Wedding catering averages $40 to $110 per person. A 100-guest wedding usually runs $4,000 to $15,000 depending on buffet versus plated service. Booking an independent local caterer often saves 30 to 50 percent versus venue-affiliated catering.
Estimated totals including food and service. Bar, rentals, and cake are extra.
| Guests | Buffet / Family Style | Plated Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | $2,000 - $4,000 | $4,000 - $7,500 |
| 100 guests | $4,000 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| 150 guests | $6,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $22,500 |
| 200 guests | $8,000 - $16,000 | $16,000 - $30,000 |
Plated dinners need roughly one server per 10 to 15 guests. Buffet and family style cut staffing costs substantially.
Venue-affiliated caterers carry exclusivity markups. Venues that allow outside caterers open the door to independent local pricing.
Chicken and pasta anchor budget menus. Steak, seafood, and peak-season Saturday dates push per-person prices up.
Bar service, rentals, cake cutting, and late-night snacks are usually itemized separately. Always compare itemized quotes.
Wedding catering averages $40 to $110 per person. Buffet-style service typically runs $40 to $80 per person, while plated multi-course dinners run $80 to $150 per person including staff.
For 100 wedding guests, expect $4,000 to $8,000 for buffet service and $8,000 to $15,000 for a plated dinner with full staff.
Buffet or family-style service from an independent local caterer is usually the most affordable route, often 30 to 50 percent less than venue-affiliated caterers. Food trucks and drop-off taco or BBQ spreads are popular budget options for casual weddings.
Full-service quotes include servers, setup, and cleanup. Plates, linens, tables, and bar service are often quoted separately, so ask for an itemized quote to compare fairly.
Book 3 to 6 months ahead for peak season dates (spring and fall weekends), or 6 to 8 weeks for smaller or off-season weddings.
Browse local caterers, compare real per-person prices, and message them directly about your date and headcount.
Browse Wedding CaterersChefry is a marketplace that connects you directly with independent caterers and home cooks. Chefry does not prepare, handle, or guarantee any food sold through the platform. Each provider is independently responsible for their own licensing, permits, and food safety practices.