The Average Wedding Catering Cost, Based on Data From Newlyweds
Whether you're hosting a casual brunch celebration or a five-course dinner, the catering options are endless and can certainly add up. That's why it's a good idea to have an estimate of the average wedding catering cost, so you know what to expect when you while searching on The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Guests will remember an emotional vow exchange and a wild time on the dance floor, but they'll never stop talking about a delicious wedding menu. So while you're in the process of finding your dream wedding caterer, use this article to answer all your questions. Learn what's included in catering packages, what aspects impact the overall cost and how the average has changed over the years based on data from The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study.
In this article: Average Cost | Cost Factors | Quotes | Yearly Changes
Average Wedding Catering Cost
So, how much does wedding catering cost? According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 10,000 newlyweds, the average price was $85 per person. There wasn't a big difference in the average cost of wedding catering when the guest count came into play. For weddings with one to 50 guests, the average catering cost was $85 per person. For weddings with 51 to 100 guests, the average was $84 per person. Couples with over 100 loved ones on their guest list spent an average of $86 per person.
Many couples deem food (and more specifically, professional catering) a worthy expense. Our internal data found that 62% of couples said food and beverage were the most important to them during the wedding planning process (that's why doing a menu tasting is so essential). 75% of married couples wanted their guests to be taken care of and have a good time, so spending more on a memorable food and beverage experience helped achieve that goal.
What's Included in Wedding Catering Prices?
Numerous aspects can be covered in a wedding catering package. Food, beverages (this could be alcoholic or non-alcoholic selections) and waitstaff are customary for just about every catering vendor. What's required of the waitstaff varies—they can be involved in setting up, tending the bar, clearing tables and much more. Whether or not you have menu tastings and a custom or fixed menu impacts the final price as well. Rentals like dinnerware, tables and chairs, can be in the total wedding catering price too. Having staff help with a champagne toast or cake-cutting ceremony are typically add-ons. Wondering if vendor meals are in catering packages? The answer is yes. Usually, the catering company takes care of its staff, but other on-site vendors like the photographer, videographer and DJ will require a hot meal too.
Additional fees related to health and safety might pop up on your catering package as well. Food safety has already been a priority for wedding caterers, and couples are making sure their guests' safety comes first too. Our study found that couples were more likely to take health and safety guidelines into account when deciding on a caterer versus deciding on other vendors. In fact, 10% of couples said it was the most important feature to consider when choosing which caterer to contact. Remember to take note of what you want out of your wedding food and beverage experience so when you speak with your caterer, you'll be on the same page once the package is finalized.
Wedding Catering Cost Factors
The average catering cost per person varies widely across the country. Catering prices differ based on the number of guests invited, the wedding venue, the celebration type and the food service chosen. Read below to get your answer to "How much do caterers cost for weddings" based on the eight aspects that impact the catering bill.
Hometown vs. Destination
Guests tend to spend more on catering per guest if they're hosting a domestic or international destination wedding versus a hometown event. For domestic and international destination weddings, the average catering price was $102 per person, while for hometown celebrations, it was $81.
Guests With Restrictive Diets
More and more to-be-weds are leaning into making their menus inclusive, with 61% of those surveyed saying they accommodated guests with restrictive diets—a steady increase from previous years. This involves everything from gluten-free desserts to entire vegan wedding menus.
The Sweet Stuff
In 2023, desserts were in (and let's hope that continues). According to our study, 64% of couples provided guests with a dessert other than wedding cake, and 50% had an entire bar or table devoted to sweet treats. Think: cookies, pies, candy, s'mores and much more. If you want to wow your guests with a showstopping dessert table, factor that cost into your overall food budget.
Interactive Food Experiences
12% of couples had an interactive food experience, like a make-your-own taco bar or a fun food station, and 4% had a food truck. All of these Insta-worthy installments affect the price of your wedding food—and thus the national average wedding catering cost per person.
Locally Sourced Products
Almost one out of four couples (24%) reported incorporating locally sourced products such as craft beer, produce or regional oysters (Jennifer Lawrence did this at her Rhode Island nuptials). Not only is it a great way to pay homage to your wedding's location, but you'll also make your wedding more eco-friendly since going local lowers your carbon emission output.
Incorporating Food Based on One's Background or Culture
Couples also incorporated their backgrounds into their wedding menus, with 14% of couples honoring their hometowns or their respective cultures through the menu. Our respondents reported serving everything from samosas to Philly cheesesteaks.
Late-Night Snacks
Late-night grub was popular in 2023, as 26% of couples served late-night snacks—a popular wedding food trend in recent years. And we guarantee that if you decide to have an after-party, your guests will love this surprise. Options can include anything from mini burgers to chicken and waffles.
Catering Rentals
Rentals like linens, cutlery sets, dishes, and service may bring the overall price of wedding catering up, so be sure to talk to your vendor about what their wedding catering packages include. Factor in the gratuity so you have a clear idea of how much your wedding catering will cost.
Catering Quotes for Weddings
Once you find a couple of caterers you like on The Knot Vendor Marketplace, you can message the pro to request a quote. This is where you'll need to write all your important wedding details like your date, number of guests, theme (if applicable) and your overall vision for your food menu. You should also give your desired vendor an idea of your catering budget and what specific services you want so they can send you a comprehensive response about their prices and packages.
Don't know what you should look for when you receive a wedding catering quote? Here are certain things you should see on a catering quote: an estimate for each entree item, appetizer, dessert and drink, cost of rentals, labor, travel, set up, breakdown and cake-cutting fees and finally the tax. How the quote is listed will vary between each caterer, but above is what you'll typically find on one. Once you get some quotes back, compare those numbers in our free budget tool to the pricing estimates for vendors in your wedding location. This will let you know if you can increase how much you're allocating to catering or if you need to check out wedding food ideas on a budget.
How Has the Typical Wedding Catering Cost Changed Over the Years?
The average catering cost for a wedding increased from $75 per person to $85 per person between 2022 and 2023. There are several reasons for the $10 jump, like supply chain issues and inflation costs. The wedding industry hasn't been immune from those worldwide issues, like rising food costs and staffing shortages. Your best bet is to be as flexible as possible with your wedding menu and trust your caterer to ensure your event runs smoothly.