Tablefare
Contact us
Questions about Tablefare or ready to get started? We’re a free matching service that helps you compare caterers near you — not a caterer, restaurant, or event planner.
How to reach us
If you have a question about how Tablefare works, you can contact our team and we’ll point you in the right direction. If you’re ready to start getting catering quotes, the fastest path is to tell us about your event.
We help hosts across the United States get matched with caterers for weddings, office events, birthdays, memorial receptions, holiday gatherings, cultural celebrations, and small drop-off meals. You can also learn more about us on our About page or browse common event types on Events.
What Tablefare does — and what we don’t do
Tablefare is a free matching service for hosts. We do not cook food, staff events, deliver trays, serve guests, or set catering prices. We are also not an event planner.
What we do is help you share the basics of your event so participating caterers can decide whether to quote. You stay in control: you compare options, ask questions, taste where possible, and choose who serves your table.
Because we are not the caterer, any menu details, availability, contracts, deposits, staffing, delivery, and final pricing come directly from the caterer.
What to send when you contact us
To help with a match, we only need contact and event-intent details. That usually means your name, phone number, optional email, event type, city or ZIP code, rough date, rough guest count, service style, cuisine, and preferred language.
We do not ask for bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, immigration documents, income details, or other sensitive records. If you’re just asking a general question, you can keep it simple and tell us what kind of event you’re planning and where it will take place.
- Name and best phone number
- Optional email address
- Event type and rough date
- City or ZIP code
- Estimated guest count
- Service style, cuisine, and preferred language
Questions about cost
If you’re contacting us because you’re worried about budget, that’s normal. Catering prices can vary a lot, and the real number depends on the menu, service style, guest count, the day and season, your city, and what’s included. These are not quotes, just general ranges to help you plan.
As a rough starting point, simple drop-off catering may run about $12-$30 per guest, buffet service often lands around $20-$50 per guest, and full-service plated meals can be $40-$120+ per guest. Specialty menus, premium ingredients, bartenders, rentals, long travel, holiday dates, and extra staff can push costs higher.
When you compare quotes, ask what the per-guest price includes and confirm any food-and-beverage minimum, service charge or gratuity, staffing and bartender fees, rentals, delivery and setup, cake-cutting or corkage, overtime, deposit, final-headcount deadline, and cancellation terms. Always read the full contract and final invoice before paying a deposit or signing.
If you’re ready to start
If your date is forming and your guest list is taking shape, the easiest next step is to get matched. Share the basics of your event, and we’ll help connect you with caterers near you who may be a fit.
There is no cost to use Tablefare as a host. We can’t promise a specific caterer, a held date, or a booking, but we can help you take the first step in a clear, organized way.
Contact Tablefare with your event basics, and we’ll help you get matched with caterers near you for free.
Common questions
Is Tablefare free for me to use?
Yes. Tablefare is free for the host. We’re a matching service that helps you connect with caterers; we are not the caterer or event planner.
Can I contact you if I’m not ready to book yet?
Yes. If you’re still figuring out your date, guest count, budget, or service style, you can still reach out. Rough details are enough to start.
Do you need my payment information to match me?
No. We only collect contact and event-intent details such as your name, phone, optional email, event type, city or ZIP, rough date, guest count, service style, cuisine, and preferred language.
Can you tell me exactly what my catering will cost?
No. We can share general price ranges, but only the caterer can give you a real quote. Final pricing depends on the menu, service style, guest count, date, location, and what is included.
Can you help in a language other than English?
Yes, we aim to support hosts who are more comfortable in a language other than English. Tell us your preferred language when you reach out or when you [get matched](/get-matched/).