The Ultimate Guide About Catering Prices in 2025

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Euro banknotes tucked behind a set of silverware, symbolizing catering costs and expenses
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Catering is often one of the biggest expenses to consider when planning an event. Understanding catering prices and the average cost per person can make all the difference when working within a budget. 

From casual gatherings to formal celebrations, knowing what to expect in terms of catering costs helps you plan with confidence. This guide breaks down catering prices in 2025, covering the average cost per person for catering and factors that affect these costs, as well as tips to get the best value for your event.

Factors That Affect Catering Costs

Several factors can change how much you spend on catering. Here’s what to consider:

  • Number of Guests: The more people you invite, the higher the total cost. Caterers charge per person, so a smaller guest list saves money.
  • Type of Service: Full-service catering, which includes servers and table setups, costs more than simpler options like buffet or drop-off catering.
  • Menu Choices: Fancy dishes with premium ingredients like steak or seafood increase the price. Customized menus also add to the cost.
  • Event Timing: Hosting your event during holidays or peak seasons raises the price. Weekdays usually come with lower rates.
  • Location of the Event: Venues far from the catering company may add delivery or travel fees to the bill.
  • Extras and Add-Ons: Services like alcohol, extra staff, tableware, or decorations make the final cost go up.
  • Event Duration: Long events need more staff hours, which increases labor costs.
  • Dietary Requirements: Requests for gluten-free, vegan, or other special meals often raise costs because of the extra preparation involved.

Average Catering Costs for Different Events

Elegant catering setup for the New Year's gala dinner celebration.

The catering cost depends on the type of event you’re hosting. Some occasions call for formal, full-service dining, while others work better with simpler, more budget-friendly options. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

Event TypeAverage Cost Per Person Details
Weddings$70 – $85 Includes sit-down service with multiple courses, servers, and table setup.
Corporate Events$25 – $50 Buffet-style or food truck catering, offering variety and flexibility.
Casual/ Private Events$20 – $40 Suitable for graduations, birthdays, baby showers, house warmings, and family gatherings. Options include drop-off catering or food trucks.

Average Catering Costs Per Person Based on Catering Types

Catering buffet food party outdoors in garden.

There are a few different types of catering, all of which require different levels of involvement from the catering company. This will, of course, affect the average cost per person per catering, so let’s take a look at the average catering cost based on what type of service you’re looking to have at your event.

Drop Off Catering

First, we have the drop-off style catering. This type of catering typically works best for smaller events, usually accommodating up to 40-50 guests. As the name suggests, with this service, the catering company delivers the food, and it becomes your responsibility to arrange and display it as desired. 

Keep in mind that if you’re planning on serving hot meals, you might want to consider another catering type, as drop-off catering is usually best for sandwiches and other foods that can be left out until your guests arrive.As for the price, the drop-off average catering cost will typically fall between $12 to $20 per person.

Buffet Style Catering

Another very popular option among event organizers, this type of catering allows you to provide your guests with a selection of different foods, allowing them to choose exactly what they want to have on their plate. Depending on how many dishes you choose, it could require quite a bit of space, so make sure to take that into account when planning out where everything is going to be.

Contrary to drop-off catering which is more suitable for cold dishes, with buffet-style catering, you can serve your guests warm food.

When it comes to how much it costs, on average, you will have to pay between $20 and $40 per person.

Mobile Catering

Red food truck catering at an evening event with festive lights and banners

Mobile catering, also known as food truck catering, is an ideal solution for when you’re planning an outdoor event. A definite advantage is that it works for both small and large events – the more people, the more food trucks will be available.

Full-Service Catering

Also known as sit-down service or traditional catering, full-service catering is probably what most people imagine when thinking about event catering. Your guests will be served while sitting down at a table, and they will receive all the typical courses, such as an entrée, the main course, and the dessert.

Full-service catering is usually the catering of choice for those whose event is rather formal, such as a wedding or an important business function.

When it comes to the price, the average catering fees per person amount to between $50 to $120.

Private Chef

Having a private chef or choosing a catering service that provides custom menu options might be the best idea when you’re looking to serve your guests dishes that are not typically for catering services to provide. Of course, it is also the most expensive catering option – however, if you have the funds, it might be well worth it.

The cost will vary depending on whether you want a world-renowned chef to serve your event or simply someone who will prepare the foods exactly like you want them to. Either way, you’re looking at at least $120 per person.

Tips for Managing Your Catering Budget

A filled-out checklist on a clipboard featuring tasks and budgets for a baby shower with highlighted sections for venue and catering costs.
  • Set a clear budget and share it with your caterer.
  • Opt for buffet or drop-off catering to save on costs.
  • Limit menu options to a few key dishes.
  • Schedule your event during off-peak times or weekdays.
  • Provide your own desserts, drinks, or appetizers.
  • Ask caterers about package deals or discounts.
  • Choose a limited bar or BYOB to cut alcohol costs.
  • Plan to use leftovers to reduce waste.
  • Consider trimming the guest list to lower per-person costs.
  • Book your caterer early to lock in better rates.

The Bottom Line

Catering prices can vary significantly depending on how many people you want to invite to your event, as well as what type of catering you deem best for it. Of course, there are many other things that will affect your precise catering costs, which is why going into a meeting with someone from a catering service, you should know exactly what you want for your event so that they can provide an accurate estimate.

Our article should serve you as more of a guide on the average cost of catering rather than something to stand by, as every catering service is entitled to decide how much to charge for catering, so your total cost might either be lower or higher than the average.

And with that being said, we have reached the end of our catering price guide. We hope that after reading this, you have at least a slight idea of what to expect in terms of catering food costs. We wish you luck with your event!

Sources

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Author

  • Dacia Flowers

    Dacia Flowers is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a major in Cultural Anthropology. Since graduating in 2019, she has expanded her expertise and applied her anthropological background in the practical domain. As the Administration Manager at CMJJ Gourmet since August 2022, Dacia handles crucial day-to-day operations, ensuring the warehouse's optimal functionality, timely delivery of orders, and managing invoices. Her commitment to excellence and in-depth understanding of organizational dynamics stem not just from her academic prowess but also her personal passion. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dacia has a keen interest in reading, loves to travel, and stays active through regular exercise.

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