George Boyle
Catering is one of the most significant expenses in a wedding budget, and costs can vary widely depending on numerous factors. The average cost of wedding catering in the United States ranges from $4000 to $7000, with a per-person cost ranging from $62 to $150+. The type of meal service, location, number of guests, menu selections, and bar options are some of the critical factors influencing the final price. Plated meals are generally the most expensive, followed by buffet stations and family-style service. Couples can save money by opting for a cocktail hour, brunch, or lunch reception instead of a formal dinner and choosing a limited open bar or a cash bar.
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What You'll Learn
Average cost per person
The average cost of wedding catering in the US is $4,000, with most couples spending between $1,800 to $7,000. The average cost per person is $80, with prices ranging from $62 to $123 per person. The cost of wedding catering depends on various factors, such as the wedding's location, the number of guests, the type of food served, and the amenities included.
The type of service can also affect the cost per person. For example, a plated meal typically costs more per person than a buffet since a buffet requires less staff and rental equipment. Choosing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients can help reduce costs, while a more luxurious or elaborate menu can increase expenses. Alcohol can also be a significant expense, with open bars being the most expensive option.
To manage costs, couples can consider cost-effective options such as buffets or family-style service. Reading the contract carefully and understanding what is included in the catering package is essential to avoid unexpected expenses. Wedding catering can account for 20-40% of the total wedding budget, so creating a clear financial goal and estimating the cost per person are crucial steps in planning.
The cost of wedding catering in specific locations, such as New York City, can vary widely, ranging from $150 to $400 per person, with an average of around $200 per person. These prices often include food, beverages, and rental costs, but it's important to carefully review the inclusions to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Plated vs. buffet
The average wedding catering cost in the US is $4,000, with most couples spending between $1,800 and $7,000. The average cost per person is $80, but this varies depending on the wedding's location and other factors, such as guest count and service style. For example, the average cost of catering per person in the US for a plated meal is $40, whereas for a buffet, it is $27.
When deciding between plated or buffet catering, there are several factors to consider, including formality, venue space and layout, time, and budget. Plated catering is generally more formal and elegant, while buffet catering is more casual and relaxed. If you want a traditional sit-down meal, plated catering is the way to go, but if you want to encourage guests to mingle and choose their own food options, a buffet may be better.
Plated meals tend to be served at a fixed cost per plate, with a set number of courses and selections. This can make it easier to manage portions and costs. However, some guests may crave more food, while others may not finish their meals. Plated catering also requires a kitchen or prep area and enough space for servers to move around.
Buffet catering, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in food options and portions. Guests can choose exactly what and how much they want to eat. However, buffets typically require more food to be prepared, as guests tend to serve themselves larger portions. Buffets also need more floor space for tables, stations, and lines, but they may save costs on staff and rentals.
Ultimately, the decision between plated and buffet catering depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Discuss your options with your caterer, who can advise you on the pros and cons of each choice and help you customize your catering accordingly.
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Alcohol
Open Bar
An open bar allows guests to drink whatever and however much they want throughout the wedding. This is the most expensive option. The cost will depend on the types of alcohol served and the duration of the open bar. For example, you may choose to have an open bar for only the first two hours of the reception.
Limited Open Bar
A limited open bar allows guests to drink for free but with certain restrictions. For instance, you may offer only wine and beer, with guests paying for cocktails. Alternatively, you may offer a full bar for a limited time before switching to a cash bar.
Cash Bar
With a cash bar, guests pay for their drinks out of pocket, making it the most affordable option for the couple. However, it may not be well-received by all guests, especially if they are not prepared to pay for their drinks.
BYOB and Corkage Fees
If you want to provide your own alcohol, some venues or caterers may allow this, and you will pay a corkage fee. This can be a cost-effective option, but be sure to understand the associated fees and any restrictions.
Cocktail Hour
A cocktail hour before dinner can be a nice touch, but it will add to your costs. This option typically includes bartenders and platters of hors d'oeuvres and appetizers. It can be a good opportunity to offer a limited selection of drinks and control costs.
When budgeting for alcohol, it's important to consider the number of guests, the duration of the reception, and the types of drinks offered. The location of your wedding can also impact alcohol costs, with higher prices in major metropolitan areas and popular wedding destinations. Additionally, don't forget to factor in staffing costs for bartenders and other necessary waitstaff.
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Location
The location of your wedding can have a significant impact on the cost of catering. Catering costs can vary depending on whether your wedding is held in a big city or a remote area, with big-city weddings typically being more expensive due to higher costs for staffing, rentals, and transportation. For example, a wedding caterer in Manhattan is likely to charge more than a caterer in a small town in the Midwest.
The popularity of the wedding destination also affects costs, with well-known wedding destinations commanding higher prices. Local food costs and vendor availability can also influence catering prices. For instance, catering in Lansing, Michigan, offers a range of prices influenced by local vendors and seasonal availability.
If you're planning a destination wedding, whether domestic or international, you can expect to pay more per person for catering. The average catering price for a domestic destination wedding is $104 per person, while for an international celebration, it's $114.
The type of meal service you choose will also impact the cost. Plated meals tend to be the most expensive option, followed by buffet stations and family-style service. A cocktail-style reception, where food is served via passed hors d'oeuvres and at stations, can be a more modern and cost-effective option, allowing guests to mix and mingle.
When creating your catering budget, it's important to consider additional expenses such as service charges, gratuities, and taxes, as well as cake-cutting fees. Don't forget to factor in the number of guests, as a larger guest list will significantly increase your catering costs.
To keep costs down, consider opting for a cost-effective catering solution, such as a buffet or family-style service, which typically requires less staff. Choosing a less expensive menu, limiting the number of hors d'oeuvres, or selecting in-season ingredients can also help reduce expenses.
Remember to get quotes from multiple catering companies and carefully review the itemized costs for food, beverages, rentals, service fees, and gratuity to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
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Staffing
Number of Staffers
The number of staffers you will need will depend on the size of your guest list. A general rule of thumb is to have one server for every 10-12 guests for a plated meal or one server for every 15-20 guests for a buffet. In addition to servers, you may also need bartenders, cooks, and an event manager to oversee the catering operations. It's important to work with your caterer to determine the appropriate number of staffers to ensure a smooth reception.
Type of Meal Service
The type of meal service you choose will impact the number and type of staff required. For example, a plated meal will require more servers to ensure that food is served promptly and efficiently to each guest. On the other hand, a buffet-style meal may require fewer servers but additional staff for setup and breakdown. A family-style meal, where guests pass dishes around the table, may require slightly less staffing than a plated meal, but it can still be more formal than a buffet.
Level of Service
The level of service you desire will also influence staffing costs. For example, if you want a more luxurious experience, you may require additional staff for tasks such as table-side service, refilling drinks, or assisting with special requests. Higher-end catering may also include an event manager who coordinates the timing and execution of the meal service.
Additional Services
Location and Vendor
The location of your wedding can impact staffing costs, as certain regions may have higher labour costs. Additionally, different catering vendors will have varying staffing inclusions and costs. Be sure to review their contracts carefully to understand what is included in their base price and what additional services will incur extra charges.
Cost Considerations
When budgeting for staffing, consider the average cost of catering, which ranges from $62 to $150+ per person, with an average of $80 per person. The type of meal service will also affect costs, with plated meals typically being the most expensive, followed by buffet stations and family-style service. To save on staffing costs, consider opting for a buffet-style or family-style meal, which generally requires fewer servers.
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Frequently asked questions
The average cost of wedding catering in the US is $4,000, with most couples spending between $1,800 and $7,000. The average cost per person is $80, but this can vary depending on location, with costs per person ranging from $62 to $123.
Yes, the style of food service can affect the cost. A plated meal typically costs more than a buffet. For a plated meal, the average cost of wedding catering in the US is $40 per person, whereas a buffet costs on average $27 per person.
Yes, there may be additional costs for rentals such as tables, chairs, dishes, and glassware. There may also be extra fees for things like cake cutting and corkage. Alcohol is also an additional expense and can be costly, especially if you choose a fully open bar.
The number of guests can impact the cost per person. Some caterers may have a minimum guest requirement, and you may end up spending more if you have fewer guests.
Yes, there are ways to save money. Consider a buffet-style meal, which can be less expensive than plated dinner. Choosing a limited open bar or cash bar option can also reduce costs. Using a food truck for catering is another budget-friendly alternative.
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