Wedding Food Cost Calculator
Calculate detailed wedding food costs across adult plated entrees, discounted children meals, vendor meals, cocktail appetizers, and late-night snacks.
Calculation Results
Itemized Wedding Food Formula
Total Food Cost = (Adults * Adult Price) + (Kids * Kid Price) + (Vendors * Vendor Price) + Total Guests * (Appetizers Per Person + Late Night Snacks)- Adult Entrees: Full multi-course plated or buffet dinner portions.
- Child Plates: Discounted kid-friendly meals (chicken tenders, sliders, mac & cheese) typically priced at 30% to 50% of adult meals.
- Vendor Meals: Required hot meals for your photographer, videographer, DJ, and coordinator, often billed at 40% to 60% of guest entrees.
- Hors d’Oeuvres & Snacks: Passed cocktail hour bites and midnight comfort food (sliders, taco bar, fries).
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
- Adult Meals: 85 * $75 = $6,375
- Child Meals: 10 * $25 = $250
- Vendor Meals: 5 * $35 = $175
- Total Guest Headcount: 85 + 10 = 95 guests
- Appetizers & Snacks: 95 * ($15 + $8) = $2,185
- Total Food Cost: $6,375 + $250 + $175 + $2,185 = $8,985
- Average Cost Per Guest: $8,985 / 95 = $94.58
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Break down your headcount by adults, children under 12, and on-site vendors.
- 2Enter the quoted rates for adult entrees, discounted children menus, and vendor plates.
- 3Add per-person allocations for cocktail hour appetizers and late-night food.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Children and vendors receive modified or simplified menu options.
- Appetizers and late-night snacks are calculated across attending guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many appetizers should we serve during cocktail hour?
For a standard 1-hour cocktail hour before a full dinner, plan for 4 to 6 pieces per person across 3 to 5 distinct appetizer selections.
Are vendor meals required?
Yes. Most professional contracts for photographers, videographers, DJs, and planners require a hot meal if they work 5 or more consecutive hours.
What age qualifies for a children’s meal discount?
Most wedding caterers define children as ages 12 and under for discounted kids menu pricing. Babies and toddlers under 2 who do not need a plate are free.
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