How much to charge for catering for 40 guests
Here is a working price range for 40 guests on a plated or buffet main with two sides, built the way a small caterer should build every quote: from the plate up. The range comes from the same engine as the calculator on this site, so the guide and the calculator never disagree.
The per-person range
For a plated or buffet main with two sides at national-average costs, the per-person price sits between $28.00 and $46.00. The low end is a lean plate with lighter service; the high end is a generous plate with more on it. Most small caterers land in the middle.
The total for 40 guests
At 40 guests the quote runs from $1,120.00 to $1,840.00. Pick your point in the range from your own food costs and the hours the event will take, then write that one number on the quote.
The deposit
Ask for about $280.00 to hold the date, and name the day the balance is due. No deposit, no date.
If the number feels high
It is the number that pays for the day. If you must come down, simplify the plate or shorten the service; do not quietly let food climb past a third of the price.
Get exact costs from YOUR recipes
These are market ranges. CaterKit photographs your menu, costs every recipe from your ingredients, and prices the quote at your margin — free to start.
Run your own numbers: catering price per person calculator