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Ah, the wedding! That big day when you say "I do" for life... and your wallet says "no" a little more with each quote. Among the most dreaded expenses: the meal. You have 100 guests, and one question haunts you: how much the hell is all this going to cost?
Don't panic, we'll tell you everything. Spoiler: it depends. But we promise, we won't leave you with just that.
So get out your calculators (or not, we'll take care of that), and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of wedding meal budgets for 100 people , between canapés (to eat, not to sit on), champagne, and last-minute surprises.
When it comes to wedding meals, you have to think big. Not just because Uncle Maurice will be going back for seconds, but because, just like the wedding dress , the price can vary from one to three times. There's a world of difference between a gourmet caterer with plated service and a convivial homemade buffet.
In France, the average price for a wedding meal ranges between 40 and 150 euros per person , or even more if you have luxury tastes or very specific desires (like oysters for breakfast, we don't judge).
Entry level (€40 to €60/person) : cold buffet, simple services, no table service.
Mid-range (€60 to €90/person) : full meal, plated service, wine included.
High-end (€100 to €150/person) : gourmet catering, professional servers, porcelain tableware and competition-level petits fours.
Do the math: for 100 people, we're talking about a total budget of 4,000 to 15,000 euros just for the meal.
Be careful, the price per person doesn't always mean the same thing from one caterer to another. Sometimes drinks are included, sometimes not. Bread? Yes, that can be extra. And cake? That's another line.
In short, ask questions . A lot. Too many, even.
Because yes, it's not all about foie gras, beef fillet, and chocolate opera. Today's wedding meal is also a question of style—a bit like choosing a bohemian wedding dress . And it can radically change your budget.
It's the most traditional formula: appetizer, starter, main course, cheese, dessert, all served at the table by staff in white shirts and ultra-bright smiles. It's chic, it pleases Grandma, but it costs an arm and a leg.
Expect to pay on average €80 to €130 per person , or €8,000 to €13,000 for 100 guests .
A hot or cold buffet is a good compromise. Fewer staff, more freedom for guests, and often a lower price. It's more like €40 to €70 per head , or €4,000 to €7,000 .
But beware of the "canteen" effect if the presentation isn't neat. And plan a solid organization to avoid traffic jams at the deli corner.
Dreaming of a less conventional wedding? Food trucks are trendy, delicious, and often more affordable. Burgers, crepes, pizzas, world cuisine... anything is possible.
Expect to pay €20 to €40 per person depending on the type of cuisine, or €2,000 to €4,000 . Perfect for a casual, outdoor wedding, or one with a "we don't care about conventions" theme.
A meal isn't just about what's on the plate. There are all the extras that also add to the fun—and the bill.
The aperitif (or reception) is sometimes included separately. And yet, it can quickly cost as much as the meal itself, especially if you're generous with the champagne and canapés.
Basic : €8 to €15 per person
Chic : €20 to €30, or even more if you opt for a cocktail bar and appetizers straight out of Top Chef
Wine, champagne, vintage sparkling water (ok, I'm exaggerating)... all of that has to be included in the calculation.
Some caterers offer drinks packages, while others don't. Alternatively, you can also provide your own bottles, which is often cheaper—as long as you don't forget ice cubes, glasses, etc., and keep an eye on the budget so you don't cut into important items like the princess wedding dress .
The wedding cake is not always included in the catering price. And here too, prices vary depending on the style:
Traditional wedding cake : €3 to €5 per person
American wedding cake : €6 to €10
Themed dessert (ice cream bar, chocolate fountain) : it's fun, but it adds up quickly
Let's not kid ourselves: a wedding costs a fortune. But there are ways to reduce the bill while still having a decent meal.
Get several quotes, compare, and negotiate (nicely, of course). Whether it's for catering or your mermaid wedding dress , some providers offer lower rates during the off-season or during the week. Others offer discounts if you also order brunch the next day.
This is the most economical option, but also the most stressful. Preparing a meal for 100 people is a real challenge. It requires equipment, hands, and a lot of organization. If you have a large and motivated family, why not?
But be careful not to spend your day in the kitchen while others are drinking.
Crockery, tablecloths, marquees: rent instead of buying. There are specialized providers who offer complete kits at reasonable prices.
Even the most organized brides and grooms fall into certain traps. Here are some to avoid so you don't blow your budget without realizing it.
Before choosing a caterer, determine how much you're willing to spend on the meal. This will prevent you from falling for the lobster, truffle, and vintage champagne menu... only to realize you'll have to sell your car and trade in your short wedding dress for a rental version to pay for it.
Yes, it's tempting to have three starters, two main courses, and a fireworks display for dessert. But your guests don't have the stomach of an ogre. And you don't have the bank account of Jeff Bezos. Keep it simple, effective, and good.
A children's menu costs less than an adult menu, and it's rarely the same (unless you really want to serve them duck breast with morel sauce). Also, consider special diets: it's better to plan one or two alternative dishes than to have to improvise at the last minute.
Okay, let's stop the suspense. If we take a reasonable average , here are the budget ranges to remember for 100 guests :
Simple buffet : between €4,000 and €6,000
Classic meal with service : between €7,000 and €10,000
Premium package : €12,000 and more
And that's just the meal . Add drinks, aperitif, dessert... and you easily arrive at €8,000-15,000 all-inclusive .
That's THE question. Is spending €10,000 to ensure everyone has enough to eat and leaves with one button unzipped?
Well... yes. Well, if you can afford it, of course.
The meal is a central moment of the wedding. It's where guests chat, laugh, clink glasses, take photos with the photo booth, and pour themselves a third slice of cheese "because, well, we don't know when we'll eat this well again."
But if you're on a tight budget, it doesn't have to be. A simpler, yet thoughtful meal can still delight your guests. The important thing is to share a good time, not to ruin your future together.
And between us, it's much more useful than a 400-dollar bridal bouquet, right? Head here for some more info , just in case.
The main thing is you two. And the Civil Code. But above all, you two.
Planning a wedding is a clever mix of love, organization... and mental arithmetic. The meal budget for 100 people can quickly add up, but with a little planning, good choices, and a few compromises, you can achieve wonders without breaking the bank.
So take a deep breath, get quotes, ask questions of the service providers, and above all: don't let stress spoil your appetite.
Because a marriage is (normally) only a one-time thing… so it might as well be good—in every sense of the word.