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How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost in Italy?

A Complete Guide to Italian Wedding Meals and Pricing.The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Catering Costs in Italy: What to Expect and Why It’s Worth It

Planning a wedding in Italy is a dream come true, and food is one of the most unforgettable parts of the experience! If you’re looking to tie the knot in Italy, here’s a realistic breakdown of what wedding catering typically costs and what’s included—because Italian wedding meals are not just meals; they’re full experiences. So, let’s dig a little deeper into what’s behind the catering bill.

The Italian Wedding Meal: More Than Just Dinner

In Italy, a wedding meal is practically a festival of food, beginning with a 1.5-hour aperitivo. This isn’t just a quick cocktail hour; it’s an elaborate spread of buffet-style antipasti that will blow your guests away. Picture tables loaded with:

Finger foods of all kinds

Fried veggies

Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and local hams

Regional cheeses

Seafood options, depending on the location

A bar corner with an endless flow of spritzes, wine, prosecco, and beer

After indulging in this spread, guests often think the meal is complete and are ready to hit the dance floor—but it’s just the beginning!

The Seated Dinner: Three Courses of Italian Excellence

Once the aperitivo is over, the seated dinner begins, often with at least three full courses:

Antipasto: An additional appetizer to kick off the sit-down part of the meal.
Primo: A pasta or risotto dish, showcasing Italian culinary tradition and regional flavors.
Secondo: The main course, often a meat or fish dish, accompanied by a garnish.

And just when you think you can’t possibly eat more, there’s dessert!

Dessert and the Wedding Cake

Next comes the dessert corner, which is often a buffet of at least ten different sweets, along with the traditional wedding cake cutting. This sweet finale rounds off the culinary journey, but the festivities don’t end here.

The Open Bar: Three Hours of Celebration

The night wraps up with a three-hour open bar, keeping the celebration alive with unlimited cocktails and long drinks. Italians know how to celebrate, and this open bar ensures your guests have the time of their lives.

The Price Tag: What to Expect for Italian Wedding Catering Costs

Now that you know what you’re getting, let’s talk costs. Catering in Italy varies based on several factors, including the venue, guest count, and whether the catering is in-house or external.

Venue-Provided Catering: Many venues in Italy offer in-house catering, which can help keep costs down. Expect a price range of €110 to €250 per person, depending on the location, season, and menu choices.

Separate Open Bar Costs: Often, the open bar is priced separately, ranging from an additional €20 to €60 per person for unlimited drinks.

External Caterers: If you opt for an external caterer, costs might be similar but often come with additional setup fees for items like tables, chairs, kitchen, and bar corners.

Guest Count: How It Affects the Price

The guest count plays a significant role in the overall cost. For instance, a smaller wedding of around 30 guests with an external caterer and open bar can cost roughly €190 per person. However, for a larger wedding of around 100 guests, you might pay around €160 per person due to the economy of scale.

In Summary: Italian Wedding Catering is Worth Every Euro

From the elaborate aperitivo to the endless flow of drinks, Italian wedding catering is about creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Yes, the costs can add up, but with each course, drink, and dessert, you’re providing your guests with an authentic Italian celebration that’s worth every euro. So, when planning your Italian wedding, remember: you’re not just paying for food—you’re investing in a day full of memories that everyone will savor for years to come. In this guide, we’ll cover the typical costs of an Italian wedding meal—based on a standard venue, not the highest-end locations—so you know what to expect without breaking the bank.