How much does a wedding catering cost?
Wedding catering averages about $75 per guest for food and service, so a 100-guest reception runs roughly $7,500 before drinks.
Short answer
The average wedding catering costs about $75 per guest, and most couples pay between $40 and $150 per guest. That's roughly 40% of a typical wedding budget. Use the calculator below to see it alongside every other category.
Wedding Catering cost by tier
| Tier | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $40 – $70 / guest | Buffet or food stations, limited staff. |
| Average | $70 – $100 / guest | Plated dinner, standard service ratio. |
| Upscale | $100 – $150+ / guest | Multi-course, premium menu, full staffing. |
Build your full wedding budget
The wedding catering is one line in a bigger plan. Enter your total budget to split it across every category — venue, catering, photography, flowers, and more — and see where this line fits.
Remaining to allocate
$0
- Total budget
- $30,000
- Allocated
- $30,000
Budget breakdown
Venue & catering
40% of budget
$12,000
Photography & video
12% of budget
$3,600
Attire & beauty
7% of budget
$2,100
Flowers & decor
8% of budget
$2,400
Music & entertainment
8% of budget
$2,400
Cake & desserts
2% of budget
$600
Stationery
2% of budget
$600
Wedding rings
3% of budget
$900
Planner & coordination
3% of budget
$900
Miscellaneous & buffer
15% of budget
$4,500
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wedding catering cost?+
Wedding catering averages about $75 per guest for food and service, so a 100-guest reception runs roughly $7,500 before drinks. Nationally it averages about $75 per guest, with most couples paying between $40 and $150 per guest. Your price depends on location, season, and exactly what's included.
What percentage of the wedding budget is the wedding catering?+
Plan on roughly 40% of your total budget for this category. Enter your budget in the calculator on this page to see that share in real dollars, then adjust the line to match quotes you receive.
How can I save money on a wedding catering?+
Cutting the guest list by 15 people saves more than any menu downgrade — catering is priced per head. Booking early and comparing at least three quotes also helps you avoid paying a premium.
Are these wedding catering prices exact?+
No — they're U.S. national planning averages, not quotes, and are not financial advice. Real costs vary widely by region, date, and vendor. Use them as a starting range and replace the figure with an actual quote as you book.
Figures are U.S. national planning estimates, not quotes, and are not financial advice. Real wedding catering prices vary by location, season, and vendor — always get a written quote.