How Much Does A Wedding Reception Cost in Washington DC?

Let’s get this party started!! This post was originally created in 2013.  The same information still holds true in the year 2015.  I am getting inquiries from my website asking for catering jobs and folks want to spend $20.00 per person.  That includes EVERYTHING.  It’s a major investment, so take the time to explore what’s involved.

One of the first expenses a bride/groom or any party host discovers is catering.  Right after finding a venue, the catering follows.  People often remark that saying the word “wedding” during their initial inquiry inflates the pricing quote.  While there may or may not be an element of truth in this statement, the fact remains that there is much more detail involved in a wedding reception than a birthday party.  It’s a longer event which means longer hours for staff.  The rentals are more detailed, there are often many more tables requiring linens.  The menu is often more elaborate, so more food is purchased.  A birthday/graduation/anniversary celebration taking place at a private residence or party room takes far less staff than a wedding reception with the same guest count. 
Apples and oranges?
When we give a price quote over the phone or by email, it’s in a range.  It depends on your venue:  some have kitchens-some do not.  Some allow dish washing-some do not.  Some have very difficult load ins and time limitations.  Some require us to set up all the ceremony chairs as well as the dining room – others have staff that provide this service.  Recently we worked a venue that not only required us to clean the dining room and kitchen at the end of the event (standard) we had to vacuum the entire venue upstairs and down and clean out the bathrooms.  We basically were the cleaning service that the venue does not hire.
When you are shown a property and fall in love with it, remember to ask to view their working space for vendors.  This past spring we have encountered a few new venues who were not up front with the bride and groom upon contract signing as to what the caterer could and could not do.  Teatime adapts under any and all circumstances, but it never hurts to get as much information as you can ahead of time!
The bottom line is there is a reason we ask where your venue is before we can give you a specific pricing quote.  The same quest count at two different venues might be a different price because of the logistics and staffing requirements. Our goal is always to provide you with the perfect event!
www.cateringbyteatime.com