How much does catering cost per person?
Catering pricing is almost always quoted per person, and the biggest driver is not the food — it's the service style. Drop-off trays you set out yourself are the cheapest way to feed a crowd. Adding staff, rentals, and a plated meal multiplies the price. Here are current US ranges, drawn from 2025–2026 marketplace and industry surveys:
| Service style | Per person | What's included |
| Drop-off trays | $10–28 | Food delivered in disposable pans; you serve |
| BBQ / picnic | $12–22 | Smoked meats, sides, casual setup |
| Food truck | $15–35 | Made-to-order; often a minimum spend |
| Buffet or stations, staffed | $30–70 | Setup, servers, chafing dishes, cleanup |
| Plated, full service | $45–100 | Waitstaff, china, multi-course |
| Wedding reception | $50–150 | Average about $80; $62 Midwest to $123 Mid-Atlantic |
| Bar package | +$10–40 | Beer & wine at the low end, open bar high |
The fees nobody budgets for
- Service fee (18–22%). On staffed events this covers labor, setup and equipment. It is usually not a tip, even though it looks like one.
- Gratuity (15–20%). Optional but expected for servers and bartenders on full-service events. Ask whether it's already in the service fee.
- Sales tax. Applied to food and often to the service fee too, depending on your state.
- Rentals. Tables, linens, china and glassware can add $5–15 per person if the venue doesn't supply them.
- Minimums. Food trucks and many caterers have a minimum spend ($500–1,500 is common) or minimum headcount.
- Delivery and travel. Usually $25–100, more for distance.
How to spend less without feeding people worse
- Choose drop-off or buffet over plated. Plated service can double the bill for the same food.
- Serve one protein done well plus a vegetarian option, rather than three proteins.
- Pick a beer-and-wine bar instead of an open bar, or a signature cocktail plus beer and wine.
- Schedule between meals — a 2 pm reception with heavy appetizers costs far less than a 6 pm dinner.
- Ask local restaurants. Many will cater trays at close to menu prices with no service fee, and they're glad for the order.
- Get the headcount right. Use the party food calculator to sanity-check what the caterer proposes.
Questions to ask a caterer
Is the quote per person all-in, or are service fee, tax, gratuity and rentals extra? What's the minimum? When is the final headcount due, and what happens if it changes? Who handles leftovers? Is there a tasting? What's the cancellation policy? Get it in writing before you put down a deposit (typically 25–50%).
Frequently asked questions
How much does catering cost per person?
Drop-off $10–28, BBQ $12–22, food truck $15–35, buffet $30–70, plated $45–100, weddings $50–150. Bar adds $10–40. Service fees run 18–22% on staffed events.
How much to cater a party for 50?
About $750–1,400 for drop-off, $1,500–3,500 for a buffet, $2,500–5,000+ plated — before drinks, tax and fees.
How much to cater a wedding for 100?
Around $8,000 at the national average of $80 per person; $5,000–15,000 covers most of the country. Add the bar and fees on top.
Is the service fee a tip?
Usually not. It covers staffing and setup. Ask; if it isn't, 15–20% gratuity is customary for full-service events.
Is a food truck cheaper than a caterer?
Often yes for casual events ($15–35 per person), but most trucks have a minimum spend and serve slower for very large crowds.