If you are wondering how much catering for a wedding will cost, it is important to understand the different types of menus and how they differ. Below, we’ll go over the average cost for a family style meal, buffet style, and an open bar. You can use this information to make an informed decision about how much you’ll pay for your wedding catering. You can also contact the caterer directly for more information.
Average cost of a plated meal
When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the first steps is to decide how much you can spend on the food. While this may seem like an easy task, the actual cost of catering can be surprisingly high. You will need to choose your menu carefully and decide on your overall budget before you begin looking for vendors. Here are some tips to help you keep costs down:
o Consider the style of service you want: A buffet or a plated meal will require you to RSVP, but this will increase the overall cost. You can save money on the number of servers by opting for a simpler service. If you want your wedding to be elegant, consider hiring a caterer who will also serve alcohol. This will typically increase the total bill by $15 per person. Be prepared to give the caterers between 15% and 20% of the total bill.
o Choose between hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Cold hors d’oeuvres tend to cost less than hot ones, and can range from $2.50 to $7.95 per person. Some catering companies even offer stations with different types of food for guests to sample. If you choose this style of service, remember that additional costs will apply for tablecloths and staffing.
The cost of a plated dinner depends on the number of guests and the menu. For a wedding that serves a small number of people, a simple menu will work best. If you want a more elaborate dinner, upscale menus and clack-tie waiters will increase the overall cost of the wedding. You may even want to consider reducing your guest count to cut costs.
Another factor determining the cost of wedding food is transportation. Transportation is the number one expense that couples face, and wedding receptions are no exception. Using a limo or hiring a car to drive guests from the ceremony to the reception will save you money. In addition to transportation, you can cut down on transportation expenses by walking between the ceremony and the reception. In addition, you can also hire a DJ instead of a live band.
Buffet style
Whether to go with buffet style or a plated reception depends on your personal preferences and budget. Buffets offer a relaxed atmosphere and guests can move around and pick and choose as they please. In addition, guests can go back for seconds. Plated receptions can be more expensive because of the service involved, but this option is less expensive overall. Here are some benefits of buffet style catering for a wedding:
Buffets are less expensive than plated service, but you will have to allow for fluctuating guest numbers and over-preparation. You will likely have leftovers and food that is not finished. Moreover, the number of guests at a buffet is almost always lower than the RSVP list. You should notify the caterer about the number of guests to account for. This way, you won’t be left with too much food.
A buffet is the best option if you want to avoid the expense of multiple servers and large staffing requirements. Also, you won’t have to prepare as many dishes as you would if you had plated meals. Buffet style is a good option if you want to cater a large wedding. It allows you to provide a wide selection of food that caterers can easily prepare and transfer to warming trays. Guests will enjoy the variety and quality of food offered.
The most obvious benefit of buffet style food is that it promotes socialization among guests. Buffet style meals also save money as there are fewer servers to serve. Besides being cheaper, buffet style meals are also ideal for people with dietary restrictions or food allergies. Buffet style meals can also be more flexible, meaning that the guests can choose the items that they prefer. If you’re planning to host a buffet, remember to consider the food safety guidelines.
A buffet style meal allows guests to mingle, and there are no assigned seats. It is more convenient for people to eat together and get to know each other, while allowing for greater customization. A buffet table is also visually appealing, which is an additional benefit. You may want to consider using decorative cards on the table to label dishes and highlight their ingredients. A buffet table can be the centerpiece of your reception, so take a moment to decorate your buffet table.
Family style
When it comes to deciding on a type of wedding catering, family style is not your average option. Family style is a growing trend in weddings and corporate events, and it is a more casual way to serve food than a sit-down dinner. Instead of serving the guests at a buffet table, servers pass the food around the tables, so each guest gets their own portion. However, this option is not the most economical choice.
Another option is to choose plated meals. These require guests to RSVP and specify the type of meal they’d like to eat. A family-style meal does not require guest RSVPs, and the food is distributed by a wait staff to each table. The cost of family-style catering is around $120-$150 per person. Buffet style meals, on the other hand, require guests to line up and serve themselves.
Several factors affect the cost of family-style wedding catering. The most important variable in wedding catering is the number of guests you’re serving. Generally, the higher the number of guests, the more expensive the menu will be per person. Therefore, a budget-minded couple may want to keep their menu simple, but the more guests, the higher the overall cost. This can be especially difficult if you have a large extended family, but it is possible to stay within the budget.
Another factor that affects the cost of wedding catering is your location. Some caterers charge a premium for weddings held on prime dates, such as spring and fall Saturdays. Likewise, seasonality of the produce and goods can also increase the cost of wedding catering. Adding a celebrity chef or other special touches to your menu can increase the overall cost. This is why planning your wedding early on will help you make the most of your wedding budget.
Family style wedding catering costs vary depending on your guest count and the type of food service you choose. In general, the cost of family-style wedding catering will range between $20-$100 per person, or up to $200 per meal, but this largely depends on the size of your wedding and the number of guests you have. There are many different ways to save money on wedding catering, and you should always be flexible when choosing the best option for you and your guests.
Open bar
The cost of an open bar for your wedding reception can range from two to three thousand dollars per person, depending on the type of drinks you choose. Some venues charge by consumption, while others charge a flat rate regardless of the number of drinks consumed. Before you decide on an open bar for your wedding, consider how many guests you anticipate. If you are expecting around 150 guests, expect to pay between two and three thousand dollars.
One of the biggest advantages of an open bar is the party atmosphere. Guests can relax and socialize while enjoying a drink, or get a little wild with the nightlife. In addition to providing the party atmosphere, an open bar is a great way to encourage conversation between guests. You can also ask a caterer to recommend the liquor brands based on their experience. A good bartender will energize your guests and encourage conversation among them.
When you’re considering open bar options, keep in mind that the price per person will vary greatly. For instance, a typical wedding bar will stay open for about five hours. On average, each guest will consume around five drinks. Having an open bar for your reception could save you money in the long run. A wedding bar can be a great way to create a party atmosphere at your reception!
When it comes to the cost of open bar, be prepared to spend about 10 to twenty percent of your overall budget. That’s not even counting the cost of tips for bartenders. Generally, a two-drink-per-person bill for a wedding with an open bar will run between $1650 and $3450. If you’re planning on an open bar at your reception, consider getting the mid-range option as this typically allows you to offer a better selection of alcoholic beverages.
Another option is a cash bar wedding. This is the least popular option and is only chosen for 7% of weddings. Unless you’re planning a wedding in which alcohol is heavily restricted, you may want to opt for a cash bar. This option is typically cheaper than an open bar but can be unpredictable. As with open bar packages, you should consider the length of the wedding reception. For example, if it’s too long, you can choose a shorter wedding or a strict closing time on the open bar.
