Chicago Catering Prices

Does anyone have any offhand information about how much Chicago caterers tend to charge (per person) for a wedding? This would be with food, beer and wine for about 200 people. As well as the costs of tables, chairs, bartenders, and liability insurance in case one of my demented cousins drinks a few too many and drives into a truck. I know there's probably a huge range out there, but a general ballpark figure would be great. Or if there are particularly good restaurants that cater at a reasonable price... Or if there are any web sites that anyone knows of...

Thanks!

Moderator Emeritus Melissa Graham runs this operation, which may be fancier than would be appropriate for your demented cousin, but it might not hurt to give her a call/email:

http://www.monogrammeevents.com/

Aaron C wrote:Does anyone have any offhand information about how much Chicago caterers tend to charge (per person) for a wedding?

I had lunch with Evil Ronnie yesterday and he was regailing us with stories of weddings going for upwards of $250/person. I would imagine that it could be done much cheaper if you're not marrying the daughter of Daddy Warbucks.

Wow, your costs for a 200 person event are going to be all over the place. From the cheap end (banquet hall) starting at about $60 a head (they already have a facility, staff, chairs/tables/linens and horrible food) to upwards of $200 a head if you're renting a facility, renting equipment, hiring an outside caterer and having them provide booze.

Unfortunately or fortunately, we don't handle events that large (keeping our parties under 100). But, if you need any suggestions, feel free to contact me. Also, we can help with the bridal shower or rehearsal dinner if you want to eat something good before the wedding.

Molly
FIG Catering, For Intimate Gatherings
molly@FIGcatering.com
www.FIGcatering.com

I concur with Molly's assessment that the range could be all over the board. I would just say that keep in mind that if you want good food, good service and alcohol, you're looking in the $125-150 per person.

I once found someone gullible enough to consider marrying me. We went as far as actually making something called a budget together.

Anyway we thought it would be both affordable and unique to rent one of the dinner cruise ships. I remember them being really competitive with traditional banquet halls.

One thing to consider going this route would be you are limited to 3 hours. Then again if you knew our families and friends 3 hours is not enough time to get into any real trouble.

Just a thought.