Catering costs

We have a farm to table menu in NJ and venue + food + open bar for 125 people is like 30 grand pretty close to what you got quoted. It is crazy.

I'm in PA, ours is about the same! Our venue is pretty all-inclusive. For 125 people were at about $20k for our ceremony and reception space rental, a 3 course plated dinner, all alcohol, hors d'oevres, our cake, linens/glasses/etc., servers and bartenders, and this includes tax and 20% gratuity. It is not cheap to get married, especially in the Northeast! Our venue is amazing, rave reviews and we've experienced a wedding there firsthand so I don't think they are asking too much for their services. I don't think I would be comfortable paying this much if they had bad reviews or if I had heard of any bad experiences. We toured several venues and they were all priced similarly, if not more expensive! It's a lot to wrap your head around, price-wise. I'm still not mentally prepared for all the costs, and we've made several large payments so far 😂

Sounds pretty standard, in our area--except that it's weird that the open bar isn't included. I'm getting married in FFLD County, on the beach, with a private two acres. We are at almost 19K...that includes 8 passed hor'deurves, a salad, three entrees (we get two proteins and one veg and we build our entire menu, from the ground up) three passed desserts, plates, glasses, our Sperry tent and dance floor, restrooms, folding chairs for the ceremony, cooking tent, power, and a fire pit, for later at night. We We are having 90 guests, on a Friday evening. We have to bring in our own tables and reception chairs and linens. I worked out a deal with our venue--ALWAYS negotiate. Wedding planning is a lot like car shopping.

The tri-state is expensive!

I know this is old, but what caterer did you go with?

Thanks for getting back to me! And congrats on your wedding!! I'll check out Relish Catering.