Wedding Catering Costs in the United States (2026)
Wedding catering in the US costs $75-200 per person for food, with open bar adding $30-80 per person. The total catering bill is the second or third largest wedding expense after the venue.
11 April 2026 · Last reviewed April 2026
Average catering cost in United States
Range: US$5,000 – US$18,000
What you’re paying for
Cocktail hour appetizers
Per person for 4-6 passed items
US$10 – US$25
Plated dinner (3 courses)
Per person, alternating entrée
US$75 – US$150
Buffet dinner
Per person, multiple stations
US$55 – US$100
Open bar (4-5 hours)
Per person for well to premium
US$30 – US$80
Late-night snack
Per person for pizza, tacos, or sliders
US$8 – US$20
How to save on catering
Limit the open bar
Beer, wine, and 2 signature cocktails saves $15-30 per person vs full open bar with premium spirits.
Choose a brunch or lunch wedding
Daytime menus cost 30-40% less than dinner service. Mimosa bars are cheaper than full bars.
Food trucks for late-night
A taco or pizza truck at 10pm costs $500-1,500 total vs $15-20 per person for a formal late-night buffet.
Common questions
How much should I budget for catering per person?
$100-200 all-in (food + drink) for most markets. NYC, SF, and LA can push $200-300 per person at upscale venues.
Free budget planning tools
Other United States wedding costs
Ivory Lane Editorial
The Ivory Lane editorial team covers wedding planning, budgeting, and vendor advice for Australian couples. Our guides are reviewed regularly to reflect current pricing and industry practice.