnishes for cocktails. The most common mixers include Coke, Sprite, orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, tonic water, club soda, grenadine, triple sec, sweet and dry vermouth, bitters, lime juice, and simple syrup. Lemon and lime are the most popular garnish options, but you may also want to have olives, maraschino cherries, and specialty garnishes for certain drinks.

Location

Catering costs also vary depending on the specific location of the wedding. Expect higher prices in major metropolitan areas and popular wedding destinations. For example, the average cost of wedding catering in Chicago ranges from $150 to $350 per person, which is significantly higher than the national average of $70 to $150 per person.

The choice of venue can also impact catering costs. Some venues have restrictions on hiring outside caterers or have preferred vendors that they work with exclusively. Using an in-house caterer or a preferred vendor may be more expensive than hiring an external caterer.

When planning a wedding, it is important to consider the location and the potential impact on catering costs. By researching and comparing prices, couples can find a suitable option that fits within their budget.

Dietary requirements

There are several common dietary requirements that you should be aware of when planning your wedding menu:

• Vegetarian and vegan: Vegetarians generally avoid meat and fish but may consume dairy and eggs, while vegans avoid all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Offer cheese and vegetable-based dishes for vegetarians, and focus on plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, and tofu for vegans.
• Gluten-free: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can lead to several health issues. Offer gluten-free bread and pasta options, and ensure that sauces and dressings are also gluten-free.
• Nut allergies: Nut allergies can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening. The best way to accommodate guests with nut allergies is to avoid nuts altogether in your wedding menu.
• Dairy-free: Dairy-free diets exclude all dairy products, including milk, cheese, yoghurt, and butter. Offer alternatives like coconut or soy milk-based sauces and desserts.
• Religious dietary restrictions: Halal and Kosher are religious dietary laws observed by Muslims and Jews, respectively. If you have guests who follow these dietary laws, consider offering a separate menu that complies with their requirements.

When choosing a wedding caterer, it is important to select one that is knowledgeable and flexible and can accommodate various dietary requirements. Be sure to ask potential caterers about their experience with specialised menus and their ability to handle cross-contamination to prevent allergic reactions.

To make your life easier on the day, consider nominating someone from your wedding party as a ""food liaison officer" to ensure that serving staff are fully briefed on dietary requirements and know which dishes are suitable for each guest. Seating guests with similar dietary needs together can also help reduce the risk of mix-ups.

Remember to include a section for dietary requirements on your wedding invitations or RSVP cards to get a clear understanding of your guests' needs. This will allow you to create a menu that everyone can enjoy and ensure your guests feel welcomed and cared for.

Frequently asked questions