What does catering cost in 2026? Price guide per cover
What does party and wedding catering cost? The rule of thumb is SEK 1,500–2,000 per guest — see prices by catering type, what's included and what drives the cost.
Catering is often the single largest line when you plan a party or a wedding. As a rule of thumb, budget SEK 1,500–2,000 per guest for food, drinks and service combined. For an event with 100 guests, that lands you roughly at SEK 70,000–150,000 including service and drinks — but the range depends entirely on the type of catering you choose.
- SEK 1,500–2,000
- Per cover (food, drinks & service)
- SEK 70,000–150,000
- Total for 100 guests
- SEK 350–700
- Buffet per cover, excl. drinks
- 15–25%
- Added for service & rentals
What does catering cost per guest?
Prices are almost always quoted per cover, meaning per guest. A simple buffet can start around SEK 350–500 per cover for the food alone, while a plated three-course meal with crockery and waiting staff quickly reaches SEK 800–1,200 per cover. Add a drinks package, rental tableware and staff, and you approach the rule-of-thumb SEK 1,500–2,000 per guest.
Price by catering type
| Catering type | Price per cover | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet | SEK 350–700 | Mingling, larger groups, mixed tastes |
| Plated three-course | SEK 800–1,400 | Weddings, anniversaries, formal dinners |
| Food truck / street food | SEK 250–500 | Relaxed parties, outdoors, younger crowds |
| Canapés & mingle | SEK 300–600 | Launch parties, openings, shorter events |
What's included — and what drives the cost?
A quote can look cheap until you read the fine print. Always ask for an itemised breakdown of what's included, because the details decide the final figure.
- Waiting staff — often SEK 350–500/hour per person, and you usually need several for a plated dinner.
- Drinks package, or a corkage fee if you bring your own.
- Rental of crockery, glasses, cutlery, linens and possibly tables and chairs.
- Transport and delivery to the venue, especially outside the city.
- Special diets and allergies, sometimes charged per portion.
- Setting up, clearing down, washing up and cleaning afterwards.
Compare caterers, see prices per cover and request a quote directly.
Find catering near you →How to keep catering costs down
- Choose a buffet or food truck over plated service — you save on both food and staff.
- Get quotes from at least three caterers and compare what's actually included.
- Ask whether you may bring your own drinks for a corkage fee.
- Book a venue where a kitchen, crockery or staff are already included.
- Confirm your guest count late — you pay per cover, so every drop-out counts.
Frequently asked questions
- What does catering for 100 people cost?
- Budget roughly SEK 70,000–150,000 including service and drinks. A simpler buffet sits at the lower end, while a plated three-course meal with a drinks package lands at the top.
- Is a buffet cheaper than a plated dinner?
- Yes, usually. A buffet needs fewer waiting staff and has simpler logistics, which often makes it 30–50% cheaper per cover than a plated three-course meal.
- How far in advance should I book catering?
- Book 3–6 months ahead for an ordinary party, and 9–12 months for weddings and popular summer dates, when the best caterers get booked up early.
