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Home / How much does catering for 50 guests cost?

How much does catering for 50 guests cost?

wedding catering costs per person budget guide for louisville catering company menu packages with pricing

How much does catering for 50 guests cost?

If you’re planning a small or intimate event, you may be wondering: “How much does catering for 50 guests costs”, “What is the average cost of catering for 50 people?”, or “Ways to have catering for 50 guests on a budget.”, then this guide is perfect for you!

“How much does catering for 50 guests cost?”

Whether you’re choosing a buffet, plated dinner, cocktail reception, or simple drop-off catering, the good news is that feeding 50 guests is much more affordable than larger events and you can often invest more into quality food, appetizers, or bar upgrades without breaking the bank.

Here is the complete 2025 guide to budgeting for cost for catering for 50 people.

Average Event Catering for 50 Guests Cost (2025)

Across the U.S., most couples spend:

  • $35–$120+ per guest depending on service style

  • $2,000–$7,000 total for 50 guests for food alone

  • $3,000–$9,500+ total if you include appetizers + bar + staffing

A realistic catering budget for a 50-guest event falls into these tiers:

✔ Catering for 50 guests on a budget (simple & affordable):

$1,750–$3,500 total

✔ Mid-Range Catering (most common):

$3,750–$6,000 total

✔ High-End Catering (gourmet/plated):

$6,500–$9,500+ total

These ranges apply whether you’re searching “catering near me,” “event and wedding caterers Louisville KY,” “best catering company,” “cost for catering for 50 people”, or “Italian/Mexican/southern food wedding menus.”

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What Affects the Cost of Feeding 50 Guests?

Catering prices are driven by four big factors:

1. Service Style (Biggest Budget Factor)

The way you serve your meal has the most influence on pricing.

Buffet Catering (most affordable)

$35–$60 per guest
Perfect for:

  • Italian buffets

  • Southern BBQ & comfort food

  • Mexican/Tex-Mex taco bars

  • “Simple and good” wedding menus

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Family-Style Dinner

$50–$75 per guest
Loved for:

  • Italian shared platters

  • Rustic farmhouse weddings

  • Seasonal or farm-to-table meals

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Plated Dinner (premium option)

$70–$120+ per guest
Ideal for:

  • Gourmet meals

  • Multi-course plated menus

  • Luxury or formal weddings

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Cocktail-Style (heavy appetizers)

$40–$85 per guest
Great for:

  • Small weddings and events

  • Loft or outdoor venues

  • Casual receptions or “party-style” weddings

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2. Cuisine Choices (Italian, Mexican, Asian, Southern, Gourmet) Catering for 50 Guests Cost

Different menu types have drastically different costs.

More Affordable Options

  • Italian catering (pasta, chicken entrees)

  • Mexican/Tex-Mex taco bars

  • Southern food (BBQ, fried chicken, mac + cheese)

  • Chinese/Japanese buffet-style menus

  • Deli platters / sandwich bars

  • Simple hot + cold buffet menus

Average cost for catering for 50 people:
$1,750–$3,000

Higher-End Menu Prices

  • Steak, seafood, or premium proteins

  • Chef-attended stations (carving, sushi, pasta toss)

  • Multi-course plated gourmet dinners

  • European/German specialty menus

  • Fusion cuisine

Average cost for catering for 50 people:
$3,500–$6,500+

3. Bar Service & Beverage Packages

Bar pricing depends on the type of alcohol and service.

  • Beer & Wine Only: +$10–$18 per guest

  • Standard Full Bar: +$18–$30 per guest

  • Premium Open Bar: +$28–$45 per guest

For 50 guests, bar service adds:
$500–$2,250+ depending on the package.

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4. Staffing, Rentals & Extras

If you’re hiring a full-service caterer or company (like Michaelis Events), expect additional line items such as:

  • Servers

  • Bartenders

  • Cooks

  • Delivery & transport

  • Setup & teardown

  • Linens, plates, flatware, glassware

  • Buffet equipment & bar stations

These can add 20–25% to your food total, or be included in an all-inclusive package.

For smaller weddings and events (like 50 guests), staffing needs are lower, so costs stay more manageable.

Sample Catering Budgets for 50 Guests

Here are realistic, plug-and-play examples you can use.

Budget-Friendly Catering – $1,750–$3,500 Total

Perfect for: buffet, drop-off catering, simple menus catering for 50 guests cost

  • Buffet meal (Italian, Mexican, southern food): $1,500–$2,500

  • Non-alcoholic beverages: $75–$150

  • Delivery/mileage: $75–$200

  • Staffing (optional): $250–$500

  • Tax/service: $100–$300

Total: $1,750–$3,500

Best for couples searching:
“Cheap catering,” “affordable buffet near me,” or “small event catering packages.”

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Mid-Range Catering – $3,750–$6,000 Total

Perfect for: buffet + appetizers + bar service

  • Buffet or family-style dinner: $2,500–$3,500

  • Appetizers (hot + cold): $300–$600

  • Beer & wine bar: $600–$900

  • Staffing + rentals: $500–$900

  • Taxes/fees: $150–$300

Total: $3,750–$6,000

This is the most common range for high-quality wedding and event catering for 50 guests.

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High-End / Gourmet Catering – $6,500–$9,500+ Total

Perfect for: plated dinner, premium bar, chef-driven menus

  • Plated gourmet dinner: $3,500–$6,000

  • Passed appetizers: $400–$800

  • Premium open bar: $1,400–$2,000

  • Staffing + rentals: $700–$1,200

  • Taxes/fees: $300–$500

Total: $6,500–$9,500+

Ideal for couples wanting a restaurant-quality meal and luxury service.

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Louisville KY & Kentucky Catering Prices for Feeding 50 Guests

In Louisville KY, Lexington, and most of Kentucky, catering pricing tends to be more affordable than coastal markets.

Typical ranges:

  • Buffet: $1,750–$3,000

  • Family-style: $2,500–$3,750

  • Plated dinner: $3,750–$5,500+

  • Bar packages: $500–$1,800

Local full-service companies like Michaelis Events may offer all-inclusive catering + bar packages that combine:

  • Menu

  • Staffing

  • Bar service

  • Rentals

  • Setup/teardown

…making the cost more predictable for smaller weddings of 50 guests.

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Smart Ways to Save on Catering for 50 Guests

Smaller guest counts give you flexibility, but here’s how to stretch the budget even further:

✔ Choose a buffet instead of plated

Saves $750–$1,500 for 50 guests.

✔ Stick to beer & wine bar

Saves $500–$1,200 vs a full open bar.

✔ Limit entrée choices

Two entrées instead of three = less kitchen labor.

✔ Opt for a stationary appetizer spread

Less staffing than passed appetizers.

✔ Use local, seasonal ingredients

Especially affordable with Kentucky farms and regional produce.

✔ Consider lunch or brunch weddings

Lower pricing plus fresh, fun menu ideas.

Quick Reference Chart: Cost to Feed 50 People

Catering Style Total Cost for 50 Guests
Basic Buffet $1,750–$3,000
Buffet + Appetizers $2,500–$4,000
Family-Style Dinner $3,000–$4,500
Plated Dinner $3,750–$5,500+
Plated + Premium Bar $6,500–$9,500+
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Final Takeaway: What Does It Cost to Feed 50 Guests?

A realistic average budget for feeding 50 guests at a wedding is:

$2,500–$6,000 for most couples
$6,500–$9,500+ for luxury or gourmet meals

Your exact number depends on whether you want a simple buffet, a family-style dinner, a plated gourmet meal, or an all-inclusive catering package with bar, staff, and rentals.

If you’re planning a Kentucky or Louisville KY wedding, a full-service caterer like Michaelis Events can often bundle:

  • Food

  • Bar

  • Setup

  • Staffing

  • Rentals

…making catering for a 50-guest wedding easier, predictable, and beautifully executed.

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Sources for Catering Costs (Used for This Guide)

The Knot

One of the most trusted wedding industry authorities, publishing annual cost data from tens of thousands of real weddings.

WeddingWire

A top-ranked wedding marketplace and data source with nationwide vendor pricing insights.

Brides Magazine

A long-standing bridal publication frequently cited by Google and major planning platforms.

Thumbtack

A service-based pricing platform that aggregates real quotes from caterers nationwide (especially useful for small events).

Zola

A modern planning platform with transparent budget tools and catering cost guidance.

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