Is this too much for catering?

I spent about 2 grand, we are doing a barbeque with the traditional stuff and some extras and salads...and i have 90 people

It's a nature preserve and I am trying to use one of their 5 preferred caterers, but it is only $100 to bring in an outside caterer. I am seriously considering Panera...I want it to be a garden party sort of feel.

I think it may be fair....linens, china, food & service.....I LOVE PANERA!!! You'll def save money there!!

I'm not sure about your area, but it's good to get prices from at least 2-3 other caterers...then you can compare/contrast them and make a better decision.

Keep looking. I'm near DC which is even more expensive than near Chicago (originally from there) and am paying less per person and it includes a ballroom.

Thats way too much, I live about 15 mins outta chicago and im paying 7k for 180ish ppl which is a family style including.. Soup, Salad, Chicken, Beef, sausage, Pasta, Potato, 2 veggies, ice cream and open bar.

Oh and thats also including the hall, waiters, bartenders, linens, center pieces, taxes and tip.

Who is your caterer? I will take suggestions!

Im in California, so maybe it's a little different, but I have been working with one the top caters in our area for over a year and that price would get you a very nice dinner over here. A typical wedding menu for the number of guest, with china, linens, silverware, the works should run you about $40 per person. Considering that your just doing something simple though, it should be more llike $30.. I would definately price out some other caterers. Hope that helps

Yeah I just don't know where to look. I can't find any cheap catering sites. It's a lot of footwork and can be frustrating.

Real plates & linens? non-alcoholic beverages & coffee/tea? At $67 per person, you should probably be getting a very nice meal, not just sandwiches. I'm in WA, but the local conference center starts at about $28 pp for a real buffet meal, a local caterer just catered a rib & chicken BBQ picnic with 3 salads & strawberry shortcakes for $15.50 pp with real plates & flatware. We purchased our own beverages & table linens & decor, but the food was served buffet style & plated cleared & cleaned up by a staff of 3 for $180. Now this was a company picnic, so a wedding would involved more labor fees (it needs to be kept nicer for a wedding) Does that help?

Considering that it is including MUCH more than just food, I actually think it is very reasonable. At least, it would be cheap for my area. All of those things, when added separetly (staff, linens, plates) add up FAST, and it will probably be much more to try and source them separately (not to mention stressful).

WAY to much in my opinion! I love the Panera idea but also keep in mind that you will have to rent all the things they are included (Im doing to for about $500 for 3 times as many people & serving items and chaffing dishes so I think you should still come out ahead!

On a quick search I found this:

http://www.blueplateweddings.com/weddings/cuisine/menuoptions.asp

if you downlaod their wedding package, there is some pricing info towrd the bottom - dinners price from $25-50 (not including linens etc)

We are spending 10K for 100 people (incl taxes, fees etc). Doesn't include linens

Have you searched wedding wire? There are lots of Chicago caterers here with reviews to help you narrow things down. Send a few e-mails or make a few calls telling them your date, venue, guest count, budget, and ideally your theme or vision. It would be well worth your time to get a few bids - you'll know if there's a better option out there or if you've landed a good deal already.

Thanks ladies. I would like to keep it closer to 4K. I will make some more calls I guess.

If you can bring in your own caterer for only $100 you are really in a power position! I would call all 5 of their preferred caterers and see their rates and if you like the menu. Then Id research out side places like Panera. For the type of reception you want they would deff work!

Definitely bring in your own caterer. We are spending ~$2600 for 150 guests (about $15/person). We're bringing in Stonefire Grill, a local chain, for buffet style. For that price we're getting 2 meats, 2 pastas, 2 salads, cake - champagne - plate scrape service. We are paying about $800 extra to rent plates, glasses, tablecloths, and napkins. So all told...~$3,400 for 150 people. It pays to shop around.

Wow Alex...that's an awesome deal and really great advice! I think local restaurants are the way to go because they are usually more willing to compromise!