02/02/2026
Understanding Catering Costs — A Transparent Overview from NJ catering LLC
We understand that planning an event involves balancing vision, guest count, and budget. To help set clear expectations, we believe in being transparent about how catering costs are structured.
If your budget is $2,500 and your anticipated guest count is 150–200 guests, each of those factors independently is reasonable. However, when combined, the numbers do not realistically support full-service catering at this scale.
Estimated Food Cost
For an event serving 150–200 guests, the cost of quality ingredients alone—including proteins, fresh produce, sides, seasonings, cooking oils, and necessary disposables—typically ranges between $1,500 and $2,000, even when calculated conservatively.
Using an average estimate of $1,800 for food cost:
$2,500 total budget – $1,800 food cost = $700 remaining
What Full-Service Catering Includes
The remaining amount would be expected to cover:
Professional food preparation and cooking time
Service staff for setup, serving, and breakdown
Catering equipment and serving supplies
Transportation to and from the venue
10–14 hours of skilled labor
Business overhead, including insurance, licenses, and taxes
As you can see, this budget does not allow for the level of service and quality that NJ Catering LLC is committed to providing for events of this size.
Key Considerations When Planning
Larger guest counts require proportionate budgets
Smaller budgets may be best suited for reduced guest counts or drop-off catering options
Full-service catering is designed to provide a premium, seamless experience for hosts and guests alike
At NJ Catering LLC, our goal is to ensure every event is executed with excellence, professionalism, and high-quality service. When the budget and guest count align, we are able to deliver an exceptional catering experience that reflects our standards and your vision.
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