Budget Matters
What's in Your Budget?
Prices are usually based on the number of guests that you plan to invite to your event. The caterer will need an initial head count or a rough idea of the amount of your guests.
The average cost per guest for an event can be from $20 to $60.
The average deposit amount required by the caterer can be between 50-75 percent of the total package upon the signing of the contract.
Budget Decisions:
Before you ask any caterer can they work within your budget, of course, you need to know what your food-budget is, or how much money you have available to spend on the food. That will depend upon how many people you're having and what kind of food, service, and set-ups you want. Typically, the food and beverage cost is 40-50% of the cost of the entire party. For example, a larger budget may accommodate a sit-down dinner, where tables are set and each person has a place at a table (assigned or open). Part of this decision will include whether you want each person served course by course, or if you want a grab-your-plate and serve-yourself-buffet, with or without stations, with or without servers. The more service, the greater the expense.
Caterers, whether they're independent or affiliated with a restaurant or party center, generally have a selection of menus and mix-and-match options in ranges to fit most budgets.
Generally, prices are quoted on a per-person basis. So the number of people you're expecting, the kind of food you will serve, how you will serve it, and who will serve it will all determine the final cost.
Budget Questions:
Most caterers require an initial deposit to hold the date of your event.
- Is there a deposit required?
- What is the initial deposit and when is it due?
- Are installments or payment plans available?
- When is the final payment due for the catering?
- Is there a gratuity or service charge?
- How much are the taxes?
- How many hours of service does the caterer include in their overall cost?
- How much extra will it be if my event runs overtime?
- What does the caterer include in the price (e.g., set-up, clean up, staff, food, rentals, etc.)?
|
