Wedding and Event Catering

Find a caterer near East Point, GA

Find a caterer near East Point, GA

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Top 10 Caterers near East Point, GA

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.

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.

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 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 East Point caterers
Kelly L.
Although I ended up not hiring a caterer for the event, working with Richard at Eydt Catering through the initial stages of decision making was a great experience. If you want to hire a caterer who is willing to “cater” to your every need, then Eydt is your route. Very willing to please and accommodate your needs.
Bites By Eydt CateringBites By Eydt Catering
Lesley H.
Have not use this caterer yet but so far very impressed
The Bountiful Basket Catering LLCThe Bountiful Basket Catering LLC
Thumbtack Customer
Our Holiday Party was a success, THANKS to Chef Vince & his team from Gotta Have It Catering! The food was a FOODIE'S dream and the service was top notch! Thanks to Thumbtack for introducing us to Gotta Have It Catering!
Gotta Have It CateringGotta Have It Catering
Kevin J.
Great experience for my family dinner.....will use this caterer again.
Rudine’s LLCRudine’s LLC
Heather F.
GHI catering could not have been a better selection for our event.
Gotta Have It CateringGotta Have It Catering
Charles B.
Rae’s was an amazing caterer and extremely helpful! Will definitely use them in the future!
Rae’s Int’l Food DiariesRae’s Int’l Food Diaries
Jocelyn C.
I found Daddy's Girl BBQ just searching for holiday catering companies on Google. I had an awesome experience ordering for our catered Thanksgiving Day Meal. Mrs. Darling was very personable, professional and the food was delicious! She was even able to assist me in providing last minute food items for a separate event-which was greatly appreciated and super accommodating of her amidst a busy holiday catering season. I will definitely be using her services going forward and would gladly recommend her to cater any events.
Daddy's Girl BBQDaddy's Girl BBQ
Gabriella R.
Delicious food and excellent experience overall. Will definitely be using this talented caterer again!
Rae’s Int’l Food DiariesRae’s Int’l Food Diaries
Anoop W.
Chef Dena and team did an excellent job catering to an event at the house. She was able to provide sound recommendations on choices in the menu and the food was liked by everyone at the party. Would recommend to friends and use in-joy catering again for future events.
In-Joy Atlanta Catering  LLCIn-Joy Atlanta Catering LLC
Yanik w.
They were simply amazing and the food was delicious. Some of the best catered food I’d ever had.
Buy Your Side Catering CoBuy Your Side Catering Co
Thumbtack Customer
Catered my son's wedding reception. Food was delicious!! Presentation beautiful.Staff very helpful and professional. Highly recommend
Gotta Have It CateringGotta Have It Catering
Thumbtack Customer
I was somewhat disappointed in the presentation and quality of the food. The taste of the food was not what I thought would be from a professional caterer.
Events by BridgetEvents by Bridget
Jay B.
Ola did a great job catering our birthday party. Everyone loved the food and it was exactly what we ordered. We got so many inquiries about where the food was from and who catered it and I even had people days after asking me about the food. Will definitely recommend and use again.
Ola's Kitchen AtlOla's Kitchen Atl
Che W.
I feel lucky to have found this excellent caterer! The food was great and my guests loved it! If you are in the mood for good soul food, this is it!
Aunt Betty’s Halal Soul FoodAunt Betty’s Halal Soul Food
Thumbtack Customer
Made hosting the party as easy as it could possibly be. Staff friendly and all guest had a wonderful time! Many asked for the caterer's name!!!
The Bountiful Basket Catering LLCThe Bountiful Basket Catering LLC
Anita H.
Rae’s Int’l Food Diaries did an excellent job catering my son’s birthday party hosting 30 adults and children. Great vegan & vegetarian selections that guests loved. Many asked for Rae’s contact info to have for their next event. Rae and her staff are very professional and the food was delicious. We will definitely have Rae cater future events for us!
Rae’s Int’l Food DiariesRae’s Int’l Food Diaries
Colleen P.
Mike was excellent for a corporate event for my client. Plus everyone loved the food. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a caterer for their event.
The Bountiful Basket Catering LLCThe Bountiful Basket Catering LLC
Shadawn H.
For it being my first time I was impressed the food was amazing tiara was extremely professional and i would definitely be using Couture Catering again.
COUTURE CATERINGCOUTURE CATERING
Thumbtack Customer
Gotta Have It Catering was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding day. Vincent provided everything that we needed and more. He was able to customize a menu with us and the food was delicious! His staff was outstanding on the day of our wedding and accommodated every need that we had. We would whole-heartedly recommend Gotta Have It Catering for any event that you are planning.
Gotta Have It CateringGotta Have It Catering
Nep O.
It was my first time hiring catering for an event I was throwing and working with James was a pleasure. The process went about as smoothly as it could have. Would hire again in the future.
Global British GrillGlobal British Grill
Janine N.
Pamela and her team catered our daughter’s wedding. Everything was fabulous. From our tasting in February to the event in December; we couldn’t have been more pleased.
Buy Your Side Catering CoBuy Your Side Catering Co
Caren S.
Chef Woah was responsive and progressional. He provided a great quote and his photos depict quality food. I look forward to him catering our event later this month.
Woah's Place LLCWoah's Place LLC
Byron G.
Dick did a great job catering my small dinner party. The food was excellent and he was on time and very professional. My guests had a fantastic night thanks to Dick.
Bites By Eydt CateringBites By Eydt Catering
Nicole W.
It was a pleasure working with Good Fork Catering (Chef Bree and staff)! Chef Bree responded quickly to request, she was very pleasant to talk to and displayed professionalism throughout the entire process. The day of my event they were punctual. The brunch prepared was delectable! Also, the carving station is a must have! Additionally, Good Fork Catering ensured all guest were comfortable, as they were very attentive and provided ELITE service. I would definitely choose them for all future events!
Good Fork CateringGood Fork Catering
Claire B.
It was a pleasure to meet Rae. The feedback about the food from my guests was amazing. I’ll also be trying Rae’s home meal delivery service. I’d recommend Rae to anyone looking to cater an event.
Rae’s Int’l Food DiariesRae’s Int’l Food Diaries
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