To Splurge or Save Wedding Catering Costs for 2023

Whether you’re considering a casual brunch menu or a five-course dinner, catering is a big part of your wedding experience. But catering costs can add up quickly. Here’s what you need to know about catering costs in 2023.

When planning your wedding, you’re planning the experience of a lifetime. Sure, your wedding guests will remember your emotional exchange of vows and dancing the night away to the perfect playlist, but they’ll also remember your delicious wedding menu. And this brings us to the question of catering costs.

Whether you’re considering a casual reception with appetizers and small plates, a buffet-style meal, or a sit-down five-course meal, finding the right caterer and planning your menu will be one of the most important decisions you make for your big day. While catering costs can add up fast, there is a silver lining.

Photo Credit: Jana Williams Photography

With a little research, you’ll be prepared to plan for catering that fits your budget. Use this guide to help you learn more about current cost estimates in 2023, what impacts catering costs, and how to choose a caterer that won’t break the bank.

How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?

According to Zola, the average wedding expenses for couples getting married in 2023 total around $29,000, up slightly from $28,000 in 2022. And catering is a significant part of that budget.

For example, Pink Champagne Events in Denver, Colorado, estimates that the average cost of catering is between $8,500 – $10,000 for a wedding with 100 guests.

In their 2022 Real Wedding Study, The Knot estimates the average price for wedding catering to be approximately $75 per person.

Keep in mind these are averages, and catering costs can vary—a lot! The number of guests, location of the wedding, type of dining experience, and menu selections may all influence your costs.

Unfortunately, in 2023, wedding catering costs are expected to continue to rise. Inflation is driving up wedding costs, especially for labor-intensive services like catering.

What to Consider When Creating Your Catering Budget

One way you can beat rising costs is by researching your options. Knowledge will go a long way to creating a fantastic dining experience for you and your wedding guests on any budget.

To start, you need to know more about factors that impact catering costs and your overall catering budget for your wedding, such as:

1. Guest Count

One of the most significant factors that will impact the cost of wedding catering is the number of guests. Typically, the more guests you have, the more expensive it will be to cater your wedding because you’ll need more food, drinks, and staff to serve them.

2. Type of Service

Photo Credit: withjoy.com

The type of service you choose for your wedding will also impact the catering cost. There are four main types of catering services: plated, buffet, family-style, and cocktail-style.

Plated service is the most formal and typically the most expensive, as each guest is served individually. On the other hand, buffet service is more casual, as guests serve themselves from a selection of dishes.

Family-style service is a hybrid of plated and buffet service, where guests are seated at tables, and dishes are passed around for guests to serve themselves. Buffet and family-style service tend to be less expensive than plated service.

Finally, cocktail-style service is a more modern style, where food is served via passed hors d’oeuvres and at stations. With this type of service, your guests can walk around and mix and mingle during the reception instead of sitting at their tables.

3. Your Menu Options

Photo Credit: Smoke Signals

The food and drinks you choose for your wedding will also affect catering costs. Catering companies typically offer several menu options with varying price points.

The more elaborate the menu, the more expensive it will be to cater your wedding. In addition to the main course, you’ll also need to consider appetizers, desserts, and drinks.

4. Bar Options

Photo Credit: Graze and Nibble

Depending on your budget, you have several options for serving alcohol at your wedding.

• A full open bar where you pay for the entire bar and your guests don’t have to pay for drinks.
• A limited bar with a pre-selected list of options like wine, beer, and maybe one or two types of hard alcohol.
• A cash bar where guests pay for their own alcohol.

5. Your Venue

The venue you choose for your wedding will also impact the catering cost. Some venues may offer in-house catering services, while others may allow you to bring in an outside caterer.

If you’re considering a venue that offers in-house catering, be sure to ask about their costs upfront, as they may be higher than what you would pay for an outside caterer.

6. Season and Time of Day

The season and time of day you choose for your wedding will also impact catering costs. The peak wedding season is typically from May to October, and catering companies may charge higher rates.

Similarly, catering costs may be higher if you choose to have your wedding during peak meal times, such as lunch or dinner. To help save money, look for off-peak times.

7. The Extras

In addition to providing food and drinks, catering companies may also offer additional services, such as table settings, linens, and decor.

These services can add up quickly, so consider them when determining the cost of wedding catering. Some catering companies may also charge additional fees for setup and cleanup.

Questions to Ask a Wedding Caterer Before Hiring

While catering costs will influence your choice of caterer, here are some other questions to ask potential wedding caterers.

• How much flexibility do we have in terms of our menu options?
• What service styles do you offer?
• Can you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?
• Do you have a liquor license?
• Do you provide rentals?
• How do menu tastings work?
• What service styles do you offer?
• Can you provide vendor meals?

Even with rising catering costs, you can still plan the wedding of your dreams. By factoring in what impacts catering costs, you make choices that fit both your budget and your taste buds.

A little research will go a long way to choosing a caterer and a menu to help you stay on track with your expenses while still wowing your guests with an amazing wedding experience.

Related CTN News:

Top 10 Best Gay Dating Apps: Find Your Perfect Match In The LGBTQ+ Community

Can a Bathroom Vanity Be Freestanding?

Is it a good idea to have an Outdoor Shower?