Planning Tools

How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost in Australia?

Last updated: 8th Oct 2024

When it comes to hosting a memorable wedding, food and drink are a huge contributing factor. Including canapés and arrival drinks, a three or four-course wedding breakfast and a spread for the evening buffet, your guests will spend a large portion of their time at your wedding enjoying some delicious food and drink.

But how much does wedding catering cost in Australia? So you know exactly how much of your budget you need to dedicate toward keeping your guests fed, watered (or wined!) and – ultimately – happy!

In this post we’re going to take a look at the average cost of catering a wedding and what can affect that cost – including the alcohol.

How does the pricing work?

Shrimp dish at a wedding — Photo © Crystalbrook Byron | See their Bridebook profile

The first thing you need to know is that, depending on the venue, catering can often be done in-house. But, if the venue doesn’t offer catering that suits your taste, you can hire caterers to come to your venue separately. Venues that include catering are usually priced per head, meaning there will be a set price for every guest which will include food (a buffet or sit-down meal), the venue rental and sometimes half a bottle of wine per person for the meal and some bubbly for the toasts.

If a venue is priced at a lump sum, it usually means that catering is not included and what you are paying goes towards securing the venue. For more information, check out our post on the cost of a wedding venue.

What is the average cost of catering a wedding?

Wedding sign Eat, Drink and Be Married

How much your wedding catering costs depends entirely on how many people you’re looking to invite. The more people you invite, the more hungry mouths there will be, and of course the higher the cost will be.

In our ultimate guide to budgeting a wedding, we outlined that Australian couples spend an average of $5,000 to $7,000 on catering.

Of course, these numbers can vary depending on the size and extravagance of the wedding. For a wedding with around 40 guests, the average catering cost is approximately $5,000, while for a 160-guest wedding, you’re looking at around $20,000.

Here’s a breakdown based on budget:

Affordable: $50 – $100 per guest
Moderate: $100 – $150 per guest
Luxury: $150 – $200 per guest
Super luxury: $200+ per guest

Is it cheaper per head the more guests there are?

Groom eating from a wedding buffet

You might expect the cost per person to decrease as the guest list grows, but this isn’t always true for wedding catering. Several factors influence the cost, such as the venue, the number of kitchen and serving staff, and the dining format.

For instance, buffet-style meals or food trucks generally cost less per person compared to a formal four-course meal, regardless of guest numbers. The overall style and service level significantly impact the final price.

How much does a wedding breakfast cost?

Sweets at a wedding buffet

If you opt for a formal wedding breakfast, it’s likely to be one of the priciest elements of your reception. These multi-course meals are meticulously prepared, resembling a fine dining experience, which accounts for the higher costs.

The average cost for a wedding breakfast typically ranges from $70 to $100 per guest, though premium venues or high-end caterers may charge significantly more depending on the menu and service level.

How much does an evening buffet cost?

Evening dinner for a wedding with decorative lights — Photo © Contour Hotel Katherine | See their Bridebook profile

An evening buffet offers a more relaxed, budget-friendly option with a variety of dishes and fewer servers needed. It’s perfect for guests attending only the evening reception.

Buffet costs typically range from $50 to $80 per guest, depending on the food selection. Simpler options like chicken and chips are more affordable than premium choices such as sushi or gourmet canapés.

What else can affect the cost of catering a wedding?

Outdoor wedding buffet from above

The above costs are all averages, and you’ll make plenty of choices that will make that cost go either down or way (WAY) up. These include:

Style of service: the cost of a buffet, sit-down meal, or food truck can vary hugely. For example, for a sit-down meal, you would have to factor in the wages of the waiters (it’s recommended to have 1 per 11 guests) and a buffet would have a wider selection of food options.
Menu choice: The more options you offer your guests outside of the standard meat, fish or vegetarian/vegan, the more you’re likely to pay.
The venue: Does it have its own catering team? If you’re hiring a catering team separate from the venue, you may also need to factor in the cost of hiring a marquee and portable kitchen. These costs can quickly add up, adding several thousand to the cost of your catering. Some venues have a list of preferred caterers, so make sure you ask your chosen wedding venue if there are limitations.
The food: Some food is cheaper to make than others. If you’re keen to offer oysters and caviar, don’t be surprised if it’s more expensive than if you were to offer sandwiches and barbecue.
The ingredients: Some caterers may offer premium ingredients, and if imported or organic produce is important to you then expect to pay a little extra.
The number of courses: Are you happy with a three-course meal, or would you like to offer hors d’oeuvres, a fish course, palate-cleansing sorbets, and mignardise? The more courses there are (and the more complex they are to make) the pricier it will be.
The date: You can expect to pay higher rates during peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends.

What about the alcohol?

Champagne at a wedding

While it’s tempting to offer an open bar, this can quickly become very costly, especially since guests often enjoy several drinks at weddings. Many Australian couples opt for a more budget-friendly approach: providing a bottle or two of wine per table, plus some sparkling wine for toasts. Guests can then purchase additional drinks from a cash bar.

If you bring your own wine or bubbly, venues may charge a corkage fee, typically ranging from $10 to $20 per bottle.

You’ll also need to consider alcohol licensing requirements for your venue. Most venues already have a liquor licence, but if you’re hosting your wedding at a private property without one, you’ll need to apply for a Temporary Liquor Licence. These permits vary by state, so be sure to check local regulations regarding alcohol service and consumption.

Ready to plan your big day?

Need a hand (or two) with wedding planning? Join Bridebook and get all the tools you need to plan your big day from start to finish. Plan your wedding budget, find your wedding venues and suppliers, organise your guest list and more.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding catering, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to help you keep costs down.