The average cost of wedding catering in Brisbane (and why it’s worth every cent)
If you’ve started planning your wedding, you’ve probably experienced that moment — the one where you open a catering quote and think, “Wait… how much?!”
We get it. Wedding catering can be one of the biggest line items in your budget. But as one of Brisbane’s top catering companies (and Australia’s #1 Independent Wedding Caterer in the ABIA National Awards), we’re here to explain what those numbers actually cover — and why good catering is worth every dollar.
So, what’s the average cost of wedding catering in Brisbane?
While costs vary depending on your guest count, menu style, and inclusions, you can expect to spend:
$80–$120 per person for cocktail-style events with substantial canapés and/or grazing.
$100–$150 per person for shared dining or buffet style with multiple courses.
$120–$180+ per person for formal plated service with alternate drop.
These prices are for full-service wedding catering, not just “dropping off the food.” They include professional chefs, service staff, equipment, and everything it takes to bring your wedding meal to life from start to finish.
Why does it cost that much? Here’s the truth…
When you hire a professional wedding caterer, you’re not just paying for the food on your plate. You’re paying for the hundreds of little steps that make sure that plate is perfect when it reaches you.
Here’s what’s really included in your catering cost:
1. Planning & Preparation (Months Before Your Wedding)
We start long before your big day — designing menus, sourcing the right seasonal produce, liaising with your venue, and mapping out logistics. This isn’t just “pick a menu and turn up” — it’s weeks (sometimes months) of prep work so nothing is left to chance.
2. Staff — The People Who Make It Happen
Great food doesn’t serve itself. Your catering fee covers chefs, kitchen assistants, service staff, bar staff, and supervisors — trained professionals who know how to keep an event running seamlessly. Wedding staffing is carefully calculated to match your guest numbers, service style, and venue layout.
3. Equipment, Logistics & Transport
Ovens, fridges, hot boxes, eskies, platters, serving ware, utensils, linen, glassware… the list is long. And because weddings often happen in venues without full kitchens, we often bring the kitchen with us. Add in vehicle costs, fuel, and the logistics of transporting everything (without it tipping over in the van) — and it’s a serious operation.
4. Food Quality & Preparation
Premium catering means premium produce. We source fresh, seasonal, high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers — and we prepare them to order. That means prep days in our commercial kitchen before the event, as well as cooking on site so your food is fresh and hot.
5. On-the-Day Execution
From setting tables and styling grazing stations to serving each course at the perfect time, wedding catering is a highly coordinated dance. We work to your run sheet, liaise with your MC, adapt to last-minute changes, and ensure guests with dietary needs are served something equally beautiful and delicious.
6. Pack Down & Clean Up
Once the last canapé is served and the cake is cut, we’re still working — packing up equipment, cleaning the kitchen space, repacking vans, and ensuring the venue is left spotless.
Why investing in good catering matters
Food is one of the most memorable parts of your wedding — it’s what guests talk about long after the last dance. Choosing a professional caterer means you get:
Peace of mind that everything will run smoothly.
A menu designed for your style, season, and guests.
Service that feels effortless (because all the hard work is happening behind the scenes).
The ability to enjoy your day instead of worrying about who’s bringing out the mains.
At Pure Catering, we’ve catered hundreds of weddings in Brisbane and beyond. We know the logistics, the timing, and the importance of those little moments — from topping up your glass during speeches to making sure your gluten-free aunt gets her dessert without asking.
Yes, wedding catering is an investment — but it’s one that feeds the memory of your day for years to come.
Ready to find out what your dream menu will cost?
👉 Enquire with Pure Catering today and let’s create something unforgettable.
