Quick catering answers

Start here: what Tablefare does

Tablefare is a free matching service. We help you share your event details and get connected with caterers near you so you can compare options, ask questions, and choose what fits your table.

We are not a caterer, restaurant, or event planner. We do not cook, serve, set prices, or promise a booking. We collect only basic contact and event-intent details: your name, phone, optional email, event type, city or ZIP, rough date, rough guest count, service style, cuisine, and preferred language.

If you want to explore more first, see our guides or browse event ideas by type on events. When you're ready, you can get matched.

What does catering cost per guest?

A simple answer: it varies a lot. For many events in the U.S., drop-off catering may land around $15-$35 per guest, buffet service often falls around $25-$60 per guest, and plated or full-service catering can run about $50-$150+ per guest. These are general ranges, not quotes.

The real number depends on the menu, the service style, your guest count, the day and season, your city, and what is included. Premium ingredients, multiple courses, more staff, rentals, bartending, and longer service usually raise the total. A simple menu for a larger guest count on an easier date can bring the per-guest cost down.

Always compare the all-in cost, not just the food line. A lower menu price can end up costing more once staffing, rentals, delivery, setup, and service charges are added.

What is usually included — and what is often extra?

Every caterer packages things differently, so ask for the full breakdown in writing. Some quotes include only food. Others may include setup, serving staff, cleanup, disposables, or basic equipment.

Common extra charges can include service charge or gratuity, staffing and bartender fees, rentals like tables, linens, plates, glassware, and chafers, delivery and setup, cake-cutting, corkage, overtime, and sales tax where applicable. Some caterers also have a food-and-beverage minimum for certain dates or guest counts.

Before you pay a deposit or sign anything, confirm the price per guest, exactly what is included, and the final estimated total on the invoice. Then read the full contract carefully. This is general information only, not legal or financial advice.

How far ahead should you book?

For weddings, holiday dates, and busy spring or fall weekends, it is smart to start early if you can. For office lunches, birthdays, memorial receptions, or small drop-off events, the timeline can sometimes be shorter.

A good rule is to reach out as soon as you have a rough date, guest count, city, and service style in mind. Even if some details are still moving, early outreach gives you more choices and more time to compare menus and total cost.

No one can promise a date is held until the caterer confirms it in writing and any required deposit steps are completed under that caterer's terms.

How do you compare quotes fairly?

Ask each caterer the same basic questions and line up the answers side by side. That is the easiest way to see who is truly in budget.

• Price per guest
• Minimum spend, if any
• What food, beverages, staff, rentals, delivery, setup, and cleanup are included
• Service charge or gratuity
• Deposit amount, cancellation terms, and final-headcount deadline
• Overtime, bartender, cake-cutting, or corkage fees

Taste or sample where possible. Then compare the all-in cost per guest, the menu fit, the service style, and how clearly each caterer answers your questions. The host stays in control.

A few quick answers hosts ask all the time

Yes, many caterers can work with halal, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-aware needs — but always discuss dietary needs early and confirm handling details directly with the caterer.

Yes, small events are often possible. Some caterers are happy to do a 20- or 30-person drop-off order, while others focus on larger full-service events or have minimums.

If English is not your strongest reading language, that is okay. Tablefare is built to help more people ask for quotes comfortably. Share your preferred language when you get matched, and start with the basics.