Affordable Catering. Does it exist?!

Cut the guest list.

You're going to have a really hard time getting catering for $30pp (as you have found to be true). Cut your guest list or up your budget.

You need to substantially cut your guest list if you are talking about Suffolk/Long Island, New York. You cannot cater for $30 a person.

BBQ and Italian are probably the least expensive options. Maybe food trucks. Make sure you keep service charges and taxes in mind when you figure out pricing - that stuff adds up! I'm not from your area so I don't have any specific recommendations.

^^It says Virginia, AL.

For that price, you're looking at BBQ or cheap Italian. If those don't appeal to you, cut your guest list.

I think cutting the guest list is the easiest way to make your budget work.

Oh, sorry, I didn't realize "va" meant a state.

I'm not sure how to compare regions, but I'm in North FL (low cost of living) and with choosing to do a daytime wedding with brunch my caterer has assured me we can keep my ~100 person reception under $3000 (not including the beer and wine bar, which will be about another $1200) ETA: I just realized your date is 2017, not 2018. I'd start calling restaurants: BBQ, Italian, Mexican all are on the cheaper end for still providing a full meal.

What kind of food are you wanting? Look hard for caterers who don't specialize in wedding. I'm getting a caterer who isn't wedding specific, and only paying $20pp but we're doing buffet style burger bar with a selection of beef, chicken, and veggie burgers. It's possible, just gotta keep looking and not give up hope. The caterers who are wedding specialty charge way more.

We are looking at $5k for food & drinks for 130 at a hotel venue in Omaha, NE. That's middle of the road for our area. Expensive for food but it is all inclusive (with set-up, tear-down, and all dinner ware).

As others have said, you will need to consider either upping your budget or cutting your guest list to make it work. Check around your local area. Sometimes, smaller BBQ & Italian places offer better deals but that depends on your location. A lot of smaller/local places won't advertise price, you'll have to call and get a quote.

I've found multiple caterers that have options for $18-35pp. You can also provide your own apps to keep costs down. Just shop around. You're in VA so I'm sure you can find a good menu for a reasonable price.

Thanks everyone, I think I was just shell shocked. I had no idea this stuff was so expensive. We've been together for a few years but, because our schedules are so hectic, we had to plan for a date that was sooner rather than later (he proposed in march). He just left for Korea so now I am here trying to do a million things at once. At least I found a venue? Haha.

I'm in Richmond, VA, and we're currently at a little over 4k for 100 people, not including alcohol or cake yet. In Suffolk, I think you should be able to find something equally reasonable.

I would check out Italian restaurants. Drop off pans of pasta, chicken parm, salad and garlic bread can probably be done for that price. Brunch is another good option.

@leah what's the difference between buying a $30 fruit tray or having a $100 one catered if you have proper equipment to store it?

Well 30pp is the price of our dinner but one you add tax and service charge its ends up being a lot more. Plus that does not include appetizers, drinks or late night snack.

Check an app called gig salad they have chefs in local area could check their prices.

Try Rodmans in Suffolk. Your choice of chopped BBQ pork or fried chicken, potato salad or slaw, plus baked beans, rolls, cutlery, plates and hot sauce. All for $7/pp. That leaves you with a good chunk left over to add a full bar for the guests to enjoy.

http://rodmansbarbq.com/4.html

Remember that caterers charge a service charge and taxes. Mine combined are almost 30% so make sure you factor that into your budget.

I guess I got really lucky cause I'm at a country club where they have a restaurant, were paying $18-25 pp. I'd say find a different venue that caters but maybe it's too late?