What Should You Charge for Catering? 2026 Pricing Guide

What should you charge for catering in 2026? Average rates range $25–$75 per person. See typical job costs, what affects pricing, and build a professional proposal.

Catering Cost at a Glance

$25–$75 per person

Typical market range. Actual costs vary by region, job scope, and provider experience.

Common Catering Service Prices

Service	Typical Price Range
Buffet catering (50 guests)	$1,500–$3,500
Plated dinner service (per person)	$45–$120
Corporate lunch drop-off	$15–$35/person
Full-service wedding catering (per person)	$75–$200

Prices are U.S. market averages for 2026. Local rates vary.

What Affects Catering Pricing

Service style — drop-off vs. buffet vs. plated service
Menu complexity and ingredient cost
Guest count — per-person rates decrease at scale
Staffing required — full-service events need servers and bartenders
Rentals — linens, chafing dishes, and tableware are often extra

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Catering Pricing FAQ

How much does catering cost for 100 people?

Buffet catering for 100 runs $2,500–$6,000. Plated sit-down service runs $5,000–$12,000 including staff. These estimates typically include food, setup, and basic service but exclude alcohol, rentals, and gratuity.

What's the difference between drop-off and full-service catering?

Drop-off catering delivers prepared food — no staff, no service. Full-service includes setup, service staff, and cleanup. Drop-off is 40–60% cheaper; full-service is appropriate for weddings and corporate events.

What should a catering contract include?

Guest count, menu with substitution policy, service style, staffing, setup and breakdown times, deposit schedule, cancellation terms, and what happens if guest count changes. Get all of this in writing.

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