How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed

Wedding Budget

General Advice

Elinor Zucchet

Last updated: 15th Aug 2025

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 South Africa? 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?

Flowers and cake on a table by a lake

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

Catering is one of the most significant wedding expenses, and how much you spend depends on your guest count and the style of meal you choose. In South Africa, couples typically spend between R20,000 and R50,000 on catering according to our ultimate wedding budget breakdown.

Here’s a rough per-guest breakdown to help guide your planning:

Affordable: R350 – R500 per guest
Moderate: R500 – R700 per guest
Premium: R700 – R900 per guest
Luxury: R900 – R1,200 per guest

Your final price will depend on whether you go for a buffet, plated meal, or something more bespoke like grazing tables or food trucks. Some packages include staff, tableware, and drinks — others may charge extra, so it’s worth checking the fine print.

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, be prepared for it to be one of the more expensive parts of your reception. These multi-course meals are carefully planned and presented, offering a fine dining experience that comes with a higher price tag.

On average, you can expect to pay between R700 and R1,200 per guest for a formal plated wedding breakfast. Premium venues or top-tier caterers may charge more, especially if the menu includes gourmet ingredients, wine pairings, or specialised service.

How much does an evening buffet cost?

Wedding table under fairylights with a waiter

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-style catering usually ranges from R350 to R700 per guest, depending on the type of food served. Simpler menus — like chicken, roast veggies, and basic sides — will be on the lower end of the scale, while more elaborate spreads with items like sushi, seafood, or gourmet canapés will push the cost higher.

Buffets can be a great way to feed a large group affordably, especially if you’re after variety and a more relaxed dining atmosphere.

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 offering an open bar at your wedding can feel generous, it can also add up quickly — especially since guests tend to enjoy a few drinks throughout the day. Many South African couples choose a more budget-friendly approach: placing a few bottles of wine on each table, providing some bubbly for the toasts, and letting guests buy additional drinks from a cash bar.

If you’re bringing your own wine or champagne, keep in mind that most venues charge a corkage fee, usually between R30 and R80 per bottle.

Hosting your wedding at a private home or venue without a liquor licence? You may need to apply for a Temporary Liquor Licence — especially if alcohol is being sold. Rules vary by province, so it’s worth checking with your local liquor board well in advance.

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.