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Catering Budget Calculator

Calculate cost per guest, suggested price, and profit for your catering service. Weddings, corporate events, tasting menus. Download as PDF.

Recommended: 30-40% for catering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a healthy gross margin for catering?
A healthy catering service operates with a 30-40% gross margin. Below 25% the business is vulnerable to surprises; above 45% may indicate overpricing that hurts conversions.
How much does a wedding catering cost per guest?
In Spain, wedding catering ranges from 45 to 120 EUR per guest depending on the menu type (cocktail, buffet, seated tasting) and included extras (open bar, DJ, decoration).
What extras generate the best margin?
Open bar (70-80% margin on drinks) and per-guest decoration (50-60% margin). Fixed extras like DJ or photography are usually subcontracted with limited margin.
How do I price corporate catering?
Corporate catering has lower margins (25-30%) but higher volume and recurring. Focus on operational efficiency: standard menus, centralized logistics, and simple but well-executed proposals.

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