Average Wedding Catering Costs in Portland, OR + What to Expect
Wedding Catering is One of the Major Expenses in a Marriage
In Portland, wedding catering can take up 30–50% of your total wedding budget, and it is one of the most significant expenses.
And it should be because feeding your favorite wedding guests isn’t cheap.
But how much should you set aside? A plated dinner? A buffet? And what is usually included in the wedding catering packages?
This guide breaks it all down. You’ll get a concrete pricing estimate and information on what’s covered in different catering packages. Plus, we’ll share cost-saving tips to help you stay within budget without sacrificing quality.
If you’re planning your wedding in Portland, keep reading—this will help you make an informed, stress-free decision about your catering.
Average Wedding Catering Costs in Portland, OR
Wedding catering in Portland isn’t one-size-fits-all. Couples spend $80–$200 per person for catering, slightly above the national average of $75–$150 per person. That means, on average, a wedding with 50 guests costs $4000 to $10000.
But wait…that’s too broad to make an estimate.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
- Buffet or food truck: $50–$90 per person. It’s a cost-effective option with self-serve stations or casual food service.
- Plated dinner with full service: $100–$175 per person – Includes servers, a structured meal, and often more refined dishes.
- Luxury multi-course dining: $175+ per person – Features premium ingredients, wine pairings, and personalized service.
Prices can also fluctuate based on:
- Seasonality – Prices go up during peak wedding months (spring and summer).
- Guest count – Larger weddings get bulk pricing, but costs increase quickly.
Customization – Unique dishes, premium ingredients, and specialty menus increase costs.
LiveGreensPDX Wedding Catering Pricing & Packages
LiveGreensPDX offers high-quality, locally sourced catering with transparent pricing and customizable menu options to fit your wedding style and budget.
LiveGreensPDX Wedding Catering Packages
| Service | Price | What’s Included |
| 4-Course Menu | Starting at $100/person | Appetizer, soup OR salad, main course, dessert |
| 5-Course Menu | Starting at $125/person | Appetizer, soup, salad, main course, dessert |
| 6-Course Menu | Starting at $150/person | Amuse-bouche, appetizer, soup, salad, main course, dessert |
Additional Costs to Consider
The base price covers the food, but some additional costs may apply:
- Serving ware, dishware, and linens – These must be rented separately if not provided.
- Custom menu requests or premium ingredients – Upgrades like organic, farm-to-table, or specialty dishes may increase costs.
- Delivery, setup, and staffing – Staffing fees will apply if you need full-service catering.
Why do Dver 250 Portland Couples Choose LiveGreensPDX?
We Locally Source High-Quality Ingredients
Great food starts with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Our menus feature produce, meats, and seafood from trusted Portland-area farms and suppliers, ensuring quality and sustainability.
We Offer Customizable Menus
Your menu should reflect your style and dietary preferences. Whether you need vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options, we’ll craft a menu that works for you without compromising taste.
We Provide a Personalized Catering Experience
We work closely with couples to create a seamless dining experience, whether a relaxed family-style meal or an elegant multi-course dinner.
6 Major Factors That Influence Wedding Catering Costs
1. Guest Count
The number of guests is the most significant cost driver. More people mean more food, staff, and rentals, which means increased expenses.
2. Service Style
Buffet or family-style: You need fewer servers, so it’s a cost-effective option.
Plated dinner: You need more staff for serving and plating, so you will pay higher labor costs.
Food stations: It’s mid-range pricing, but you will require chefs to prepare it live. Menu Choices
Basic vs. premium ingredients: Local and seasonal foods are more affordable than imported or specialty items.
Course selection: Adding extra courses like amuse-bouche or intermezzo raises costs.
Dietary restrictions: Custom gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-friendly options may require specialty ingredients.
Staffing & Labor
- More servers, chefs, and bartenders increase labor costs.
- Setup and breakdown time affect staffing expenses.
- On-site cooking or plated service requires additional staff.
Venue Policies
- Some venues have exclusive catering agreements, limiting vendor options.
- Extra rental fees may apply for kitchen use or service areas.
- Outdoor or off-grid locations may require additional equipment and staffing.
Bar & Beverage Options
- A hosted bar (open bar) is more expensive than a cash bar.
- Signature cocktails and premium liquors add to costs.
- Corkage fees apply if bringing your own alcohol.
Cost-Saving Tips for Wedding Catering in Portland
These minor adjustments can help you maximize your catering budget without compromising quality.
Choose a Buffet Over Plated Service
Buffets require fewer servers, which cuts down on labor costs. Guests still get variety but without the added expense of plated meal service.
Limit Entrée Selections
If you limit entrée choices, it streamlines prep work, reduces ingredient waste, and helps control overall food costs.
Use Seasonal Ingredients
Seasonal produce and locally available ingredients cost less than imported or out-of-season options while still delivering fresh, high-quality flavors.
Bring Your Own Alcohol (If Allowed)
Many venues charge high markups on alcohol. So, if you provide your own beer, wine, and liquor (if permitted), it can lead to significant savings. Check for corkage fees before committing.
Opt for Drop-Off Catering Instead of Full Service
Drop-off catering eliminates staffing costs if your wedding doesn’t require tableside service. Guests serve themselves, and you save on labor fees.
Plan Your Wedding Catering Wisely
Wedding is your most special day. You don’t want to ruin it. That’s the day you make sweet lifelong memories with your favorite people. So you must be realistic about the budget.
It’s not rocket science; you don’t need to be a math topper to get it right.
Just some early planning and research is all that you need.
Look out for the caterers nearby and try to book them early, especially if you are planning your event during peak wedding season.
Check out my event catering services, and if I’m near you, ping me.
