How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost in Sydney in 2025?

Let’s be honest—food is one of the biggest talking points at any wedding. Guests might forget the flowers or the place settings, but they’ll always remember a great meal. If you’re in the middle of planning your big day, you’re probably wondering: how much is wedding catering going to cost us?

The short answer? It depends. The price of wedding catering in Sydney can vary depending on your menu, guest count, and whether you’re going for a relaxed share-style feast or a full sit-down dining experience. But don’t worry—we’re breaking it all down so you know exactly what to expect (and where you can save without sacrificing quality).

What Affects Wedding Catering Costs in Sydney?

When it comes to wedding catering, there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag. The cost depends on a few key factors, and knowing what they are can help you plan (and budget) without any surprises along the way. Here’s what makes the biggest impact:

Guest Count

More guests means more food, more staff, and more equipment—but the upside is that many caterers offer bulk pricing, so your per-person cost may actually go down with a larger guest list. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, fine-tuning your guest numbers is one of the easiest ways to keep costs in check.

Menu Style

The way your food is served makes a big difference. A buffet or shared platters are usually more cost-effective because they require fewer staff, while a plated sit-down meal involves more chefs, waitstaff, and a higher level of service. Cocktail-style catering can fall somewhere in the middle, depending on the number of canapés and the type of service.

Venue & Logistics

Your venue can also impact your catering costs. If you’re getting married at a fully equipped function space, catering is straightforward. But if your wedding is at a private property, outdoor location, or a venue without a kitchen, there may be extra costs for things like mobile kitchen setups, refrigeration, or additional staff to handle logistics.

Season & Demand

Sydney’s peak wedding season (spring and summer) means higher demand for caterers, venues, and suppliers, which can drive up prices. If you’re open to an autumn or winter wedding, you may find better rates and more availability across the board. Considering a mid-week wedding may also help to reduce costs.

Average Wedding Catering Costs in Sydney (2025 Pricing)

So, how much should you actually budget for wedding catering in Sydney? The answer depends on what kind of dining experience you want for your guests. To give you a rough idea, here’s what you can expect to pay per person in 2025:

Per-Person Breakdown

• Budget-Friendly Catering ($50 – $80 per person) – Great for casual weddings or cocktail-style receptions with simple, tasty options.
• Mid-Range Catering ($90 – $150 per person) – This is the sweet spot for most weddings, covering shared platters, buffets, or a two-course plated meal.
• Luxury Dining Experience ($160 – $300+ per person) – Think multi-course plated meals, premium ingredients, and a full-service experience.

But wait—before you set your budget, don’t forget about the extras.

Additional Fees to Consider

When looking at catering prices, it’s easy to focus on the food itself, but there are a few other costs that might not be included in the initial quote:

• Staffing & Service Fees – If you’re having a plated meal or a cocktail-style event with roaming service, you’ll need waitstaff and chefs. Some caterers include this in their pricing, while others charge separately.
• Equipment Hire – If your venue doesn’t provide things like tables, chairs, plates, or glassware, you may need to hire them. These costs can add up, so check what’s included.
• Beverage Packages – Some caterers offer BYO options, while others provide full drinks packages. Whether you go for beer and wine or a premium cocktail selection, drinks are usually an extra expense.

Comparing Catering Styles & Their Costs

When it comes to wedding catering, the way you serve your food can make a big difference—not just to the dining experience but to your overall budget. Whether you’re picturing an elegant sit-down dinner, a relaxed shared feast, or a lively cocktail-style reception, each catering style comes with its own pricing and perks.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might expect to help you decide what works best for your big day:

There’s no right or wrong choice—it all depends on the atmosphere you want to create and the experience you want your guests to have. If you love the idea of a mix, you can always combine styles, like starting with cocktail canapés before moving into a shared banquet.

Hidden Costs You Might Overlook

When setting your wedding catering budget, it’s easy to focus on the big numbers—like the per-person price. But there are a few extra costs that can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. To help you plan without surprises, here are some of the most common hidden costs to keep in mind.

Tasting Fees

Want to sample your menu before the big day? Some caterers offer complimentary tastings, while others charge a small fee (usually $50 – $100 per couple). The good news? Many will deduct this from your final bill if you book with them, so it’s worth asking.

Cake Cutting Fees

Bringing in an external wedding cake? Some venues and caterers charge a cake cutting fee of around $2 – $5 per person to slice and serve it. If you want to avoid this, check if your caterer can include cake service in their package or consider a dessert station instead.

Late-Night Service Fees

If your reception is running into the late hours, some caterers charge extra for staff staying past a certain time. This is especially common for midnight snacks or extended beverage service.

Dietary Requirement Costs

Most caterers can accommodate dietary requests like vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly meals, but depending on the menu, some special requests may come with an extra charge. If you have multiple guests with dietary needs, make sure to confirm if these meals are included in your package.

The best way to avoid unexpected costs? Ask upfront what’s included and what’s extra.

How to Save on Wedding Catering Without Sacrificing Quality

Great food is a must for any wedding, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to impress your guests. With a few smart choices, you can keep costs under control without compromising on quality. Here’s how:

Opt for Shared Platters Instead of Plated Meals

Plated meals are elegant, but they require more staff to serve and plate each dish, which drives up costs. Shared platters, on the other hand, offer a beautiful, interactive dining experience while keeping staffing costs lower. Plus, they encourage guests to chat and enjoy a more relaxed meal.

Limit the Bar Options

An open bar can add thousands to your catering bill, but there are ways to scale back without losing the fun. Consider:

• Offering beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full spirits bar.
• Choosing a drinks package with capped pricing rather than paying per drink.
• Opting for a shorter service time (for example, closing the bar after dinner).

Choose Seasonal and Local Ingredients

Menus built around fresh, local, and in-season produce tend to be more affordable, better quality, and packed with flavour. If your caterer offers flexibility with ingredients, opting for what’s in season can help keep costs down.

Book Early to Lock in Prices

Catering prices rise each year, so if you book 6-12 months in advance, you can often lock in current rates and avoid last-minute price hikes.

Bundle Your Catering & Drinks Package

Many caterers offer discounts when you bundle food and beverage packages together. You might also find savings when booking additional services like staffing or equipment hire as part of a package rather than sourcing everything separately.

Consider an Off-Peak Wedding Date

Saturday weddings in peak season (spring and summer) are always in high demand, which means higher costs. If you’re flexible, choosing a weekday or winter wedding can save you money—not just on catering, but on venues and other suppliers too.

The key to saving on wedding catering? Find a caterer who works with your budget while still delivering incredible food and service.

Why Choose Art Kitchen for Your Wedding Catering?

With so many wedding caterers in Sydney, how do you know which one is right for you? At Art Kitchen, we believe that wedding catering should be more than just great food—it should be an effortless, stress-free experience that leaves your guests raving long after the last bite.

Exceptional Food, Designed for Your Day

No two weddings are the same, which is why we don’t do one-size-fits-all menus. Whether you’re after a relaxed shared feast, an elegant plated meal, or something completely unique, we create bespoke menus tailored to your vision.

Seamless, Stress-Free Service

From planning to plate, we handle every detail so you can enjoy your day without a second thought about the food. Our experienced team ensures everything runs smoothly, from setup to service, so you can focus on celebrating.

A Trusted Name in Sydney Wedding Catering

We’ve been catering weddings across Sydney for years, and our reputation speaks for itself. With glowing reviews from happy couples, we’re known for delivering exceptional food, professional service, and a flawless experience every time.

Full-Service Catering to Simplify Your Planning

Need more than just food? We offer complete wedding catering packages, including staffing, beverage service, and equipment hire, so you don’t have to juggle multiple suppliers. Contact us today, to see how we can bring your special day to life!