How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Wedding Catering Include?
Wedding catering includes food, beverages, service staff, and often table settings. The cost per person varies widely based on service style, menu, and bar package.
The national average cost for wedding catering is $75 per person. Most homeowners pay between $30 and $150, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Service Style
Buffet: $30-$60/person. Plated: $50-$100/person. Food stations: $40-$80/person
Bar
Beer/wine: $15-$25/person. Full open bar: $30-$60/person. Cash bar: $0
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Service style (buffet vs plated)
- ✓Menu selections
- ✓Bar package
- ✓Guest count
- ✓Staffing needs
- ✓Rentals included
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Buffet service costs less than plated dinner
- 2.Limit the bar to beer and wine
- 3.Have a brunch or lunch wedding instead of dinner
- 4.Skip the late-night snack station
📈 Wedding Catering Cost Trends (2022–2026)
Prices have increased +17.2% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64 | — |
| 2023 | $67 | +4.7% |
| 2024 | $71 | +6.0% |
| 2025 | $73 | +2.8% |
| 2026 | $75 | +2.7% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Wedding Catering Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25 | $61 | $123 |
| Alaska | $38 | $96 | $192 |
| Arizona | $29 | $71 | $143 |
| Arkansas | $24 | $60 | $120 |
| California | $41 | $101 | $203 |
| Colorado | $32 | $81 | $162 |
| Connecticut | $37 | $92 | $183 |
| Delaware | $32 | $79 | $158 |
| District of Columbia | $38 | $94 | $188 |
| Florida | $29 | $74 | $147 |
| Georgia | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| Hawaii | $43 | $107 | $213 |
| Idaho | $28 | $69 | $138 |
| Illinois | $32 | $79 | $158 |
| Indiana | $26 | $66 | $132 |
| Iowa | $26 | $65 | $129 |
| Kansas | $26 | $64 | $128 |
| Kentucky | $25 | $63 | $126 |
| Louisiana | $26 | $65 | $131 |
| Maine | $31 | $77 | $153 |
| Maryland | $35 | $86 | $173 |
| Massachusetts | $39 | $98 | $195 |
| Michigan | $28 | $69 | $138 |
| Minnesota | $31 | $77 | $153 |
| Mississippi | $23 | $59 | $117 |
| Missouri | $26 | $65 | $131 |
| Montana | $29 | $71 | $143 |
| Nebraska | $26 | $66 | $132 |
| Nevada | $31 | $77 | $153 |
| New Hampshire | $34 | $84 | $168 |
| New Jersey | $38 | $94 | $188 |
| New Mexico | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| New York | $40 | $99 | $198 |
| North Carolina | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| North Dakota | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| Ohio | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| Oklahoma | $25 | $62 | $125 |
| Oregon | $33 | $83 | $165 |
| Pennsylvania | $31 | $77 | $153 |
| Rhode Island | $35 | $86 | $173 |
| South Carolina | $26 | $65 | $131 |
| South Dakota | $26 | $64 | $128 |
| Tennessee | $26 | $65 | $129 |
| Texas | $28 | $70 | $140 |
| Utah | $29 | $71 | $143 |
| Vermont | $32 | $81 | $162 |
| Virginia | $32 | $79 | $158 |
| Washington | $35 | $86 | $173 |
| West Virginia | $24 | $60 | $120 |
| Wisconsin | $28 | $71 | $141 |
| Wyoming | $28 | $69 | $138 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much food do I need per person?
Plan for 6-8 pieces during cocktail hour and a generous dinner plate. Caterers will guide you based on your guest count.
🏙️ Wedding Catering Cost by City
Compare wedding catering costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Wedding Catering
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