Wedding catering in New Zealand typically ranges from $40 to $150 per guest, depending on the menu, service style, and location. In Christchurch, most weddings fall in the $60–$120 per person range. Buffets and shared platters are more affordable, while plated or fine-dining options sit at the higher end.

The cost to cater for 100 people in NZ typically ranges from $4,000 to $12,000, depending on food type, service style, and dietary needs. For a Christchurch-based wedding, buffet or platter-style catering often lands between $60–$100 per person, while plated service or premium menus can push costs above $120 per guest.

Planning for 100 guests? Consider a flexible menu that balances quality and quantity — and ask about package deals for large groups.

Before you lock in a caterer, ask the following:

• What menu options do you offer — buffet, plated, or grazing?

• Can you cater to dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan, allergies)?

• What’s included in your pricing? (e.g. staff, cutlery, cleanup)

• Do you charge travel or setup fees outside Christchurch?

• How do you handle last-minute guest number changes?

• Can we do a tasting beforehand?

• What happens in case of bad weather for outdoor weddings?

Pro tip: The best caterers don’t just cook — they coordinate with your venue and schedule so you don’t have to

You don’t need to skimp on quality to stick to a budget. Here’s how to serve great food without blowing the bank:

• Buffet-style catering is often the most cost-effective — fewer staff, more flexibility.

• Serve seasonal produce — it’s fresher and cheaper than imported goods.

• Limit mains to 2–3 popular dishes (e.g. roast meats, pasta, salad).

• Skip late-night extras unless guests will be hungry again.

• Combine entrée and dessert platters for shared table service.

💡 Bonus tip: Ask your caterer about lower-cost cake options, like downsizing to two tiers or switching from rich fruitcake to sponge. It keeps the look without the price

Weddings in New Zealand typically cost between $25,000 and $35,000, depending on guest count, venue, catering, and extras. But that doesn’t mean you need a huge budget to have a beautiful day.

When it comes to catering, you’ve got options:

• A plated meal offers a formal, sit-down vibe but does cost more due to staffing.

• A buffet can cut labour costs while still feeling generous.

• For more casual or intimate weddings, finger food catering can create a relaxed, social atmosphere at a lower price point.

Whether you’ve got 20 guests or 120, we’ll help match the menu to your day — and your budget.

The sweet spot for feeding 100 guests well — without breaking the bank — is often around $80 to $100 per person. That gives you room for a fresh, satisfying menu with the right level of service.

To stay within budget:

• Choose a buffet or shared table style — it reduces staff costs but still feels generous.

• Keep the menu tight: 2 mains, 2 sides, 1 dessert is plenty.

• Go for in-season ingredients and ask about cost-saving swaps (e.g. chicken instead of lamb).

• Offer finger food starters instead of plated entrees.

We can work together to strike a balance — keeping the guests happy and the budget under control.

Answer:

As a general rule, you’ll need 4 to 5 full trays per dish to serve 100 people — depending on portion size and what’s being served.

For example:

• A main like roast chicken or lasagna = 4 trays

• Sides like roasted vegetables or salads = 3–4 trays each

• Desserts (like slices or fruit platters) = 2–3 trays

The exact number depends on your menu, guest appetites, and whether you’re serving buffet or plated. We help work it out so nothing runs short — or goes to waste.

Answer:

The best food for a crowd is something that travels well, pleases most palates, and can be served smoothly at scale.

Popular options include:

• Roast meats with seasonal sides — always a hit and easy to serve buffet-style.

• Grazing tables — great for mixing flavours and mingling guests.

• Pasta bakes, curries, or stir-fries — they stay warm and taste great in large portions.

• Fresh salads and artisan breads to round out the table.

The key is having a menu that’s easy to serve, easy to enjoy, and easy to remember. We help you pick the right mix based on venue, timing, and guest type.

Answer:

Buffets are one of the best ways to serve 100 guests smoothly — and with style. Here’s what makes it work:

• Plan for 2–3 serving stations to avoid long queues

• Offer 2 mains, 2–3 sides, 1 salad, plus bread and condiments

• Make sure dishes hold heat well (think roasts, pastas, hot veggies)

• Have staff on hand to guide flow and keep platters topped up

• Use labels for dietary info to keep guests safe and confident

We handle all the logistics — so you don’t have to. From setup to pack-down, it runs like clockwork.

Answer:

Some of the most affordable meals for large groups are also the most satisfying. Think:

• Slow-cooked meats like pulled pork or roast beef

• Pasta dishes (lasagna, mac & cheese, baked penne)

• Seasonal vegetable sides, hot or cold

• Fresh bread rolls and salads to bulk out the table

They’re easy to prepare in large trays, budget-friendly per portion, and crowd-pleasers every time. We’ll help you craft a menu that’s cost-effective without feeling cheap.

A:
Start with experience — check their track record for weddings, events, or corporate functions like yours. Look for flexible menu options, responsive communication, and plenty of local reviews. The right caterer will feel like a teammate, not just a vendor — helping you plan, adapt, and deliver a stress-free day.

A:
Definitely. Hiring a caterer takes pressure off you and ensures everything — from food safety to service timing — runs smoothly. Whether you’re hosting 20 or 200, catering adds polish and professionalism while letting you actually enjoy the moment with your guests.

A:
In many cases, yes — especially if you're flexible. Rather than slashing the quote, ask about alternate menus (e.g. finger food instead of plated meals), reduced staffing, or supplying your own drinks also ask about different size cakes opt for instead of 3T go for two tier. A good caterer will help balance your budget without compromising quality.

A:
The fastest way is to use our step-by-step quote form on the website — it’s easy to fill out and covers all the details we need to give you a clear estimate. Or you can call or email with your guest count, event type, and any must-haves. We’ll come back with package options and helpful recommendations.

A:
Absolutely. We offer flexible catering for all event sizes — including office lunches, birthdays, retirement parties, or even backyard BBQs. Whether you’ve got 10 guests or 50, we’ve got scaled-down packages that still deliver big on flavour and presentation.