Find a Caterer near you
The average rating for Bark Caterers is 4.78, based on 2,546,069 reviews
5/5
based on 2,546,069 reviews
Want to hire a catering company but not sure of the price? Read on to find out how much your caterers will charge depending on the type of event, the number of guests, and much more!
A catering team works busily behind the scenes to prepare, deliver, and display food at events. While most caterers prepare the food off-site and deliver it to the venue, some also serve the food depending on the type of event. If you’re on a budget, it’s also possible to hire mobile caterers that will prepare the food and leave it with you to serve. Find a Catering near me.
Caterers take care of the logistics, from sourcing the ingredients, to ensuring there is enough food to feed everyone depending on the number of guests and the length of the event.
The average cost of a catering service can vary widely, but to give you a general idea, here is a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay based on local US professionals:
| Average cost (in total) | $900 |
| Minimum cost (in total) | $650 |
| Maximum cost (in total) | $1,800 |
For weddings, the average fee is closer to $3,000.
The cost of a catering service can vary depending on several factors:
Number of Guests
Event type
Meal type
Price per head
Location
Caterers can provide food for everything from Friday office lunch to an international conference with thousands of attendees. For them to provide a quote, they’ll need to know the number of guests, so remember to get your guests to RSVP far in advance.
You might want a more casual affair, with guests mingling and moving around. Or you may want something a bit more formal, where guests are mostly seated. For events with structured timings (like weddings or awards ceremonies), it’s best to opt for a sit-down meal as this is easier to manage and adds a touch of class. Buffets are the go-to option for casual or networking events for their convenience and affordability.
From basic finger food to the finest lobsters, the price of catering very much depends on the type of cuisine you wish to serve your guests. Another factor affecting price is if you need to feed your guests throughout the day. Sit-down meals at weddings tend to be the most expensive form of catering as they require finer foods and more preparation.
| Type of catering | Highest average price | Lowest average price |
| Table service meal | $200 per head | $60 per head |
| Buffet | $180 per head | $40 per head |
| All-day events (several courses) | $300 per head | $160 per head |
The most important thing to decide is if your event is more suited to a buffet or table setting. Buffets are great if you’re on a budget, but they do require plenty of space to display the food at the venue.
Sit-down meals are usually ideal for formal occasions. However, it’s tricky to decide on a set menu that works for all tastes and dietary requirements. Sit-down meals are typically more pricey, especially for weddings, but add a touch of luxury to the occasion.
For all-day events, you will need to consider the extra catering services and expense that comes with providing enough meals during the day. The general rule of thumb is to provide food every 4 hours. Providing light snacks in the evening after a big meal is always a winner at weddings.
The most common catering pricing structure is the price per head, which breaks down the cost per person. It’s useful as a means of ensuring there is enough food for everyone - as there’s nothing worse at an event than hungry guests!
The price will depend on whether you want to serve hot or cold food. Hot buffets are more expensive than cold buffets, as the catering crew is required to stay on-site to keep the food hot. Typical cold buffet spreads include sandwiches, quiches, and salads. A typical hot buffet may include pizzas and a selection of meats.
| Meal type | Average price per head |
| Cold buffet | $11 |
| Hot buffet | $20 |
| Business breakfast | $6 |
| 3-course meal | $40 |
| Evening grill | $15 |
When it comes to catering costs you can’t ignore location. Firstly, the cost of ingredients and labor varies depending on where you are based. Secondly, remember to factor in travel costs for caterers that aren’t based locally.
Like most services, larger cities like New York are the most expensive location to hire a caterer to reflect the higher cost of living.
| Location | Maximum cost per head | Minimum cost per head | Average cost per head |
| Outside New York | $80 | $10 | $45 |
| New York | $100 | $20 | $60 |
Whether it’s a small family affair or the biggest wedding of the year, feeding your guests throughout the day is a big responsibility. With a professional caterer, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of. They’ll give you expert advice on the type of cuisine that would work best for your event as well as an idea of how much food you’ll need based on the number of guests. They’ll also ensure hygiene practices are maintained and that your food is displayed in the best possible way.
If you’re looking for a mouth-watering spread to impress your guests then a professional caterer is what you need.
Don’t settle for less - connect with a Caterer on Bark today.
The average rating for Bark Caterers is 4.78, based on 2,546,069 reviews
5/5
based on 2,546,069 reviews
