Find wedding caterers that are a match for you

When thinking about catering cost, consider drinks, hors d'oeuvres and stations, and the main meal itself. Bar services are quoted per person and pricing often depends on what alcohol you want (more expensive packages include pricier labels). Hors d'oeuvres and stations are also priced per person, with variable costs for more expensive options like lobster rolls. For the main meal, consider what you’d spend per head going out to a restaurant in your area—the cost per person at your wedding will be similar. Keep in mind that plated meals cost more per person than buffets.

Choosing a wedding caterer is an important decision for many couples—good food can really make an event stellar! It’s best to start researching caterers 10–12 months out, and book around 8 months out. You may not always be able to schedule a tasting before booking your caterer. For many smaller vendors, the effort and expense to put together tastings without a signed contract is prohibitive. In these cases, your tasting will take place after you’ve booked the caterer and will focus on refining menu choices.