Vendors & contracts: Caterers

Ask about service style, staffing, rentals, tastings, dietary handling and what is included in the per-person price.

The key points

Plated, buffet, family style or stations
Staff numbers and service charge
Tasting and menu changes
Allergy and cross-contact handling

Quick answers

Is a venue with in-house catering cheaper?

Often, but not always. Compare the complete cost for your guest count, including service charge, tax and rentals.

How much does a wedding cost per guest?

The Knot’s 2026 study puts the average at about $292 per guest across all costs. Catering alone averaged about $80 per person before drinks, service and tax.

Budget & who paysAll questions

How much of the budget should go to the venue?

Venue plus food and drink usually takes 45–50% of the total. If your venue includes catering, rentals and staffing, that share can be higher and still good value.

Budget & who paysAll questions

When should the RSVP deadline be?

Three to four weeks before the wedding. Check your caterer’s final-number deadline and work back from it.

Guests & invitationsAll questions

Vendors & contracts: Caterers

Read more about caterers

Quick answers

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