How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

Average Wedding Catering Cost

According to the most recent surveys, the average cost of wedding catering in the United States ranges from $70 to $150+ per person. For a wedding with 100 guests, you might expect to spend between $7,000 to $15,000 on wedding food alone. Here's a breakdown of average catering costs for different meal types:

Average Wedding Catering Cost in Chicago

According to recent data, the average cost of wedding catering in Chicago ranges from $150 to $350 per person. This is notably higher than the national average, which falls between $70 to $150+ per person.

The higher prices in Chicago can be attributed to the city's reputation as a culinary destination, the cost of living, and the demand for high-end wedding venues. So, couples planning a wedding in Chicago should budget accordingly and work closely with their chosen caterer to create a menu that fits both their tastes and their budget.

Keep in mind that these are averages, and your actual wedding catering prices may fluctuate based on your wedding's location, preferences, and choices.

Ready to Get a Personalized Wedding Catering Quote?

Enter your event details below for a custom proposal!

Factors that Impact Wedding Catering Prices

There are many elements that go into determining your total wedding catering bill. Here are some of the key factors:

• Number of Guests: The size of your guest list is one of the biggest drivers of cost. More guests mean more wedding reception food and drink. Make sure to get an accurate guest count early on in the planning process and manage your RSVPs carefully.
• Location: Catering costs vary based on where your wedding is held. Expect higher prices in major metropolitan areas and popular wedding destinations.
• Type of Meal Service: The way you serve your wedding food will affect the cost. Plated meals tend to be the most expensive, followed by buffet stations and family-style service. More casual serving styles like self-serve food stations or a cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres only are generally less expensive.
• Menu Selections: Your chosen dishes will play a significant role in wedding food costs. Elaborate cuisine with premium ingredients will naturally be pricier than simpler fare. Consider fresh, local ingredients that are in season. Don't forget to factor in the wedding cake, late-night snacks, and any additional desserts if your budget allows.
• Bar Service: Alcohol can be a significant portion of your wedding catering budget. Decide on a cash bar, limited open bar, or full open bar. Some venues allow you to provide your own alcohol, which can sometimes save you money.
• Add-Ons and Rentals: Linens, place settings, glassware, tables, chairs - these rentals from the catering company or venue add up quickly. Some wedding caterers also charge cake-cutting or corkage fees. Gratuity and service fees can add an additional 20-25% to your final catering bill.
• Service and Labor: Your total wedding catering cost includes not just the food itself, but also the chefs, wait staff, bartenders, and other staff required to expertly prepare and serve it. Some wedding caterers include gratuity and service fees directly in their pricing, while others may add these costs separately.
• Day of the Week: Catering companies and venues may offer discounts for weddings held on Fridays or Sundays compared to the more popular Saturdays.
• Time of Day: Hosting a brunch or lunch reception instead of a formal evening dinner can often save you money.
• Venue Rules: Determine if your venue requires you to use their in-house catering or if they allow outside caterers. This can impact your choices and costs.

Additional Considerations

While the main factors like guest count, menu selections, and service style play a significant role in your wedding catering costs, there are a couple of other important considerations to keep in mind:

• Dietary Needs: Accommodating guests with dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences (e.g., vegan, gluten-free) can affect your catering choices and costs. Discuss these needs with your caterer.
• Hidden Costs: Be aware of potential hidden costs in catering contracts. These may include:
  • Cake-cutting fees
  • Corkage fees (if you bring your own alcohol)
  • Overtime fees for staff if the reception runs late
  • Travel fees for the caterer (if your venue is remote)

Choosing a Wedding Caterer

The first step is to get referrals from your venue, wedding planner, and recently married friends. Read reviews and narrow it down to your top 3-5 choices. From there, make sure they’re available on your wedding day and can accommodate your guest count.

Request quotes from each catering company based on your approximate guest count and style of meal service. The quotes should itemize food, beverage, rentals, service fees, and gratuity so you can compare apples to apples.

Schedule menu tastings with your top choices where you can sample dishes, experience their service and presentation, and see if they’re a good fit. The wedding caterers should be transparent about all the food costs and willing to work within your wedding catering budget. They should also have experience catering weddings and be familiar with your venue.

Let Us Cater understands the value and importance of your event, so we offer you a wide selection of various cuisines where you can choose dishes that satisfy the taste preferences of each of your guests!

When to Book Your Wedding Caterer

Ideally, you should start researching and contacting caterers 9-12 months before your wedding date. Request quotes from your top 3-5 choices based on your approximate guest count and style of meal service. The quotes should itemize food, beverage, rentals, service fees, and gratuity so you can compare apples to apples.

Schedule menu tastings 6-8 months before the wedding to sample dishes, experience the caterer's service and presentation, and make sure they’re a good fit. Make your final menu selections and sign the catering package contract 3-6 months before the big day. At this time, you can expect to make a deposit of 25-50%, with the final balance due a few weeks before the wedding.

Saving Money on Wedding Catering

If you're looking to trim your wedding catering costs, start by prioritizing what's most important to you. Is it a gourmet menu, top-shelf bar, or elaborate dessert spread? Allocate your budget accordingly and look for ways to cut back in other areas.

Here are some additional tips to keep catering costs down:

• Cut your guest list. Fewer guests means less money spent on food, drinks, and rentals.
• Choose a brunch, lunch, or cocktail hour reception instead of a full dinner. These are typically cheaper than an evening soirée.
• Opt for a buffet-style or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner. You'll need fewer servers which cuts down on labor costs.
• Serve just beer and wine instead of a full bar. Or, provide your own alcohol and pay a corkage fee.
• Select a less expensive menu or limit the number of hors d'oeuvres and entree choices. Stick to in-season ingredients.
• Have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday instead of a Saturday. Many caterers offer discounts for off-peak days.
• At Let Us Cater, we offer a loyalty rewards program where you can earn points toward future catering services, and save money while enjoying the amazing taste of food.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Catering

More and more couples are opting for sustainable wedding catering options. Here are some ways to make your catering more eco-friendly:

• Choose reusable dinnerware, glassware, and linens instead of disposables.
• Opt for local, organic, and seasonal ingredients to reduce transportation emissions.
• Select a caterer that composts food scraps and uses biodegradable packaging.
• Donate excess food to a local charity or food bank.

While sustainable catering options may cost slightly more upfront, they can help reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of your wedding.

Let Us Cater — Your Wedding Catering Experts

At Let Us Cater, we understand that catering is one of the biggest expenses in your wedding budget. That's why we offer transparent pricing and customizable wedding catering packages to fit your needs and budget.

Our team of experienced chefs will work with you to craft a delectable wedding menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From passed appetizers and plated meals to food stations and late-night snacks, we offer a variety of food service options. We’ll work with you to ensure your wedding food is nothing short of memorable.

Ready to get started? Contact Let Us Cater today to request a personalized wedding catering quote. We look forward to being a part of your special day!