The We-Bet-You-Knew-That-Already-But-Just-In-Case Catering Cost Guide

When you’re planning an event, you probably want it to be perfect (because who wouldn’t?).

So when it comes to the food, we guess you’re looking for endless flavor, choice and indulgence. Except most of the time, you don’t have an endless budget.

Hence we have created this cost guide for you, so you have a first idea of all the things you need to consider when planning a catering. Plan step by step and you will be able to make the most of your budget wow your guests and secure your star on the Catering Walk of Fame.

 

Chef


Size of the event

Whether you invite 100 people to a massive feast or you treat 15 people to a small selection of canapées is a difference, obviously. So first and foremost you should think about how many people will be there, and how much you can spend per head. This will make it easier to make decisions during the rest of the planning process.

How would you like to serve the food?

There are many ways to treat people to delicious food, ranging from a menu with various courses served by waiters to a flying buffet or self-service options. Of course, anything that includes extra staff will bring up the cost, so if you have limited bucks to spend, hiring a knife-juggling celebrity chef or acclaimed sommelier might not be the best idea. 

 

Catering


What type of cuisine?

Think about this beforehand, as fresh oysters will cost you a fair bit more than a hummus bar. What environment will the catering take place in? If it’s a rustic setting, simple food will probably fit best anyway - so how about a taco bar, or easy-to-grab Smunch boxes? If that’s what you go for, there’s more money left for the fancy D’s: decoration, drinks and dessert.

Any special food requirements?

Depending on the attendees, the location or the occasion you may have to cater for special requirements. These can include certain allergies, such as lactose or gluten intolerance, but also nutritional preferences like veganism or a paleo diet. Also, depending on the faith of your attendees you may want to consider offering halal or kosher food as well.


Dinner


How would you like to serve the food?

There are many ways to treat people to delicious food, ranging from a menu with various courses served by waiters to a flying buffet or self-service options. Of course, anything that includes extra staff will bring up the cost, so if you have limited bucks to spend, hiring a knife-juggling celebrity chef or acclaimed sommelier might not be the best idea.

Will you need any special equipment?

Depending on what you are planning (for example, a fondue) you might need special equipment. This needs to be rented, delivered and set up. If your budget allows it, go all out, but to get more bang for your buck, choose something simpler (we could suggest Smunch but we won’t sing our own praises).

 

Fondue

 
While at first sight the planning and budgeting of a catering may be daunting, it’s easily mastered. Just bear in mind that there is the right approach for every budget - and there’s always Smunch for your one-click solution (okay, so in the end we said it!).

Enjoy hosting

The Smunch Team

 

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