We're planning a wedding in Pittsburgh for approximately 200 guests, and I'm hoping to get some perspective from others who have recently booked catering.

We've received several proposals, and while we expected catering to be a significant expense, I'm surprised by how much the additional staffing and rental costs increase the final price.

Here's a breakdown from one proposal:

• Food: $127/person ($25,400)
• Staffing: $7,760
• Estimated overtime: $1,804
• Bar supplies and cookie table setup: $2,800
• Administrative fees and taxes: $3,484
• Rentals: $12,396

Total: Approximately $46,245, or $231 per person.

This doesn't include alcohol, gratuity, guest chairs, linens, or any additional rentals that may be needed.

One thing I'm having difficulty understanding is why so much of the equipment necessary to prepare and serve the food is billed separately. The rental estimate includes items such as ovens, food warmers, kitchen equipment, serving platters, and utensils.

I realize off-site catering is different from a restaurant, and there are additional logistical expenses. But I had assumed that at least some of the basic food preparation equipment and labor would be incorporated into the per-person menu pricing, much like a restaurant accounts for those expenses in its food prices.

I'm not questioning the value of professional catering or expecting these services to be free. I'm simply trying to understand whether this pricing structure is standard and how other couples are budgeting for it.

For those who have recently planned weddings, particularly in Pittsburgh:

• Were staffing and kitchen equipment rentals billed separately from your food price?
• How much did those additional expenses increase your total?
• Did you find caterers who offered more inclusive per-person pricing?

I'd genuinely appreciate hearing about others' experiences and recommendations. We're trying to make informed decisions and understand what a realistic catering budget looks like for 200 guests.

Beyond budget limitations, how should I select a caterer for my wedding? I can’t try their food before doing so unless they happen to also run a restaurant. What questions should I ask/things I should keep in mind so I make a good choice?

Hey, I gotta conduct a primary research for TAFE, just wondering if you can answer the following questions ? Would be much appreciated !

What occasions would make you more likely to buy food from a food truck ?

A) Markets and festivals 

B) family outings 

C) work lunch breaks 

D) birthdays and private events 

What types of food or treats would you most likely purchase from a food truck ? 

A) desserts and sweets 

B) ice cream or frozen treats 

C) cakes, waffles or pancakes 

D) drinks and smoothies 

E) burgers, wraps or other savoury foods 

How important are the following when choosing what to buy ?

A) taste and quality 

B) affordable prices 

C) portion sizes 

D) appearances and presentations 

E) Variety of menu options 

What catches your attention when choosing between food trucks ? 

Answer: 

Hi we will have our wedding nextyear anyfeedback with them

Restaurant owners and catering managers: could I get your honest feedback?
I’m building Lukama™, a catering-operations platform for restaurants. Before making more product decisions, I want to understand how real teams currently handle inquiries, quotes, payments, calendars and event handoffs.
I created a 5–7 minute research questionnaire. It isn’t a sales signup, responses can be anonymous, and contact information is optional.
https://lukama.app/owner-feedback?source=reddit

I’m also happy to discuss the project and what led me to build it in the comments.

We’re Umami Hibachi, and we catered the hibachi portion of this engagement celebration in Paramus.
The hosts put together such a thoughtful setup: burgundy runners, cream linens, candlelight, and string lights over the deck. The tables wrapped around the cooking area, making the dinner feel intimate and personal.
Sharing a few photos for anyone looking for backyard engagement party inspiration. Congratulations to Aiden and their partner!
Would you choose an at-home dinner or a restaurant for an engagement celebration?

Ciao a tutti, sono qui per chiedervi aiuto perché vorrei lavorare come cameriera nei banchetti, ma sono nuova qui a Torino e non so a chi mi devo rivolgere. Qualcuno sa di gruppi che cercano persone extra qui nella città di Torino?

Hi everyone! I’m planning a retirement celebration for my dad and would love some recommendations from people who’ve organized similar events.

We’ll have around 50 people, and I’m looking for recommendations for:

* 🪷 Bhajan mandli / bhajan group for the celebration

* 🍱 Good lunch catering service— preferably reliable, good-quality food and reasonably priced

* 🌿 Open / spacious venue for a dinner party -where around 50 people can comfortably sit, eat, chill and spend time together

* 🥂 Ideally, somewhere with a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere rather than a very formal banquet hall

* 📍 Preferably in/around Gandhinagar, BHAT

If you’ve personally used a caterer, bhajan mandli, or venue and had a good experience, I’d really appreciate your recommendations. **Please share approximate pricing too, if you know it.**

Thanks in advance! 🙏

for wedding reception offers vegan, pescatarian, gluten free options.

Hey everyone, need some tips: I've been trying to look into how I can better manage spend amongst my team. Main issue is that whenever any expense comes up, someone from my team grabs it puts it on their own card. It then takes me a lot longer than ideal to pay them back since i'm usually waiting for the receipt. THe other option is our company card, but a lot of times I have to ask around what charge is what, etc.. I can't hand everyone their own company card but it doesn't make sense for my team to keep having to front the money. How do you guys deal with this?

Hi everyone, I run a home bakery called Bakelicious (designer cakes, desserts, corporate gifting).

Posting to connect on 2 things:

• For Restaurants/Cafes: Looking for regular dessert supply tie-ups in Pune. We do bulk, fresh, consistent - brownies, cheesecakes, mousse cups, tea cakes, etc.

• For Diwali: Taking bulk gifting orders for corporates/societies. Custom hampers with branding available. Pan-Pune delivery.

If you’re interested or can connect me to someone, please DM. Happy to share menu and tasting samples.Thanks r/pune!

I have catering drivers use their own cars, and they get paid well, hourly and mileage wise

In over 20,000 deliveries (yes, legit number) had a first happen- driver typed in address correctly but choose the wrong city. Went an hour north, not 45 minutes south

obviously customer got a refund, PLUS I had to call a local restaurant in the small town and pay for the sandwiches I sent there in our stead

And my driver wants full pay. Hourly plus mileage

Lol

I see it like this - I offered you pay for 123 main street Southsville, NOT 123 Main st NORTHSVILLE

you didn't go to where you were told. Thus, no mileage reimbursement? I'll pay the hourly but no more...

Thoughts??

Hello guys.
I hope not to bring hate upon another SAAS app software startup.

I’ve been a restaurant operator for 10 years; 20% focused on catering events. I’ve always managed myself with spreadsheets, calendars, Quickbooks etc.

I decided to build my own.

It would mean a lot of you can point out your stress points while coordinating and securing a catering event.

Also; if you can show your interest by joining our waiting list/early access to create more credibility with shareholders and institutions.

Check it out Lukama.app

Thanks y’all

Did a 25-person hibachi party in Ridgewood, NJ and finished the night with Sake Time.
Everyone was already full and having a good time, then this happened 😂
Definitely one of the most fun parts of doing backyard hibachi parties around Bergen County.
Anyone else ever tried hibachi at home instead of going to a restaurant?

I’m planning a catering side business for private events and pop ups on evenings and weekends after eight years of cooking professionally. Most clients will pay ahead when booking, but I’ll need to take payments on site for last-minute extras and walk-up sales at pop ups. A terminal sitting on the buffet table just isn’t the right look for catering. I’m looking for something portable and discreet that fits in an apron pocket and takes about 30 seconds to use. What’s the best card reader for a small business when there’s no checkout counter and the whole setup needs to stay invisible?

I shared pictures of my husband’s retirement party approx. 3 months ago. We decided to take ChefsPrep Catering to court due to substandard food. The meal arrived cold and old appealing and tasted horrible. During the hearing the caterer openly stated he was out of town, and another caterer prepared the meal!!! The so called manager who dropped it off did not set up correctly. There were no temp checks, she had to go purchase a lighter, filled the chafing pans with cold water, and didn’t garnish the sides. Again this was a 73.00 per person meal.

The judge did award us with a refund for the cornbread! Such a shame because he clearly didn’t provide us with quality service. We also found out another client is taking him to court for the same reason!

We had a written agreement that addressed the quality and taste of the meal, but the judge did not allow that as evidence! So much for small claims!

Hello everyone I am planning a wedding and I wanted some guidance on some of the best catering services in North Carolina that you guys have used or have dealt with specifically Latin American cuisine