As a premier catering and event planning company, we are aware that understanding catering costs in Atlanta is key to planning a wedding that’s not only beautiful but also fits your budget.

When you get married, one of the most important things is knowing that you and your wedding guests will experience a day full of pleasant experiences. A significant part of creating these moments is ensuring everyone is well-fed and satisfied. This is where the role of a caterer comes into play.

In this blog, we will go over what you need to know about catering costs in Atlanta so you can set a realistic budget that aligns with your vision for the day.

What Does Wedding Catering Cost?

Factors Influencing Catering Costs

Catering costs can be influenced by several factors; guest count, menu choices, and even the season of the year your wedding takes place. 

Let’s take a look at the specifics:

Guest count

The number of guests attending a wedding plays one of the most relevant roles in determining the catering cost. A higher number of guests means a higher quantity of food and beverages will be required. Additional staff to serve these guests might be needed too.

If you have a lot of guests and are afraid this might make you go over budget, you might want to consider talking with your caterer about the available menu choices.

Menu choices

Another thing that can significantly impact the catering budget is the menu. 

High-end or gourmet menu options with exotic ingredients tend to be more expensive than simpler, traditional choices. Special dietary requirements and preferences such as adding vegan or gluten-free options, for example, may also add complexity and cost to the catering process.

Additionally, if you want to opt for a more customized or unique menu, then you need to be prepared for higher catering expenses, as these choices often require specialized ingredients, skilled chefs, and careful preparation.

The good thing is, from chicken piccata to prime rib, the catering menu possibilities are broad. This allows room for your catering company to help you make adjustments to ensure your final menu selection aligns well with your budget. 

Season of the year

Just like vacation costs, weddings also experience peak seasons. This essentially means that the increased number of weddings during certain months can result in increased prices for catering and many other wedding services.

Wedding season typically runs between May and October, with the most popular months being during the summer (July and August) due to the higher chance of good weather. 

Opting for a wedding date outside of this peak season can result in a significant amount of cost savings, however, it gets slightly trickier when it comes to wedding catering.

Let’s say that you choose a wedding date in an off-peak month (November to April). You’re excited about the idea of securing more affordable wedding services and have a few exotic dishes in mind, but after consulting with your caterer, you realize that the prices for some of these meals are higher!

Why Does This Happen? 

Some seafood, beef, and other meals that rely on specific seasonal conditions for production may become scarcer or more expensive during particular times of the year. 

For example, certain species of fish might migrate or spawn at specific times, making them challenging to catch in abundance during those periods. Similarly, some environmental factors such as extreme weather conditions or limited agricultural production, can affect the availability of certain meats and other ingredients.

When this happens, suppliers may struggle to meet the increased demand, leading to higher prices.

How To Keep Wedding Catering Costs Down

If as a couple you are aiming for cost savings, let your caterer know! Clear communication with your catering service about seasonal constraints and budget expectations can lead to exploring alternative menu options that still leave you with a perfect balance between culinary satisfaction and your allocated budget.

How Much Do Caterers Cost For a Wedding in Atlanta?

From big cities to serene rural towns, the pricing of catering services can vary significantly. 

Local economic conditions, market prices for goods and services, and the overall cost of living in a particular area all contribute to the nuances of catering expenses.

According to Wedding Wire, “the average wedding catering cost in the U.S. is about $4,000 with most couples spending between $1,800 to $7,000”. There’s a big gap between the two ends of this number but, as we have learned from this blog, the catering costs can vary immensely depending on the couple’s meal choices.

What Does Wedding Catering Include?

To give you a comprehensive look at the 2024 prices and options for catering services in Atlanta, we will break it down into three potential menus:

Menu 1 ($23.50 per person)

• The Noodles: Garlic and Roasted Tomato Pasta ($6)
• The Meats: Chicken Tetrazzini ($8)
• The Accommodates: Sautéed Asparagus with Vidalia Onion Glaze, Parmesan Asparagus with Braised Tomato Confetti ($8)
• Drinks: LGMA Signature Mango Lemonade ($1.5)

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Menu 2 ($33 per person)

• The Noodles: Baked Pasta Shells with Ricotta, Spinach, and Mushrooms with Home Made Marinara ($9)
• The Meats: Stuffed Tuscan Chicken Breast ($14)
• The Accommodates: Southern Fried Corn with Hickory Smoked Bacon ($8)
• Drinks: Cranberry Sparkle Punch ($2)

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Menu 3 ($57 per person)

• The Noodles: Creamy Garlic Alfredo Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Florets & Diced Chives ($12)
• The Meats: Mesquite Grilled Lamb Lollipops ($22)
• The Accommodates: Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad ($8)
• Drinks: Mimosa Bar ($15)

These menus can give you a taste of the options you can choose based on your budget. However, keep in mind that in LG’s Magical Affairs, we can help you mix and match to create your ideal menu. 

We understand that every couple has a unique vision for their special day, and our goal is to empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your catering choices.

Let us help you ease your mind. To learn more about our services and how we can make your dreams a reality, call 678-270-0359 or fill out our contact form, and we will get in touch with you to provide a FREE consultation. 

Alternatively, you can use our online order form if you are ready to order and receive a quote.

Conclusion: Catering Costs in Atlanta

Together, we can plan an unforgettable experience that perfectly fits your needs and ensures that every detail is taken care of. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to make your celebration stress-free and exceptional!