Wedding catering cost calculator
A per-person quote isn't the total. Add your guest count, the caterer's per-person price, bar costs, service charge, tax and tip to see what catering really costs, or enter your budget to see the per-person price you can afford.
- Food & bar
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- Service charge
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- Tax
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- Tip
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- Real cost per guest
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- Food price per person your budget allows
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Tax here is applied to food, bar and service charge; how your caterer bills it may differ.
How it works
- Use the numbers from your actual quote. Service charges, tax and tip vary by caterer and venue, so the percentages here are starting values to replace.
- Sales tax is 8.25% in San Antonio. How it applies to service charges and tips depends on how your caterer bills them; check your quote.
- A service charge is usually not a tip. Ask your caterer whether gratuity is included.
Questions
How do I calculate wedding catering cost per person?
Multiply the per-person food price by your guest count, add any per-person bar cost, then add the service charge, tax and tip as percentages. Dividing that total by your guest count gives your true cost per person.
Is a catering service charge the same as a tip?
Often not. A service charge usually covers the caterer's costs and may not go to the staff. Ask whether gratuity is included before adding a tip.
What can we do if catering is over budget?
Trim the guest list, choose a buffet or family-style service, serve lunch or brunch instead of dinner, or limit the bar to beer, wine and one signature drink.