Wedding and Event Catering

Find a caterer near Northglenn, CO

Find a caterer near Northglenn, CO

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Top 10 Caterers near Northglenn, CO

Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How do you find a good caterer?

Reviews, interviews and menu tastings will help you find the right catering choice for your big day. Start by screening possible wedding caterers based on past reviews. If a caterer you are interested in has a review that concerns you, ask them about it; how they respond will be very telling. Next, ask about their availability for your wedding date.

If the wedding caterer is available on your date, it’s time to talk about menus and prices. Be clear about what your maximum budget is find out what choices this will allow you. Caterers may custom-create a menu for your event, or they may have menu templates within different price ranges that can guide your decision. A clear budget gives the caterer clear parameters within which to work and offer creative suggestions. Schedule a menu tasting to confirm you love your wedding menu. Once you have a menu and date, and have paid a deposit to reserve the caterer’s services, confirm additional details including when the food will be delivered to the site, what kind of service will be provided, how many servers will be onsite and for how long, and who is responsible for setup and cleanup. The more specific your contract, the fewer worries you’ll have on your wedding day. Get more smart hiring tips here.

What should you look for in a caterer?

A delicious meal is a critical element of a successful wedding, with happy guests fondly remembering your fabulous wedding food. The right caterer for you will be:

  • Available: Even the best caterer is no good if they aren’t available on your wedding date. Ask early before you get your heart set on someone.
  • Affordable for you: Find a caterer that you can afford. Having a spending plan ahead of time will mean you won’t overspend on food.
  • A good personality fit: Wedding planning is stressful, so work with someone that you can get along with and communicate with easily.
  • Experienced and recommended: Ensure the company has a proven track record with events of your size and the references to back it up.
  • Transparent about money: Steer clear of shady pricing. Find a caterer who is very clear about costs and is happy to talk you through budgets and pricing options.
  • Transparent about food: Find someone who is clear about where they source their food from and where it is prepared.

How much does it cost to hire a caterer?

Catering prices depend mainly on how fancy you want the food and service to be and how many guests you’ll have. When you’re first looking to hire a caterer for your event, consider how many guests you’ll have and your total food and drink budget. The national average for event catering is $340, but catering prices can range into the thousands depending on your menu, guest count, and service.

Event catering is a broad term that covers everything from fully prepared, ready-to-eat food that the hosts plate and serve themselves to full-service, multicourse meals, including rental of linens, glassware and other items, with service staff organized by the catering company. Usually a caterer will determine cost based on the type of event you’re having, how many guests will attend, the level of service you desire, and what type of menu you’d like to have. For example, if you have a set catering budget, say $1,500, and you plan to have 50 people attend, that means you have $30 per person for food. If you have the same budget with 100 people, you have $15 per person for food. In this way, the number of people you want to attend your event and the level of food you want to serve them determines how much catering will cost.

How much should catering cost per person?

Catering prices can range from about $10 per guest on the low end to $150 or more per person on the high end. Catering costs represent the quality of food, presentation, variety, ingredients and service. But catering prices are more than the cost to cook the food that will be at your party; they also include the cost for the company to do business. Here is a simple breakdown of catering prices:

  • Menu: The food you serve your guests will directly affect the price per person. Organic ingredients, complex recipes, elaborate presentations, or high-ticket items like lobster or filet mignon all add to the cost.
  • Service: Buffet, family style, plated dinners — how you serve the food affects the cost per person. For example, a true plated meal can cost about twice the price of a staff-assisted buffet because of staffing costs. Hiring waiters, bartenders and cleanup crew will all be calculated into the per-person catering price.
  • Drinks: Providing beverages and alcoholic drinks for guests greatly increases your catering budget. Hosting an open bar can cost as much per person as the meal.
  • Rentals: Seating, plates, glassware, etc., will all have an effect on the cost per person for catering. For example, a plastic conference table that seats 10 costs about $6 to rent on average, while a wooden farmhouse table is about $80 to rent on average.
  • Business costs: Any catering cost will also include the cost for the company to do business such as insurance, employee wages, commercial kitchen space and more.

How much does wedding catering cost per person?

Wedding catering costs will always vary based on the number of guests you’re inviting, the menu you want to serve, and the way the food will be served to your guests. As you interview wedding catering companies, you’ll be presented with a cost per person for various menus. On the low end, wedding catering may cost approximately $15-$18 per person. This would include prepared food only, with no setup or service of any kind. The starting price for a simple buffet meal with minimal service typically averages $22 per person. Opting for the same menu with all organic ingredients could raise your costs to about $33 per person. A moderately upscale menu (finer ingredients, more elaborate presentation) could range from $24 to $34 per person. High-end wedding catering cost truly has no limit. Lobster, filet mignon, specialty seafood, organic ingredients — menu choices like these can boost your cost per person up to $150 and more.

How much should catering cost for a wedding?

The cost of wedding catering will reflect the level of service, the menu you choose, the luxury you desire and the number of guests you invite. Where you live also plays a major role in your wedding catering costs. The regional cost to do business and local cost of food will affect your catering bill. There is no set price for wedding catering, because each wedding and each menu is different. This is why many caterers provide a per-person price. This allows you to break down what it costs to feed each person based on the menu you want. Working with your caterer, you can adjust menu items, service level and more to accommodate your budget and guest count. Keep in mind that wedding catering costs are not just for the food. The bill reflects all the components that go into commercial food catering: a commercial kitchen, ingredients, staff, insurance, marketing and more. Here are some examples of average costs:

  • Three-course plated meal, moderately upscale, for 125 in Los Angeles: $14,000. Because of staffing costs, a true plated meal costs about twice as much as a staff-assisted buffet.
  • Buffet meal, standard menu, for 100 in Los Angeles: $5,000.
  • Per-person cost for hors d'oeuvres, dinner and nonalcoholic beverages: $24–$37, depending on menu selection, in Southern California.
  • Drop off prepared food for 50: $1,000 in North Carolina. Price does not include any service, setup or breakdown.

How do you serve food at a wedding?

Food service at your wedding will affect your catering costs and influence the atmosphere of the reception. Buffet style is more informal; plated meals are a bit fancier; family style encourages sharing. Read about the different food service styles to select your preferred wedding catering choice.

  • Buffet: Caterers can drop off prepared foods for a DIY and budget-friendly buffet option where you set everything up and food is entirely self-service. For a fuller-service buffet, the caterers set up food, oversee the buffet throughout the event, and clean up afterwards. For food only, prices per person might average $16-$18, while a service buffet may start around $20-$22 per person. Adding food stations can increase per-person costs by at least $3-$5.
  • Family style: Servers bring large platters of food to guest tables in courses. It’s less formal (and less expensive) than a plated meal, but more formal and higher-cost than a buffet. You’ll need large tables to accommodate the platters, so plan accordingly when renting furniture for the event.
  • Plated: A plated event is a formal dining experience; waitstaff serve your seated guests for each course, fill their drinks, and attend to them throughout the dinner. A plated dinner is typically the most expensive option for both food and service.
  • Food trucks: Similar to buffets, with food trucks your guests get their own food and bring it to their table. A food truck gives a relaxed and playful vibe to your reception.
  • Cocktail reception: If you don’t want a formal seated dinner, you can opt for a wide assortment of passed appetizers at an extended cocktail hour reception.

Do you tip a wedding caterer?

Tipping 15 percent to 20 percent on a $3,000 catering bill can feel daunting — especially in light of all the other costs of throwing a wedding — but tipping your wedding caterer is standard practice. Be sure to ask your caterer about their specific policies. Many catering companies include gratuity as a line item on their bill. If tipping is not automatically included in your total, a good approach is to tip all the people involved the day of the event rather than paying one lump sum to the catering company. For each server and bartender, you can tip $20-$50, depending on how long they were onsite and whether they did exceptional work. You can also tip the chef; experts suggest $50. It’s also a good idea to tip the catering manager, the point-of-contact person who keeps the catering service running smoothly the day of your wedding, ensures all the food looks beautiful and is plentiful, and resolves any mishaps. Industry pros recommend tipping the catering manager $100-$200. If gratuity is not included and you’re tipping individuals, set aside $200-$500 in cash to be safe.

Reviews for Northglenn caterers
Veronica G.
The experience we had with Cameron & Josh from Inclined Catering was wonderful. We had their catering service at my daughter’s wedding. I searched many catering companies, but Cameron was so respectful and patient on guiding me thru the menu for our venue. It was our first experience with a full plated catering service, and definitely not our last with Inclined Catering.
Inclined CateringInclined Catering
Amira A.
I needed a catering company last minute for New Years Eve party and Xim Catering not only came through but delivered an excellent event! My guests and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the food, beverages and service! I would highly recommend!
Xim cateringXim catering
Kylie T.
Andrew catered a taco bar for a 50 person baby shower in April 2022, and he was a pleasure to work with! Guests raved about the food - it was delicious!
AndrewP's KitchenAndrewP's Kitchen
Melony H.
Chef TJ catered a birthday party for us and the food was great. I got several complements on the stations he provided. We will definitely use him again.
Chef TJChef TJ
Margaret R.
Thomas was great from binging to end. We plan to use him whenever we want catering. Our guests raved about his food. Phenomenal!
Your Own KitchenYour Own Kitchen
Mal & Jessica F.
We lost our wedding caterer about 30 days prior to our wedding. We found Chef TJ and he helped us in a pinch. Food was of great quality, he was on time and very responsive of our requests. Dealt with multiple food allergies and accommodated happily. He was unable to provide full catering services but set our venue up and communicated with our wedding planner well. Would definitely hire him again.
Chef TJChef TJ
Kristine K.
Chef TJ catered a holiday party for us and it was a wonderful experience. He was extremely responsive, professional, and arrived right on time. He created unique menu items and all of the food was delicious.
Chef TJChef TJ
Kelsey D.
Lenny was amazing. Everyone at the party was raving about his food and he was the most friendly person ever. I will definitely be hiring him again for any events, large or small that require catering.
Xim cateringXim catering
Allen M.
Had a mixed business and personal wine and cheese party at my new home. Xim catering came in and made a beautiful spread. I asked for elegant and impressive and my guests got way more.
Xim cateringXim catering
Thumbtack Customer
Pamela catered our Grand Opening, she was early, made the food look great and her staff did a great job keeping everything stocked. Class act and affordable. I highly recommend her.
Your Place for DinnerYour Place for Dinner
Elizabeth H.
Kim at Crazy Caterer was very good at getting in touch after mhy first query, communicating through the menu selection, and follow-up. Her servers showed up on time, cooked a tasty dinner, and cleaned up in a flash.
The Crazy CatererThe Crazy Caterer
Kristen S.
Guests at our company event really enjoyed the dinner dishes provided by C’ciny Cucina Italiana. Caterer was responsive, professional, and very easy to communicate with. While perhaps a bit expensive for entrees only, Justin did a fabulous job of setting everything up and ensuring the line flowed smoothly during service!
C'ciny Cucina ItalianaC'ciny Cucina Italiana
Thumbtack Customer
Pam provided catering for a birthday party of 30 people. She had a delicious selection of hors d'ouvers and people were raving about them. She provided the service on short notice which was great. She showed up on time, as did the bartender, was very personable and cleaned up. Perfect, no complaints!
Your Place for DinnerYour Place for Dinner
James W.
Couldn’t have been more thrilled by my experience with the team. Randall was incredible to work with, great planner, helped collaborate on my menu. Had a house party with food for about 30 people. They were on time, setup a gorgeous spread, and everyone was raving about the food. If you’re cruising thumbtack looking for a caterer 10/10 choose them.
Luxury Meals From HomeLuxury Meals From Home
Thumbtack Customer
We hired Pam to cater and serve our annual holiday dinner for about 20 people. She did an amazing job with the food preparation and presentation and it was so nice to have the extra help of a server on hand as it transformed our evening into an extra classy event. Would absolutely recommend Pam for her food, professionalism and ability to help transform your party.
Your Place for DinnerYour Place for Dinner
Juli D.
Xim catering did a charcuterie spread for our wedding cocktail hour. Because they had a large event the same weekend, they were able to lump our event in under the large orders that got him discount pricing. This was an incredible value for us, and he came and set everything up with so much care! It was beautiful, delicious, and a great price. Plus the owner is kind, helpful, and easy to work with. Definitely recommend!
Xim cateringXim catering
Thumbtack Customer
I hit the jackpot when I found Lenny with Xim catering. He went way above and beyond to accommodate our somewhat complex needs for my Mother's 80th birthday. He was so incredibly gracious, kind, and professional. Xim had some challenges with the venue we had chosen but they really make it work so well despite the none kitchen, tiny space and complex menu. All our guests raved about the food and the extremely friendly service. I give Lenny and Xim 10 stars for service and execution. Thank you very much
Xim cateringXim catering
Jill M.
I hired Matthew to cater a client appreciation party, a month prior to the event. His menu seemed imaginative and he was very personable. On the day of the event, he phoned me at 930a to say his dog was sick and he could not do my event. He said he would send recos soon and followed up with a suggestion that I order from Jimmy Johns or Olive Garden. While I am a dog owner and sympathetic to his dogs illness, I in no way can understand the lack of professionalism and the apparent lack of back up that he has. One star is too much to give this flake.
Matthew Collom Personal Chef ServicesMatthew Collom Personal Chef Services
Becky H.
Brendon and his employee (I wish I could remember his name, because he was so great too and deserves credit) were absolutely amazing! The food was so delicious. Every single one of my employees could not stop talking about how great the food was! Brendon catered for our company Xmas party for about 40 people and we had extra food at the end and could all take some home! Even the next day the food is still so good! I can't express how happy I am with this company and will continue to use him for whatever events I can!! Brendon and helper, thank you so much for the amazing food, service and hospitality! You guys are the best of the best!!!! Ps. the pictures do not do this food and presentation justice! It was on me to decorate around the food as I chose to not pay for that service and I just didn't have time , so please ignore that. Thanks again!!
Denver Mixers and MorselsDenver Mixers and Morsels
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