Full-service caterer
A caterer who cooks, serves and cleans up a full meal for your guests.
- Typical Houston price
- $20 to $125 per guest
- Book ahead
- 3 to 9 months for weddings and quinces
We'll find Houston vendors and get you quotes.
What to expect
- How it works
- Brings food, chafing dishes, staff and often tableware. Needs a prep area near the guests, 1 to 2 hours of setup and access to power. Staff stay through service and clear plates.
- How much to plan
- 1 server per 25 guests for buffet, 1 per 10 to 15 for plated; about 1 to 1.25 lb of food per adult.
- Comes with an attendant
- Grandparents to toddlers enjoy it
Styles to choose from
Buffet
Guests serve themselves with staff help.
Family style
Platters at each table.
Plated dinner
Courses served to each seat.
Stations
Separate food stations around the room.
Mexican banquet
Arroz, frijoles, two meats and tortillas; the quince standard.
How to book it
Book ahead3 to 9 months for weddings and quinces2 to 6 weeks for small parties.
What we'll ask you
Your request asks a few quick things, so vendors can price it right:
- Which full-service caterer styles interest you?Buffet, Family style, Plated dinner, Stations, Mexican banquet
- How many guests will this serve?
- How should food be served?Drop-off trays, Buffet with staff, Family style, Plated, Stations, Not sure
- Any dietary needs?None, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Nut allergy, Halal, Kosher, Dairy-free
- Any flavor or menu favorites?
Houston notes
- Ask whether the quote includes the service charge (usually 18 to 24%), 8.25% sales tax, staff, and rentals. Many Houston salones require their in-house caterer.
Great for
- QuinceañeraA must
- WeddingA must
- Bar or bat mitzvahA must
- Company or corporate eventA must
- Rehearsal dinnerA must
- Friendsgiving or ThanksgivingA must
- Fundraiser or galaA must
- Sweet 16
- Engagement party
- Bridal shower
- Bachelor or bachelorette party
- Baby shower
- Gender reveal
- Adult or milestone birthday
- Graduation party
- Baptism
- First communion or confirmation
- Anniversary or vow renewal
- Retirement party
- Holiday party
- Family or class reunion
- Memorial or celebration of life
- Dinner party
- New Year's Eve party
- Something else
Pairs well with
Hosts often book these alongside it.
Cheaper alternatives
Close to the same idea, for less.
Full-service caterer
Want this at your party?
Add it to your free planner. We'll ask Houston vendors to quote, and you compare them side by side.
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