Budget

Of course when looking into estimating the cost of wedding catering, several elements will affect your budget, from the type of food you want to the number of courses, the venue, if you have waiters or a buffet and the number of guests. As a result, the numbers listed below are just an estimate to kind of give you an idea of what to expect. You should however do your homework diligently by first figuring out what you want and then shopping around.

All the prices below are based on the food itself, not including the wedding cake, alcohol, gratuity or the waiters:

• The cheapest option is going for Chinese food or BBQ, with prices starting in the $10 – $20 range per person. This will also allow you to save on service as you can serve these foods buffet-style.

• Average prices are in the $30 to $70 range, which can be just hors d’oeuvres (appetizers), Italian food, Indian food or Mexican food. Once again, a buffet might be enough and will allow you to cut costs.

• Higher prices start around $80 and go as high as $300 per person. This pricing is not only based on the type of food you select – usually gourmet food such as French cuisine or seafood (lobster anybody?) – , but also on the location – a fancy restaurant or hotel – or the catering company you choose – for example when hiring a celebrity chef.