Most couples are shocked by the quote they get when they first see the wedding catering costs, and if you’re planning a wedding in the DC area, get ready for some serious sticker shock.
Catering for a wedding in DC with 100 guests can cost between $8,600 and $26,000.
Read what one person posted on Reddit.
And this was 2 years ago.
Catering isn't just about the food; it also includes the staff, rentals, drinks, and various other extras that can add up quickly.
If you’re wondering what’s “normal” or how much you should really budget, let’s break down what wedding catering costs look like in DC — and how to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
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How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost in DC?
When planning a wedding in the DC area, it’s crucial to understand that catering prices tend to trend significantly higher than the national average.
National average wedding catering cost: ~$80 per guest
DC area average wedding catering cost: ~$120–$170 per guest
Thanks to DC’s fast-paced, metropolitan environment and diverse culinary scene, couples can expect to invest a substantial portion of their wedding budget into food and beverage services.
Good catering isn’t just about delicious food; it’s about seamless service, beautiful presentation, and thoughtful hospitality.
Couples in the DC area often want an impressive spread, whether that means an elegant plated dinner, fun food stations, or a craft cocktail bar.
Let’s break down the cost:
General Cost Range
Service Level | Estimated Cost Per Guest |
Budget/Basic Catering | $50 – $80 |
Mid-Range Catering | $80 – $150 |
High-End/Luxury Catering | $150 – $350+ |
Budget/Basic Catering ($50–$80 per guest):
This tier typically includes simple buffet-style menus, minimal staffing, and limited beverage options (often just beer and wine).
Expect little customization and a basic presentation.
Mid-Range Catering ($80–$150 per guest):
This is where most DC weddings fall. It includes a wider menu selection, upgraded service styles (such as buffet, food stations, or limited plated service), professional staffing, and standard bar packages.
Presentation, service quality, and menu flexibility improve significantly at this level.
High-End/Luxury Catering ($150–$350+ per guest):
High-end catering often features multi-course plated dinners, premium bar services (craft cocktails, sommelier-curated wine lists), and luxury ingredients (like wagyu beef, lobster, or truffles).
You also receive extensive staffing, including on-site chefs, passed hors d'oeuvres, and white-glove service.
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Key Factors That Influence Catering Costs in Washington, DC
When you start getting quotes for wedding catering in DC, the prices are all over the place.
That’s because catering costs aren’t just about picking a menu and calling it a day; they’re shaped by a bunch of factors that can seriously impact your final bill.
These factors include:
#1. Guest Count
This one’s simple: the more people you invite, the more food, drinks, staff, and rentals you’ll need.
Monica’s tip: Some caterers offer price breaks once you hit certain guest count thresholds, but don’t count on it, especially in high-demand months like May, June, and October.
Also, read How Much Does a 100-Person Wedding Cost in DC [2025].
#2. Type of Service
How you serve the food makes a big difference in cost:
Plated Dinner (most expensive): Each guest is served individually; requires the most staff and precise execution.
Buffet (moderately priced): Guests serve themselves; less staffing needed, but still elegant if done right.
Food Stations (higher-end): Interactive and fun, but costs add up with chefs stationed at multiple tables.
Cocktail-Style Reception (can be cheaper or pricey): Heavy passed hors d’oeuvres instead of a sit-down meal.
Action Stations: A food station attended by a chef where guests enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
#3. Menu Complexity
It’s not just what you’re serving — it’s how complicated it is to make and plate.
Custom or multi-course menus cost more than standard buffet options.
Premium ingredients (hello, truffle risotto or lobster rolls) seriously hike up the price.
Special dietary accommodations (vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal) can add prep and cost layers.
#4. Bar and Beverage Packages
Alcohol is a major player in wedding catering budgets:
Open Bar: Highest cost — unlimited drinks, typically charged per person.
Consumption Bar: Pay based on what your guests drink (risky if you have a lively crowd!).
Beer and Wine Only: Cuts costs significantly without feeling cheap.
Signature Cocktails: Creativity that can help limit overall drink options and costs.
Monica’s Tip: In DC, you also need to consider getting a liquor license if your caterer or venue doesn’t already have one.
#5. Staffing and Rentals
Your caterer isn’t just bringing food; they’re coordinating everything behind the scenes.
Staffing: Waitstaff, chefs, bartenders, bussers — each team member adds to the bill.
Rentals: Tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware, glassware. Some venues include them; others don’t, and it’s a hidden expense people forget about.
#6. Venue Requirements
Some DC venues have exclusive catering contracts — meaning you have to use their preferred caterers, usually at premium prices.
Other times, venues without kitchens will require your caterer to bring in full mobile kitchen setups (more staff, more gear, more $$$).
Monica’s Tip: Always ask venues about their catering policies before booking — it can save you major headaches later.
Not sure where to start?
Hidden Fees to Watch Out for from Wedding Caterers
You might think you’ve locked in your catering budget once you pick a menu, but not so fast.
In Washington, DC, there are a few extra fees that often catch couples off guard.
Some of these hidden costs can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your final catering bill if you’re not careful.
Here's what you need to watch for:
#1. Service Charges
Most DC caterers tack on a service charge ranging from 18% to 25% of your total bill.
This is not the same as a tip — it typically covers expenses such as administrative costs, insurance, and back-end labor.
You still may want (or be expected) to tip the on-site staff separately.
#2. Taxes
Obvious but often overlooked: DC sales tax on catering services is 10%, one of the highest rates in the country.
Make sure you factor that into your overall budget, not just the menu pricing.
#3. Delivery and Setup Fees
If your venue isn’t super central — or if loading in is tricky (think downtown locations with limited parking) — you might be charged extra for delivery, setup, and even breakdown after the event.
This can range from $100 to $500, depending on the caterer and the complexity of the event.
#4. Tasting Fees
Some caterers offer complimentary tastings, but in DC, it’s common to be charged, especially if you haven’t officially booked them yet.
Tasting fees can range from $50 to $150 per person, and some only refund the fee if you sign a contract.
#5. Overtime Charges
Weddings never run exactly on schedule, and if your reception goes longer than planned, you could be on the hook for overtime fees for catering staff.
Expect rates of $25–$50 per staff member per extra hour, which adds up quickly with a full catering team.
#6. Cake Cutting Fees
If you're bringing in a cake from an outside bakery (not your caterer), some companies charge a cake-cutting fee, usually $2–$6 per guest.
This covers the labor involved with slicing, plating, and serving the cake.
#7. Corkage Fees
If you prefer to provide your own wine or champagne instead of purchasing it through the caterer, be sure to check the fine print.
Corkage fees (usually $15–$30 per bottle) can wipe out the savings you thought you were getting.
#8. Equipment Rental Fees
Sometimes you’ll get a catering proposal that only lists food and staffing, but you still have to pay separately for:
Tables
Chairs
Linens
China, glassware, and silverware
Depending on the style and quantity required, rentals can add $20 – $50 or more per guest to your total.
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Types of Caterers You’ll Find in DC
Our area isn’t just packed with fantastic restaurants, it’s also home to some seriously talented wedding caterers.
Whether you’re dreaming of a formal black-tie affair or a laid-back rooftop party, there’s a caterer out there who fits your style and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of caterers you’ll find in DC:
Full-Service Catering Companies
These are the pros who do it all: food, staffing, rentals, setup, cleanup, bar service — sometimes even florals, and event coordination.
Perfect for couples who want a seamless, all-inclusive experience without juggling a million vendors.
Cost: $$$
Examples: Caribbean Caterers, Main Event Caterers, Design Cuisine.
Boutique or Custom Caterers
Boutique caterers specialize in personalized, chef-driven menus with a strong creative touch.
Consider seasonal ingredients, themed menus, or innovative food presentations.
Perfect for foodie couples or anyone planning a smaller, super-custom wedding.
Cost: $$$ to $$$$
Examples: Heirloom Catering, Made With Love.
Restaurant Catering
Many restaurants in the DC area offer off-site catering services for weddings. You’ll get the restaurant’s signature dishes served at your wedding venue instead of in-house.
Perfect for: Couples who want a casual but delicious meal or who are obsessed with a particular DC eatery.
Cost: $$ to $$$
Examples: Founding Farmers, and District Winery (sometimes for private events).
Food Truck Catering
Yes, you can totally have a food truck at your wedding, and in DC, the options are next level.
Many trucks now offer full-service wedding packages, complete with staff and buffet-style setups.
Perfect for: Outdoor weddings, casual receptions, or late-night snacks.
Cost: $ to $$
Examples: Pepe Food Truck by José Andrés, Timber Pizza Co.
Specialty & Cultural Caterers
DC’s diversity shines in its catering scene. If you need authentic Ethiopian, Indian, kosher, halal, Caribbean, or any other specialty cuisine, you’ll find dedicated caterers who focus on it.
Perfect for: Couples incorporating cultural traditions or hosting multicultural weddings.
Cost: $$ to $$$ depending on menu complexity.
Examples: Bollywood Bistro Caterers, Rasika.
DIY and Drop-Off Caterers
Some catering companies offer simpler drop-off services, where they prepare the food and deliver it — no full staff or elaborate setups included.
Perfect for: Super casual weddings, intimate backyard ceremonies, or couples on a tighter budget who can hire a few servers separately.
Cost: $
Examples: Mindy’s Catering, Federalist Pig (BBQ drop-offs).
Bottom Line:
The DC area has a huge range of catering styles and pricing.
Whether you want a five-course tasting menu or a taco truck, there’s a caterer who can make it happen.
The key is figuring out what kind of vibe you want and then finding someone who fits both your vision and your budget.
Popular Catering Styles and Their Costs
When you think about wedding food, it’s not just about what you’re serving — it’s also how it’s served.
In our area, you’ll find different catering styles, each with its own vibe, experience, and price tag.
Here's a list of popular wedding catering styles and what you can expect to pay for each:
Formal Plated Dinner
What it is:
A classic sit-down meal where each guest is served individually, course by course.
Vibe:
Elegant, traditional, upscale. Think black-tie weddings and hotel ballrooms.
Cost:
$150–$350+ per guest in DC, depending on menu choices, staffing, and venue.
Pros:
Classy and polished.
Easy to manage timing for speeches, dances, etc.
Great for multi-course, chef-driven menus.
Cons:
Most expensive option.
Requires a lot of staff (and extra rentals).
Buffet-Style Dinner
What it is:
Guests serve themselves from a selection of dishes arranged on long tables.
Vibe:
Relaxed but still elegant with the right setup. Great for a wide variety of food options.
Cost:
$70–$130 per guest in DC.
Pros:
Guests get more choices.
Typically less expensive than plated.
Faster service for large groups.
Cons:
Buffet-style dinners can cause lines if not managed well.
Less formal, which could clash with some wedding styles.
Food Stations
What it is:
Mini buffets or live-action stations featuring different types of food (like a carving station, pasta station, sushi bar, etc.).
Vibe:
Interactive, fun, lively — guests mingle and graze.
Cost:
$100–$200+ per guest in DC.
Pros:
Great for foodie couples.
Encourages guest movement and interaction.
Tons of menu flexibility.
Cons:
Requires more chefs or staff to run stations.
It can be pricier than buffets.
Action Stations
What it is:
A chef-attended food station where guests enjoy freshly prepared, customized dishes. Think live cooking demos right at your reception — it’s dinner and a show!
Vibe:
Interactive, energetic, and unforgettable. Perfect for couples who want a truly wow moment at their wedding.
Cost:
$120–$220+ per guest in DC, depending on the number and type of stations.
Pros:
Personalized guest experience.
Brings movement, energy, and excitement to your reception.
Perfect for showcasing special foods, such as seafood, carving stations, or made-to-order dishes.
Examples:
A seafood table loaded with fresh oysters, shrimp, and crab.
A made-to-order pupusa station, complete with chefs crafting them live.
Custom dessert stations like flambéed Bananas Foster or build-your-own s'mores.
Cons:
Requires extra chefs and staff, which adds to your catering budget.
Needs enough space and coordination to keep lines moving smoothly.
Cocktail-Style Reception (Heavy Appetizers)
What it is:
Instead of a sit-down dinner, guests enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and small bites throughout the evening.
Vibe:
Chic, modern, party-focused.
Cost:
$70–$140 per guest in DC.
Pros:
Typically cheaper than a full meal.
Creates a lively, social atmosphere.
Flexible timing — easier to fit around dancing and entertainment.
Cons:
Guests might expect a full meal unless you set expectations.
Requires lots of past food and good staffing.
Real DC Wedding Catering Cost Examples
It’s one thing to hear averages and price ranges, but it’s way more helpful to see real-world examples of what DC couples spent.
Here’s a peek at three different types of weddings in the DC area, with actual catering costs broken down so you can get a better sense of what fits your vibe and your budget.
Example 1: 100-Guest Elegant Plated Dinner in Georgetown
Venue: Historic mansion venue in Georgetown (exclusive preferred caterer list).
Catering Style: Formal plated dinner (3 courses).
Menu Highlights: Local seasonal salad, filet mignon, crab cake duet, flourless chocolate torte.
Bar: Premium open bar (top-shelf liquor).
Staffing and Rentals: Full service (linens, china, glassware, servers, bartenders).
Cost Breakdown:
Food & Beverage: $165 per guest = $16,500
Service Charge (22%): $3,630
Tax (10%): $2,013
Tasting Fee: Waived after booking
Total Catering Cost: ~$22,100
Monica’s Notes:
Choosing a high-demand Georgetown venue and full-service catering package definitely elevated costs, but the service and presentation were top-notch.
Example 2: 75-guest Rustic Buffet at a Virginia Vineyard
Venue: Winery just outside of DC (flexible caterer policy).
Catering Style: Upscale buffet (carving station + sides).
Menu Highlights: Herb-roasted chicken, prime rib carving station, roasted veggies, mac & cheese bar.
Bar: Beer, wine, and one signature cocktail.
Staffing and Rentals: Mid-level package with buffet attendants and bartenders.
Cost Breakdown:
Food & Beverage: $95 per guest = $7,125
Service Charge (20%): $1,425
Tax (6% VA sales tax): $513
Delivery/Setup Fee: $300
Total Catering Cost: ~$9,363
Monica’s Notes:
Opting for a buffet and a non-DC venue helped save big. Plus, limiting bar options kept costs manageable without guests feeling short-changed.
Example 3: 150-guest Cocktail-Style Reception at an Airport Hotel
Venue: Modern event space in a Hotel (outside caterers allowed).
Catering Style: Cocktail-style reception with heavy-passed appetizers and multiple action stations.
Menu Highlights: Passed mini crab cakes, lamb lollipops, ceviche station, and made-to-order taco bar.
Bar: Consumption-based open bar (beer, wine, house liquor).
Staffing and Rentals: High staffing needs due to mobile food stations and circulating service.
Cost Breakdown:
Food & Beverage: $135 per guest = $20,250
Service Charge (20%): $4,050
Tax (10%): $2,430
Action Station Staff Surcharge: $1,000
Total Catering Cost: ~$27,730
Monica’s Notes:
While a cocktail-style wedding sounds cheaper, adding multiple live-action stations and passed apps made it almost as costly as a formal plated dinner. Still, the guest experience was vibrant and unforgettable.
Conclusion
Wedding catering can be one of your most significant investments, but with proper planning, it can also be one of the most memorable parts of your big day.
Understanding the costs, asking the right questions, and selecting a catering style that suits your vibe (and budget) will help you create a fantastic guest experience without any last-minute surprises.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want expert help pulling everything together, Monica Browne Weddings is here for you!
We specialize in creating stylish, stress-free DC weddings, and we have excellent local catering partners we love working with.