Catering for a wedding....estimated pricing

[marvsbbq]

I just pulled this off the net...thought it might answer a 'few' questions for those of us that might be a bit 'timid' to charge for our services.

Bear in mind that this is a NATIONAL average...Prices may be higher or lower in various cities.

Please realize that catering services require servers, supplies, tables, tents china & decorations which will have an impact of your total cost. You get what you pay for. Consider inviting less people to a wedding in order to have a higher budget per person Do not attempt to higher a caterer for a wedding for under $36 per person. (Few exceptions apply)


$15-25..Expect to pick up or have the food dropped off. No servers.
$26-35..Food can be delivered with buffet set up.
$36-50.. Expect a sit down event or a buffet style wedding (this should be the lowest wedding budget)
$51-76..National average for weddings
$76-100.. Formal event or wedding with sit down services
$101-145.. Full service event with supplies
$146-180.. Five star full service wedding
$181+... Hotel or Venue providing the facility plus the food.
_________________
Often imitated but never duplicated

[Ranucci's Big Butt]

Wow, I'm doing one for $14 per person in October.
_________________
Alex

Ranucci's Big Butt BBQ
www.ranuccis.com
www.bigbuttbbq.com

[BBQMAN]

These prices (I'm sure) are for more formal affairs serving traditional buffet type meals.

Most of us that are in this business offer traditional BBQ fair, that doesn't command higher pricing.

Now I do some lobster bakes, and steak and chicken dinners that get pricy for those who can afford and want an upscale menu.

I often do beach weddings etc., and some of them are pricy too- just depends on what the client wants, just like any other event.

Thanks for the comparison though- it would help the "budget" client realize what a great deal they are getting if that $12.95 BBQ seems expensive!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[StarsandStripes]

This is information you may consider putting on the home page of your website - especially if you can offer similar services for much cheaper. I'd also put the reference there so they could click the link and see for themselves.

[BBQMAN]

Not sure about the home page, but maybe under my FAQs page as general reference!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[corndog]

Yea Marv...do you have the link? I'd like to read the entire thing as that I might learn something...
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Kevin "Corndog" Cameron

Dang it boy, that's some mighty fine eatin'!!!!

[Harry Nutczak]

yes Marv. Please link to that.

I would not put that on a homepage either. I don't know if i would even link to that.


I bet those prices (as someone else had already noted) are most likely for waitstaff served, sit-down formal or high-end fundraiser events with planning and set-up. not for an "On-site BBQ service" i bet those prices are from Full-service party & event planning caterers with patio heaters, tents with side curtains, tables & seating, flowers & decorations. and the client does not do a thing except give the OK to the planners idea's.

or i could be wrong,

Please link to that site, I am curious.

Thanks Marv.
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Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

[StarsandStripes]

I don't know, Harry. If Ranucci Big is doing a wedding for $14 and the bride's dad thinks he's getting screwed, him seeing "$36-50.. Expect a sit down event or a buffet style wedding (this should be the lowest wedding budget)" would 'simma' him down quite a bit in my opinion.

Or if I'm checking out prices for my daughter's wedding and your two meat, two side plate is $23.50 I'm going to have a cow...until I see "$36-50.. Expect a sit down event or a buffet style wedding (this should be the lowest wedding budget)". Then I'll think $23.50 PP is a steal.

I think you could 'make some money' with that information.

[Big Mike]

Those are some amazing prices. like everyone else has said I'm sure that is driven by the type of food but it is still an eye opener.
_________________
Mike

Eagle River BBQ
CBJ
Stumps Platinum 5 Trailer
Smokin Tex ST1400
Chargriller Charcoal Grill
Members Mark 8-burner Gasser

[StarsandStripes]

Just for giggles check out http://www.tasteandcompany.com/webWeddbudguide.PDF.

Buffet dinner? Starting at $35 PP.

[BBQMAN]

Outback Steakhouse gets 20.95 for a hamburger/hotdog catered picnic.

Same price I get for Steak and Chicken!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[marvsbbq]

[marvsbbq]

[BBQMAN]

_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[StarsandStripes]

Well, if I were shopping and I compared this info with your prices that would totally seal the deal. I'd be sold.

[marvsbbq]

[BBQMAN]

Nice Marv!

You forgot the porta-let toilets.

Nothing says "great BBQ" like a portable shizzler!

New motto: "our foods are so greasy, we provide extra TP and handy-wipes for your comfort"!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[StarsandStripes]

[marvsbbq]

[Ranucci's Big Butt]

Man that's high. That's my dads neck of the woods, I'm in NC.
_________________
Alex

Ranucci's Big Butt BBQ
www.ranuccis.com
www.bigbuttbbq.com