The cost of a catering an event varies based on the type of menu desired, the size and location of the event, the season and other factors; but the following guidelines should provide you with a good idea of what you should expect for various types of parties, and the factors to consider in designing your event.
Time of Day
The time of day can play a significant role in the type of event you
are planning. Your guests will typically expect different types and
quantities of food depending on the time of day. We suggest the following
as an example:
Breakfast - 7:00AM - 9:00AM
Lunch - 11AM - 1:00PM
Dinner - 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Reception - 7:00PM +
Type of Event and Menu
The type of event can be the biggest determing factor in price, and also
has the widest variability. Does the event require substantial service
staff (i.e. a served dinner), medium staff (reception), or a light
staff (a buffet)? Is the menu simple or complex? The following are
rough estimates as to what you can expect various types of menus to
cost.
Breakfast $8.00 +
Boxed Lunch $6.50+
Buffet Lunch $16.00+
Served Lunch $25.00+
Reception $16.00+
Buffet Dinner $20.00+
Served Dinner $36.00+
Rentals
Often people forget about the cost of rental items. Consider if your
event can be done with paper and plastic or if you need glass and china.
Do you need tables and chairs? Linens & Napkins? You can expect
the following prices for standard items.
Glass and China $5.00 per person
Table and Chairs with Linen $7.00 per person
Most events do require rental items. Often, rental pieces will be essential for creating the desired atmosphere for your event. Many unique items are available. Ask us for assistance in creating the perfect ambience for your event!
Location
Does the site you want to rent provide tables and chairs? Linen? Tents?
Kitchen Facilities? Electric Service? All of these may affect your
bottom line.
We can recommend many locations and provide information about their services.
Length of Event
A simple idea, which is sometimes overlooked: How long do you expect
the service staff to stay? How long will you need to rent a venue?
Remember that in the time you set aside for the site rental you must
include time for set up and clean up.
Service Staff
The number and type of service staff needed at your function depends
upon the type of event, the number of guests and the size of the facility.
Most events require service staff.
The average sit-down dinner will require one service person for every 20 guests; a reception requires one service person for every 30 guests. With an average time of 6 hours per server, including set-up, clean up and travel time. Additional service staff may be added to reduce service time with a higher ration of server to guests. We can also arrange for additional support staff such as bartender, valet, chef, and cake service.
PLEASE remember that these guidelines are only a few "rule of thumb" suggestions to aid in your planning and budgeting, and prices may vary depending upon seasonal fluctuations and the specifics of your particular event.
911 20th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 329-4163
