How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost in 2023?

Food is one of the most important parts of a party. It also holds immense significance in a wedding celebration, marking it as one of the most memorable aspects.

While your guests may not remember other details of your wedding function, like your wedding dress or which song was played when you walked down the aisle, they will definitely remember the quality of food you served. 

But understanding the financial aspects of food you serve or your wedding catering is equally important to ensure that your budget aligns with your expectations.

Thus, this blog will discuss how much you should expect to pay for your wedding catering while keeping all the important factors in mind. So, let's get started. 

5 Factors That Influence Wedding Catering Cost

Before you look for a final figure regarding how much your wedding catering will cost you, let's have a look at some factors on which this number will depend. Here are the five most important components:

— Your Wedding Venue 

The venue you select for the wedding plays a crucial role in determining catering costs. For example, some venues may offer in-house catering, while others may ask you to bring external vendors.

In-house catering may provide you with package deals that include food, beverages, and other necessary equipment, whereas external catering may cost you extra for rentals, transportation, and setup.

Or, it can be the opposite as well. Sometimes, in-house catering is more expensive than what outside vendors will charge. Thus, before you sign a contract with the venue, make sure you check and clarify about the catering cost. 

— Venue’s Geographic Location

The geographic location of your wedding venue also plays a significant role in determining catering costs. Different regions and cities have varying price ranges for catering services due to factors such as local market rates, cost of living, and availability of ingredients. 

Metropolitan areas or popular wedding destinations might have higher catering expenses compared to rural or less densely populated areas.

— Menu Selection and Complexity

The complexity and variety of dishes you choose for your wedding menu significantly influence the overall cost. 

Deciding on the culinary theme, incorporating special dietary requirements, and offering diverse options for appetizers, desserts, and beverages all contribute to the final catering expenses. Customized menus or gourmet selections may incur additional charges.

— Guest Count and Service Style

The number of guests attending your wedding and the chosen service style are important in estimating catering expenses.

Whether you choose to go for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the quantity of food and beverages required will vary accordingly. The service style, such as plated meals, buffet stations, or family-style dining, also affects staffing needs and overall pricing.

— Time of Your Wedding

The time of year and the specific wedding date can affect catering costs. Peak wedding seasons or popular dates may have a higher demand for catering services, potentially increasing prices. 

On the other hand, opting for an off-peak season or a weekday wedding may offer more flexibility and potential cost savings.

What is the Average Cost for Wedding Catering?

As mentioned above, the cost of wedding catering depends on several factors. However, the average cost per person for wedding catering typically ranges from $40 to $150.

Remember that this average cost is just a general estimate and can vary widely based on various factors. For example, a more elaborate menu and multiple courses will generally be more expensive than a simple buffet or family-style service. 

Hire The Best Wedding Caterers in Hamilton

Make your wedding day special with Charred's exceptional catering services! 

We understand that budget plays a crucial role in wedding planning. Thus, our team works closely with you to design a catering package that fits within your desired price range without compromising on quality or presentation. Contact us today! You can also write to us at catering@charred.ca.