Wedding Catering costs, by state and province

Typical costs for wedding catering per guest. Menu type, service style, and staffing requirements affect pricing. Open a market below for a local estimate.

Wedding catering costs vary by cuisine, service style, and guest count. The average per-person price ranges from $40 to $200, with plated dinners on the higher end and buffets more affordable. Premium options like seafood and open bars push costs higher.

Per-Head Pricing by Service Style

Buffet-style catering averages $40 to $80 per person, while plated dinners range from $60 to $150. Cocktail receptions with light hors d'oeuvres cost $30 to $70 per person.

Cuisine and Bar Add-Ons

A basic chicken or pasta dish costs $40–$60 per person; steak or seafood adds $20–$40 more. An open bar typically adds $15 to $30 per person, raising a $50 buffet to $80 per head.

Tasting Fees and Final Quotes

Many caterers charge a tasting fee of $25 to $100 per person, often credited toward the final bill. Minimums for full-service catering are usually $1,000 to $2,500 for smaller weddings.

Typical Wedding Catering prices
ItemTypical range
Per person (average range)$40 - $200
Buffet per person$40 - $80
Plated dinner per person$60 - $150
Open bar per person$15 - $30

Every market for wedding catering costs

383 markets have a page, each with a typical range where we have one and plain guidance on what moves the price.

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