Catering in Brandon

Caterers price per head, and the service style drives it: a drop-off or finger buffet is cheapest, a served buffet mid-range, and a plated multi-course dinner the most. Staffing, bar service, hire (crockery, linen) and travel are usually on top of the per-head food price.

Many caterers add a service charge (often 15-22%) covering staff; confirm whether it's included or extra, and whether it goes to the team. Where a service charge is applied, an additional tip is usually optional. Clarify this before signing to avoid a surprise on the final invoice.

Professionals do — collect guest dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) in advance and give them to the caterer, who should label dishes and manage cross-contamination. Allergen management is a legal duty for food businesses in many countries; ask how they handle it.

Buffet is cheaper, more flexible on dietary needs, and needs fewer servers; plated service is more formal, controls portions and timing, and suits sit-down weddings and galas. Plated costs more in both food precision and staff. Match it to the event's formality and budget.

In Brandon, expect the national typical per head for your service style, with plated service, premium menus and full staffing pushing the total up. Ask whether the quote includes staff, hire, service charge and travel, not just food.

Buffet service runs roughly CAD 40-95 per guest and plated dinners CAD 80-170, before staff and rentals. A 100-guest wedding with staff and bar commonly totals CAD 9,000-32,000.