How Much Do Most Caterers Charge for a Wedding in 2025?

When you’re planning a wedding, food is one of the biggest line items-and also one of the most confusing. You might think, how much do most caterers charge? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on where you live, how many guests you have, what kind of food you want, and whether you’re going for plated dinner or food stations. In Melbourne, where the wedding scene is lively and food culture is strong, most caterers charge between $85 and $180 per person for a full-service wedding meal in 2025.

What’s Included in the Price?

That $85-$180 range isn’t just for the food. It usually covers the whole package: cooking, serving staff, linens, tableware, setup, and cleanup. Some caterers include china and glassware; others charge extra for it. A basic buffet with chicken, pasta, and salad might start at $85. A plated three-course meal with seafood, premium meats, and dessert could easily hit $150 or more.

Don’t forget the service charge. Most caterers add 15-20% for labor and logistics. That’s not a tip-it’s built into the quote. And if you want alcohol, that’s a separate line item. Some caterers offer beverage packages, while others let you bring your own (but may charge a corkage fee).

Per Person vs. Fixed Menu

Most wedding caterers in Australia price by the headcount. That means if you invite 120 people, you pay for 120 meals-even if five people don’t eat much. There’s no discount for kids or seniors unless you ask for it. Some caterers offer reduced rates for children under 12, usually around half price.

Fixed menus are common. You pick from a set list of appetizers, mains, and desserts. Custom menus cost more. If you want a vegan option, gluten-free bread, or a signature cocktail, expect to pay an extra $10-$20 per person. Caterers don’t mind special requests, but they charge for the extra prep time and ingredients.

Food Style Matters

How you serve the food changes the price a lot. Here’s what you’ll typically pay in Melbourne:

• Buffet: $85-$120 per person. Easy to manage, great for large groups. But guests might wait in line, and food can get cold.
• Plated dinner: $120-$180 per person. Feels more formal. Requires more staff, so it’s pricier. Ideal for 50-150 guests.
• Food stations: $110-$160 per person. Think taco bars, pasta stations, or sushi rolls. Fun, interactive, and great for photo ops.
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres (cocktail style): $70-$100 per person. Not a full meal, but enough to keep people full. Good for evening receptions after a ceremony.

One couple in Footscray saved $3,000 by switching from plated to food stations. Their guests loved the build-your-own pasta bar, and the caterer didn’t need as many servers.

Location and Season Affect Cost

Wedding catering in inner-city Melbourne costs more than in the outer suburbs. Caterers charge extra for travel if your venue is more than 30km from their kitchen. A caterer based in Richmond might add $200-$500 to your bill if you’re getting married in Daylesford or the Yarra Valley.

Peak season is November to March. Prices can jump 15-25% during summer months because demand is high and staff are in short supply. If you’re flexible, booking a Friday in May or a Sunday in September can save you 10-20%.

Hidden Fees You Might Miss

Some costs sneak in after you sign the contract. Here’s what to watch for:

• Corkage fee: $15-$30 per bottle if you bring your own wine.
• Cake cutting fee: $3-$5 per person if the caterer cuts and serves your wedding cake.
• Staff gratuity: Some contracts say 15% is included, others say it’s not. Ask.
• Minimum spend: Many caterers require you to spend at least $5,000-$8,000, even if you have fewer than 50 guests.
• Last-minute changes: Adding 10 guests two weeks before? Expect a $15-$25 per person surcharge.

One bride in St Kilda got hit with a $900 cake cutting fee because she didn’t realize her caterer didn’t include it. Always read the fine print.

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

You don’t need to go cheap to stay on budget. Here’s how real couples in Melbourne cut costs:

• Choose a weekday or off-season date. You can save up to $20 per person.
• Opt for a lunch wedding. Lunch menus are cheaper than dinner. Think sandwiches, salads, and pastries instead of steak and lobster.
• Use seasonal ingredients. Asparagus in spring, stone fruit in summer-caterers charge less when food is abundant.
• Limit the bar. Offer beer, wine, and soft drinks only. Skip the cocktail bar unless it’s a must-have.
• Ask for a family-style service. It’s less formal than plated, but feels more personal and costs less to serve.

A couple in Carlton hosted a 70-person wedding in October with a buffet of roast lamb, roasted veggies, and a dessert table. They paid $110 per person, including service and staff. Total food cost: $7,700. That’s less than half of what they’d have paid for a plated dinner with champagne.

What’s the Average Wedding Catering Budget?

Based on recent data from Melbourne wedding planners, most couples spend between $8,000 and $18,000 on catering. That’s about 30-40% of their total wedding budget. If your budget is $30,000, aim for $9,000-$12,000 on food and drink.

For smaller weddings under 50 guests, the average is $5,000-$8,000. For large weddings over 150 guests, it’s $15,000-$25,000. The per-person cost usually drops slightly with size because fixed costs (like kitchen setup and delivery) are spread out.

How to Choose the Right Caterer

Don’t just pick the cheapest. Look for:

• Proof of food safety certification (VicHealth or Safe Food Australia)
• Clear written quotes with no hidden fees
• Sample menus and tasting sessions (most offer these for free or a small fee)
• Real reviews from past clients, especially ones with similar guest counts
• Flexibility with dietary needs-vegan, halal, gluten-free

Ask to see their menu from a wedding last year. If they can’t show you real examples, that’s a red flag.

Final Tip: Book Early and Lock In

Top caterers in Melbourne book out 12-18 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. If you’re getting married in December 2026, start calling caterers now. Lock in your menu and price before the next season’s rates kick in. Many caterers offer a 10% discount if you pay a deposit by January.

Remember: food is one of the most memorable parts of your wedding. Guests remember what they ate, how it tasted, and how well it was served. Don’t just pick the lowest price. Pick the caterer who makes you feel confident, heard, and excited about the meal.