Budgeting for Catering Services in India – Tips to Save Money Without Compromising Quality
Good food doesn’t always have to mean a big budget. With smart planning, you can enjoy high-quality catering for your event in India without overspending. Here’s how to build an effective catering budget and save costs where it matters. — 📊 1. Set a Per-Head Budget Early Start with a rough per-guest budget. In most Tier-1 cities: Basic setups can cost ₹500–₹800 per person Premium menus can go up to ₹2,500+ per person Fix a ballpark figure and build everything around it. — 💡 2. Choose Buffet Over Plated Service Buffet setups are not only more interactive but also 30–40% cheaper than plated or table service. You also need fewer staff members for buffets. — 🧾 3. Limit Menu Items Strategically You don’t need 12 starters and 6 desserts. Stick to: 2–3 starters 2 mains (1 veg, 1 non-veg) 2 desserts 1 live counter (optional) This keeps food waste low and quality high. — 🧯 4. Avoid Peak Season Bookings Caterers hike their rates significantly during wedding seasons (Nov–Feb, Apr–May). If your event is flexible, consider off-season dates to negotiate better deals. — 🧠 5. Ask for Package Deals Some caterers offer per plate packages inclusive of cutlery, servers, live stations, and mocktails. These are more affordable than booking each item separately. — 📍 6. Go Local Hiring a well-reviewed local caterer near your event location saves on transportation and setup logistics. — ✅ Conclusion A thoughtful catering budget helps avoid overspending without compromising guest experience. Focus on quality over quantity, and work closely with your caterer to get the best value.