Wondering how much should catering for 30 people cost? Good news, it can be broken down into clear parts. A 2025 Global Business Travel Forecast predicts daily meal and beverage expenses at about $169 per attendee for certain large events (Evolved Events Catering). For a smaller guest list, your total will often be notably less, but the precise cost depends on several factors. Let’s walk through what shapes this figure and how you can plan a memorable meal without busting your budget.
Average cost overview
Catering budgets can vary widely depending on menu complexity, service style, and how flexible you stay on add-ons. On the lower end, you might pay around $15 to $40 per person for a modest spread, while upscale affairs sometimes run $120 or more per guest (Evolved Events Catering). For 30 people, that often translates to:
- $450–$1,200 total for casual dining (think sandwiches, salads, and basic drinks).
- $2,000+ total for more indulgent service (higher-end entrées, premium desserts, or bar service).
Those ranges cover mainly the food itself. A more premium experience, such as a plated meal with multiple courses, can raise the price significantly. Managing these variations keeps you in control and helps you match your event’s tone.
Factors that impact pricing
Costs are shaped by more than just your menu. You’ll also pay for labor, equipment, and any unique requirements. Here are some key cost drivers.
Food costs and labor
According to industry estimates, direct food costs usually make up 25% to 35% of your total budget (Evolved Events Catering). Labor comes in second. When you cater for 30 guests, you might need cooks, servers, or bartenders, and each staffer’s pay adds up. The more hands-on the service (like a sit-down plated dinner), the higher the labor portion.
Menu style and service details
Choosing a specific menu style can greatly affect your final tab:
- Fixed menus let the caterer prepare in bulk, possibly lowering costs.
- Buffet service can reduce overall expenses by up to 50% compared to plated meals.
- À la carte options are flexible but can become pricier if people want lots of variety.
If you need more insights on portion sizes, you can see how do you calculate catering per person?.
Dietary needs
You’ll often pay slightly more if your caterer has to handle various dietary requests, such as gluten-free, Halal, or vegetarian. The extra cost comes from sourcing specialty ingredients or setting up separate prep areas. About 32 million people in the U.S. live with food allergies, so ensuring safety and inclusivity matters (Apple Spice Catering).
Tips to manage your budget
With a guest list of 30, you have room to customize your event, while still keeping costs lean.
Plan inclusivity
Providing a few allergy-friendly and specialty dishes can help everyone feel welcome. Good news, this doesn’t mean an astronomical budget. You’re often able to request custom menus that use overlapping ingredients, minimizing waste. And if you’re still unsure how to set your overall prices, you might check out how do i price my catering?.
Consider a buffet
For small and mid-sized gatherings, buffets let guests pick their own portions and reduce staffing needs. You can feature a couple of protein options, one vegetarian main, and sides that suit most diets. That efficiency often keeps per-person costs more predictable—especially if you skip elaborate extras like an extra dessert station or specialty cocktails.
Here’s a quick snapshot of how costs might break down:
| Expense type | Estimated impact |
|---|---|
| Food costs | 25%–35% of total budget |
| Labor | Often second-largest expense |
| Service style choice | Buffets can reduce costs by up to 50% |
| Extras | Add from a few dollars to $50+ per guest |
If you’re worried about feeding slightly larger groups, you can explore how much food for 50 guests? and adapt similar strategies.
Quick recap and next step
Catering for 30 people typically lands somewhere between $450 and $1,200 for a casual setup, with higher-end events costing more. Factors like menu selection, service style, and special diets all affect your final total. If you’d like more guidance on amounts to serve, have a look at how do you estimate food for catering?.
Start by confirming your budget, then pick a menu style that balances cost and variety. Your caterer can help you fine-tune the details so guests with different needs feel satisfied. As you plan the perfect meal, remember that even small adjustments, like going buffet-style or condensing your beverage list, can keep costs in check. You’ve got this—enjoy creating a memorable event your guests will talk about for weeks to come.