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.
Updated for 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.