Catering: The Basics

By Lei Lydle Founder and Editor Last Updated: 1/1/2000

Do You Need To Choose A Caterer?

Some brides may not need to choose a caterer because their reception site provides the catering and does not allow outside caterers. On the one hand - this can be good because you don't have to choose among the enormous selection of superb caterers in Atlanta. On the other hand, you are subject to the site's per head costs which can be expensive and inflexible.

If your reception site does not provide catering, be sure to ask them for a list of their preferred caterers. They will usually have a list of 3 or 4 favorites and some reception sites even restrict you to a list of preferred caterers because they have had trouble with certain caterers, etc.

If you are having trouble finding a caterer, ask friends and family for suggestions. As a matter of fact, ask anyone for suggestions - including your florist, your photographer, your ceremony coordinator, etc. You could always look in the yellow pages or on this website - but its hard to tell anything about a caterer from a listing or even a large ad.

When it comes to catering you are basically paying for the food, beverages, labor, rentals, and tax. The food and beverages will be charged at a cost per head - which can range anywhere from $10 - $100 per head depending on the type of reception. Sit down dinners usually cost the most - but dinner buffets can also be quite pricey!!

The labor is usually charged as a flat rate per server. The average cost is $100 per service person including bartenders and chefs. Some caterers will charge extra for the Captain, who oversees and coordinates the entire catering process during the reception. Captains usually cost anywhere from $125 - $150. I have seen some caterers who charge an hourly rate for each server used. This can be costly because the rate is usually around $25 per hour and these service people will work for 7 - 8 hours. In addition, you will have to pay a gratuity to the servers - usually 15% - 20% of the total cost of the food. (Tip: Some caterers request that you pay the server in cash and tip whatever you like! This could save you a lot of money!)

If your reception site does not provide tables, chairs, table linens, silverware, china, glassware, etc. you will have to rent them from the caterer or an outside rental facility. These rentals can be very expensive. You might be charged $11.00+ per table, $25+ per table linen, $2.50+ per chair, and $15+ per table for set up. Some caterers may own the rentals themselves or they may rent them from a rental company. If the caterer doesn't add any extra cost for the rentals, you will usually be responsible for any broken or missing pieces. Sometimes however, the caterer will tack on an extra 5% - 10% of the rental bill to absorb the cost of broken or missing pieces.

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