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.
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