Looking to hire a caterer for an upcoming event? At GigSalad, we’ve connected thousands of people with the best event services in their area. Choose a city below to browse caterers for hire near you. We also have answers to your most frequently asked questions about booking a local catering service. Let us help make your next event unforgettable!
On average, a professional caterer charges $700-$1000 for two hours. Though this price can vary a lot based on the size and type of event you are throwing. Many catering packages are based on the number of guests. This is how the caterer determines how much food will be needed. From there, the type of cuisine plays a part as some dishes require pricier ingredients and more food preparation.
Your event setup will also be a factor in your catering costs. Informal offerings like buffets or picnics tend to cost less per person than multi-course plated dinners. Food trucks are another affordable alternative to private catering and can be a fun addition to any event.
Generally speaking, you should try to book a caterer for your event 6-8 months in advance. As you weigh your options, take the time to review price points, customer reviews, and menu items. And as you’re booking well in advance, make sure to go over potential seasonal menu items that may be available at the time of your event.
Some caterers specialize in a particular cuisine, while others will offer a wide variety of foods. When browsing local catering options, review all their menu options and inquire about tastings. Some caterers also have brick-and-mortar restaurants, which can be a great way to try out a few different dishes – and have a fun night out!
Once you begin planning your event and thinking about food services, consider your guest list and atmosphere when choosing your food and drinks. Determine if you want something more casual or a fine dining experience. Would your event be best suited for a buffet, a sit-down dinner, or serving trays of hors d’oeuvres? Then find a catering company that can accommodate those needs.
Caterers can supply delicious meals for all types of parties and events. Caterers are most frequently booked for weddings, from bridal showers to rehearsal dinners to receptions. But really any occasion can be made better with amazing food. Consider professional catering for holiday parties, birthday celebrations, backyard barbecues, luaus, bar mitzvahs, or any other special event.
Some catering companies may offer full-service packages that include a wait staff. The amount of staff required will depend on the size and setup of your event. An all-inclusive buffet will only require enough staff to set up and replenish the food, whereas a full-dining experience will require more servers to deliver each course to every guest.
Other caterers might only provide food services and that’s it. This means they will prepare and deliver the food, but you’ll be responsible for plating and serving the dishes. In this case, you can hire separate wait staff to handle that part or set up a more casual buffet for your guests to serve themselves.
Some caterers will deliver food to the event, while other caterers will prefer to prepare the food on-site to optimize for freshness and taste. For on-site catering, you should ensure that you have ample space in the kitchen and dining room to accommodate the team of workers.
Missouri City, TX 
Caterer
28 Verified Bookings Larissa R. said “We hired two servers for our big day just to help out with general tasks such as non-alcoholic beverage service, sliced cake distribution, and helping…”
South Richmond Hill, NY
Caterer
Ikiya D. said “I'm a wedding planner who had previously worked with LCI Caterers for another couple and I loved working with them so much (plus their food was amazing),…”
Dallas, TX
Caterer
Charlie L. said “Did a tasting with The Dallas Culinary Company and they blew it out of the park! Some of the best food I have had from any restaurant or catering company.”
Duluth, GA
Caterer
Andrea P. said “Where do I start?? The lamb chops are one of my faves they are seasoned well and cooked to perfection! Caribbean , Indian ,African even vegan dishes…whatever…”
No event is complete without savory foods and tasty treats! Let a professional take control of the kitchen and hire a caterer to make your next celebration unforgettable. Caterers can provide everything from casual buffet options to three-course meals. Book catering services for wedding receptions, corporate events, dinner parties, and more on GigSalad.
When booking a caterer, take the time to browse profiles to learn more about their menu options and how their services work. Be sure to check out reviews from past clients so you know what it will be like to work with them. Once you find a caterer you want to hire, get all the details in writing with a contract or booking agreement. When you book on GigSalad, your payments are handled securely through the site and are protected by our Worry-Free Guarantee.
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Using data from quotes sent through GigSalad, we’ve gathered average nationwide pricing for hiring Caterers.
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