How Much Is Catering for a Wedding? 2026 Seattle Price Guide + Calculator

Introduction

You've found the perfect Seattle venue, but now comes the question every couple asks: how much is catering for a wedding? The answer isn't simple—wedding catering typically represents 40-50% of your total budget, making it your single largest expense. Without understanding the cost factors, couples often overspend or compromise on quality at the worst possible moment.

This guide breaks down Seattle-area wedding catering costs by service style, guest count, and menu complexity. You'll get actionable budgeting strategies from venue professionals who've orchestrated hundreds of celebrations, plus access to our food calculator for wedding reception planning. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, understanding these numbers helps you make confident decisions. Let's dive into what you'll actually pay—and how to make every dollar count.

Average Wedding Catering Costs in Seattle (2026)

Wedding catering in Seattle averages $80-$120 per person, depending on service style and menu selections. This positions Seattle 15-20% higher than the national average of $70 per person, driven by premium Pacific Northwest ingredients and elevated labor costs.

Here's what you can expect based on guest count:

These figures include food, culinary staff, and basic service—but not beverages, specialized rentals, or gratuity. The per-person rate may decrease slightly with larger guest counts due to economies of scale, though the total investment grows proportionally.

Planning your complete reception experience? Explore personalized wedding reception decorations and favors to complement your catering vision.

What Influences Wedding Catering Costs? 5 Key Factors

1. Guest Count

The most straightforward calculation: more guests equal higher total costs. However, per-person rates often decrease slightly once you exceed 100 guests, as caterers achieve better purchasing power and operational efficiency. The sweet spot for optimal pricing typically falls between 75-125 guests, where you maximize value without sacrificing intimacy.

2. Service Style (Plated vs. Buffet vs. Family-Style)

Your service format dramatically impacts both cost and guest experience:

• Plated dinner: $90-$150/person (highest labor requirements, most formal presentation)
• Buffet: $70-$100/person (flexible menu options, reduced staffing needs)
• Family-style: $80-$120/person (communal feel, interactive dining)

Seattle venue insight reveals that plated service remains the favorite choice for 60% of couples, despite the premium price point. The elevated presentation and customized service justify the investment for many celebrations.

3. Menu Complexity & Protein Choices

A venue expert explains: "We recommend allocating 50% of your food budget to protein—it's what guests remember most from the meal." This strategic approach ensures memorable dining without inflating costs across every menu component.

Protein pricing breaks down into clear tiers:

• Budget-friendly: Chicken, pork ($15-25 per portion)
• Mid-range: Beef, salmon ($30-45 per portion)
• Premium: Filet mignon, lobster ($50-80 per portion)

Seasonal timing matters significantly in the Pacific Northwest. Wild salmon costs peak during summer months when demand surges, while Dungeness crab becomes more accessible during winter. Planning your menu around seasonal abundance can yield 15-25% savings compared to off-season imports.

4. Time of Day

The timing of your reception creates substantial cost variations. Brunch or lunch receptions typically run 20-30% cheaper than dinner service, averaging $60-80 per person. Cocktail-style receptions with passed appetizers and light stations can deliver excellent guest experiences at $40-60 per person, particularly effective for afternoon or early evening celebrations.

5. Hidden Costs to Budget For

Beyond the base per-person rate, several standard charges accumulate quickly:

• Service charges: 18-22%
• Gratuity: 15-20%
• Equipment rentals (if not venue-included): $500-2,000
• Cake cutting fee: $1-3 per person
• Corkage fees: $15-25 per bottle

Always request itemized quotes to understand your true investment. Some venues bundle these elements into package pricing, while others add them separately—comparing total costs prevents surprises during contract signing.

Plated vs. Buffet: Which Should You Choose?

 

Seattle Venue Recommendation: "For Seattle weddings, we see the best guest satisfaction with plated service for intimate celebrations under 100 guests and elevated buffets for larger gatherings of 100 or more. The hybrid approach—featuring a plated first course followed by buffet entrees—delivers the best of both worlds at $85-110 per person."

In our 15 years hosting Seattle weddings, couples who prioritize protein quality in plated meals consistently receive the highest guest satisfaction scores. The personalized service and premium presentation create lasting impressions that justify the elevated investment.

Complete your tablescape with personalized wedding napkins and custom wedding plates that reflect your celebration style.

How to Budget Wedding Catering: 5 Money-Saving Tips

Tip 1: Use a Food Calculator for Wedding Reception

Free online calculators help estimate precise quantities and prevent over-ordering, which commonly inflates costs by 15-20%. Input your guest count, service style, and meal duration to receive exact portion recommendations. This data-driven approach eliminates guesswork and ensures you order appropriately without excess waste.

Learn more about calculating exact quantities: How much food do you need for a wedding?

Tip 2: Prioritize Protein, Simplify Sides

A venue strategy that consistently delivers results: "Invest 50% of your food budget in premium protein, then keep sides seasonal and simple." For example, grilled wild salmon with roasted seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf creates a more memorable experience than mediocre surf-and-turf accompanied by elaborate side dishes. Guests remember protein quality; sides should complement rather than compete.

Tip 3: Choose Seasonal, Local Ingredients

The Pacific Northwest offers exceptional seasonal ingredients that reduce costs while elevating quality:

• Spring: Spot prawns, asparagus, spring greens, fresh herbs
• Summer: Wild salmon, berries, heirloom tomatoes, corn
• Fall: Dungeness crab, butternut squash, wild mushrooms, pears
• Winter: Halibut, root vegetables, citrus, hearty greens

Seasonal selections typically save 15-25% compared to imported off-season ingredients, while supporting local producers and guaranteeing peak freshness.

Tip 4: Opt for "Cocktail + Light Dinner" Format

Four to five passed appetizers combined with one or two interactive stations creates a sophisticated experience at $50-70 per person—substantially less than traditional seated dinners. This format works beautifully for afternoon or early evening weddings, encouraging mingling while delivering satisfying portions.

Set up your beverage service with personalized wedding cups and learn what size cups for wedding bar work best for different beverages.

Tip 5: Negotiate Service Charges

Service charges often contain negotiation flexibility. Strategic questions include: "Can the service charge be reduced if we supply our own rentals?" or "Is gratuity already included in the service charge percentage?" Some Seattle venues incorporate service charges into comprehensive package pricing—comparing total costs across proposals reveals the best value. Always clarify what's included before signing contracts.

Calculate your beverage needs: How much alcohol to buy for a wedding and how many drinks per person at a wedding.

Real Seattle Wedding Catering Example

Case Study: Waterfront Wedding, June 2025

Details:

• 120 guests, waterfront venue
• Service: Plated 3-course dinner
• Menu:

• • Appetizer: Heirloom tomato salad with burrata and basil

  • Entree choice: Grilled wild salmon OR herb-roasted organic chicken

  • Dessert: Seasonal berry tart with vanilla cream

Strategic Protein Allocation: The couple invested 55% of their food budget in wild-caught salmon and organic chicken, ensuring premium quality for the meal's centerpiece.

Cost Breakdown:

• Food & service: $11,400 ($95/person)
• Service charge (20%): $2,280
• Gratuity (18%): $2,052
• Total: $15,732 ($131/person all-inclusive)

Venue insight: "This couple saved $2,000 by selecting chicken as their second protein option instead of beef, redirecting those savings toward premium wild salmon that became the evening's highlight. Strategic choices like this maximize impact without compromising guest experience."

Enhance your reception atmosphere with personalized wedding balloons and prepare thoughtful personalized wedding welcome bags for arriving guests.

Wedding Catering Cost Checklist (Quick Reference)

Before signing your catering contract, confirm these essential elements:

☑️ Per-person cost specific to your guest count
☑️ Service style (plated/buffet/family-style) clearly defined
☑️ Menu selections with protein percentages and portions
☑️ Service charge & gratuity percentages itemized separately
☑️ Included services: culinary staff, rentals, setup/cleanup, breakdown
☑️ Overtime fees if your reception extends beyond contracted hours
☑️ Dietary accommodation policies (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, religious requirements)
☑️ Payment schedule with deposit amounts and due dates
☑️ Cancellation policy with refund terms
☑️ Taste testing availability and scheduling process
☑️ Final headcount deadline (typically 7-14 days before event)

Pro tip: Request everything in writing before signing. Verbal agreements don't protect you if questions arise later.

Keep guests refreshed with personalized wedding koozies that double as practical favors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a food truck for a wedding?

Food truck rentals typically range from $800-$2,500 for a wedding, depending on cuisine type, guest count, and service duration. This often provides better value for casual celebrations than traditional catering. Learn more: Food truck for wedding cost

How much food do you need for a wedding?

Calculate 1 pound of food per guest for a full meal, or 8-10 appetizer pieces per person for cocktail receptions. This baseline adjusts based on meal timing, service style, and guest demographics. Full details: Self-catering: How to calculate the food for your wedding reception

How much alcohol to buy for a wedding?

Plan for 5-6 drinks per guest for a 4-5 hour reception. This breaks down to approximately 50% beer, 30% wine, and 20% spirits for a balanced bar. Complete calculation guide: Calculate how much alcohol to buy for a wedding

How many drinks per person at a wedding?

Most guests consume 1-2 drinks during the cocktail hour, then 1 drink per hour during the reception. Account for non-drinkers (typically 20-30% of guests) to avoid over-purchasing. Detailed breakdown: Calculate how much alcohol to buy for a wedding

What size cups for wedding bar?

Use 12 oz cups for beer and soft drinks, 9 oz for wine, and 9 oz for cocktails. Clear or custom-printed cups create cohesive bar aesthetics. Size recommendations: What size cups should you use for your wedding reception

What are some fun facts for wedding napkins?

Personalized napkins featuring trivia about the couple, hometown facts, or relationship milestones spark conversation and create memorable keepsakes. Discover 50 creative ideas: Fun facts for wedding napkins that spark joy & conversation

What are creative food truck ideas for weddings?

Popular options include taco trucks, wood-fired pizza, gourmet sliders, poke bowls, and dessert trucks. Food trucks work beautifully for outdoor venues and casual celebrations. Inspiration gallery: Food truck wedding magic: Fresh ideas to transform your celebration

Conclusion

Wedding catering in Seattle averages $80-$120 per person, with total costs heavily influenced by guest count, service style, and menu complexity. Plated dinners offer elegance and customization at premium pricing, while buffets provide variety and flexibility at lower cost points. The key strategy that consistently delivers satisfaction: allocate 50% of your food budget to quality protein—it's what guests remember most about the meal.

Your Next Steps:

1. Use our food calculator for wedding reception to estimate your specific needs
2. Request itemized quotes from 3-5 Seattle caterers for accurate comparison
3. Schedule tastings to evaluate quality before committing to contracts

Planning a Seattle wedding? Explore Tippy Toad's complete wedding collection for personalized decorations, tableware, and favors that transform your reception into an unforgettable celebration. From custom plates to welcome bags, we help you create cohesive designs that delight your guests.

Smart budgeting doesn't mean sacrificing quality—it means investing strategically in what matters most: exceptional food that brings people together and creates lasting memories.