Catering Cost Calculator — Food, Bar & Totals
Estimate catering costs for weddings and events including food, bar package, gratuity, and tax. Compare pricing across service styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catering costs vary widely: cocktail/appetizers $25–40/person, buffet $40–65/person, family-style $50–70/person, plated sit-down $65–100/person. Dinner service typically costs 15% more than lunch for the same style. These ranges are before gratuity (18–22%) and applicable tax.
Not always. Some caterers automatically add 18–22% gratuity to the bill (listed as a service charge), while others leave it optional. Always ask your caterer whether the quoted price includes gratuity and tax. A per-person quote of $80 can become $100+ after an 18% gratuity and 8% tax.
Buffet: guests walk to a serving station and serve themselves. Family-style: large platters are placed on each table and guests pass them around. Family-style tends to feel more intimate and upscale but costs more than buffet because it requires more staff and larger quantities to ensure every table is fully stocked throughout the meal.
Key questions: Does the price include setup and breakdown? How many servers per guest (1:25 for plated)? Is gratuity included? What is the cancellation policy? Do you provide rentals (linens, tables, chairs) or just food? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? What is the minimum guest count? Do you have liability insurance?
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