Catering is usually the single biggest line in a wedding budget, and quotes vary wildly because the format changes everything. Here is what Sydney couples are paying in 2026, per guest.
Per-head price by format
- Grazing table / cocktail canapes: $35-$65 a head
- Buffet or shared-feasting: $55-$90 a head
- Two-course plated: $75-$120 a head
- Three-course plated with service: $110-$180 a head
The extras that add up
Staff and wait service, hire of crockery, glassware and linen, a cake-cutting fee, dietary-specific meals, and travel to a regional venue are often quoted separately. Ask for an all-in figure so you are comparing like for like — on DadsOrder, offers are all-in by default.
How to keep it sensible
Cocktail-style feeds a crowd for less than plated and keeps the room moving. Lock catering in early (good teams book out 6-12 months ahead for peak Saturdays), confirm every dietary requirement in writing with the caterer, and pay through the platform so supplier payout is delayed until the day actually happens.