02/10/2026
💜 Back to what I love most weddings, events, and beauty. And to kick things off, I’m starting a new series breaking down wedding costs: what’s normal, what’s worth it, and how to plan smart without feeling overwhelmed.
Let’s start with a big one… wedding sticker shock catering edition.
I recently saw a catering quote for about $14,000 for 100 guests, and the first reaction is usually: “How is food that expensive?” Totally fair question. Especially when restaurant pricing makes it seem like you can just multiply a per-person meal cost but weddings don’t quite work that way.
While Pinterest and Instagram are amazing for inspiration, they sometimes create unrealistic expectations around budgets. Catering involves a lot of moving parts and most of the work happens behind the scenes.
You’re not just paying for food. You’re paying for chefs, service staff, rentals, setup and breakdown, logistics, timing coordination, service charges, taxes, and ultimately the overall guest experience. That’s what full-service catering really means.
For context, the quote I saw was on the upper-tier side with a plated dinner and elevated proteins, which naturally increases cost due to staffing, service level, and ingredient quality. Here in the Charlotte market, that typically lands around $130–$160 per guest for a full-service experience, which is actually very in line right now.
Another recent example: about $30,000 for 200 guests including stations, hors d’oeuvres, beer & wine, staffing, linens, setup, and service fees a reminder of how quickly full hospitality adds up.
And honestly, from a planner’s perspective… guests may forget favors or signage, but they rarely forget how they were treated, how smooth the evening felt, and whether the food and hospitality delivered.
The good news? There truly is a vendor for every budget. Sometimes it just takes the right priorities, strategy, and guidance to make it all make sense and that’s exactly what I help my couples do.
If you’re planning and have questions, I’m always happy to help. 💜
Vanity & Vows by Erica McLeod
Luxury Planning • Hospitality Expertise • Seamless Celebrations
