Wedding catering: Get a free price quote • Quick response
Wedding catering
Weddings are one of the most special days in life, filled with love, joy and celebration. In the midst of all the important moments – from the ceremony to the speeches and dancing – food plays a central role. It’s around the tables that guests gather to enjoy good food, share stories and build memories.
By leaving the catering to the professionals, the bride and groom can put their shoulders back and enjoy their own wedding party to the fullest, knowing that their guests are being served first-class food and drink.
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What does wedding catering cost?
The cost of wedding catering can vary significantly based on several factors. In general, you can expect to pay between NOK 500 and NOK 2.000 per person for a full wedding catering package, but prices can be both lower and higher depending on your choices and preferences.
This can affect the price
- Number of guests: Larger weddings can often get a better price per person.
- Menu selection: Exclusive ingredients and gourmet dishes naturally increase the price.
- Serving method: Buffets are often cheaper than table service.
- Timing and season: High season for weddings can result in higher prices.
- Location: Delivery costs can affect the total price.
- Additional services: Waiters, bartenders, and set-up/set-down costs are extra.
For a simple set-up with finger food or tapas, the price can start at around NOK 300-400 per person. A more traditional three-course dinner with service can cost from NOK 700 and up per person. Drinks are additional, and if alcoholic beverages are to be served, the total price will increase significantly.
It’s important to be clear about your budget when requesting a quote, so that the caterer can tailor a package to suit your wallet. Many caterers offer different packages to suit different budgets, so don’t be afraid to discuss options with your caterer.
What is a typical wedding menu?
A typical wedding menu can range from traditional Norwegian dishes to more international and modern options. Here is an overview of what is often requested in a wedding menu:
Welcome drink
- Often champagne or sparkling wine
- Non-alcoholic options such as fruit punch or mocktails
Appetizers
- Gravlax or smoked salmon with dill stewed potatoes
- Shellfish cocktail
- Creamy asparagus soup
- Carpaccio of beef or reindeer
- Caprese salad with tomato and mozzarella
Main courses
- Whole roasted beef tenderloin with seasonal vegetables
- Rack of lamb with root vegetables and red wine sauce
- Oven-baked salmon with hollandaise sauce
- Chicken with mushroom sauce
- Vegetarian options such as stuffed portobello mushrooms or vegetable lasagna
Desserts
- Raspberry mousse
- Chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream
- Crème brûlée
- Pavlova with fresh berries
- Cheesecake with passion fruit
Wedding cake
- Multi-layer wreath cake
- Modern alternatives such as naked cake or cupcake towers
Evening meal
- Often served later in the evening
- Can include mini burgers, hot dogs, pizza, or tapas
Cake table
Many weddings also choose to have a cake table with various cookies and desserts in addition to the main menu. This is a beloved tradition at many Norwegian weddings, and the cake table can include, for example:
- Wreaths and shaped cakes such as Berlin wreaths, goro and syrup cakes
- Soft cake with fresh berries
- Kvæfjord cake, also known as “the world’s best”
- Marzipan cake or confectionery cake
- Fruit tarts or pavlova with seasonal fruit and berries
Drinks
- Wine with food (white and red wine)
- Beer and mineral water
- With dessert (cognac, liqueur)
- Coffee and tea
It’s becoming increasingly popular to include local specialties or regional dishes that represent the bride and groom’s hometown or family traditions. This can range from sour cream and cured meats for a mountain wedding to fresh seafood for a coastal wedding.
How much food do you calculate per person?
When it comes to calculating the amount of food per person for a wedding, there are several factors to consider. As a general rule, you can calculate the following:
- Appetizers: 100-150 grams per person
- Main course: Approx. 200 grams per person (meat/fish)
- Side dishes: 100-150 grams per person (vegetables, potatoes, etc.)
- Dessert: 100-150 grams per person
For buffets, you should calculate a little more, often around 20-30% extra, as people tend to help themselves more when they can choose for themselves.
- For supper later in the evening: 150-200 grams per person.
- Finger food or canapés before the main meal: 4-6 bites per person.
- Cake table: 2-3 bites/pieces per person.
These numbers are indicative and can be adjusted based on the composition of the guests, the time of serving and the length of the celebration.
How much drink do you calculate per person for a wedding?
Calculating drinks for weddings varies based on the length of the event and guests’ preferences, but here’s a general guide:
- Welcome drink: 1 glass per person (approx. 100 ml).
- Wine with food: 1/2 bottle per person (375 ml) for a standard meal. Up to 1 bottle per person (750 ml) for longer dinners.
- Beer/mineral water: 2-3 units per person.
- With coffee: 1 unit per person (40-60 ml).
- Water: Unlimited supply.
- Coffee/tea: 2-3 cups per person.
For a full evening event (6-8 hours) you can calculate 1 welcome drink, 3-4 glasses of wine, 2-3 units of beer/mineral water, 1 avec, and 2-3 cups of coffee/tea.
Remember to have non-alcoholic options available. It’s better to calculate slightly in excess than to risk running out. Excess, unopened bottles can often be returned to the supplier.
How many courses is it common to have at weddings?
At Norwegian weddings, it’s common to serve three to five courses, depending on the style of the wedding and the couple’s preferences. Here’s an overview of common layouts:
- Three-course menu: This is the most traditional and includes appetizer, main course and dessert. It’s a popular choice that balances good food with time for other activities.
- Four-course menu: Often adds a middle course, such as a soup or sorbet, between the appetizer and main course. This adds an extra dimension to the meal and is popular at more formal weddings.
- Five-course menu: For luxury weddings, you can include two appetizers or two desserts, or add a cheese course before dessert.
Some couples also choose to have a more casual buffet with lots of smaller dishes, or food stations with different types of food where people can help themselves. Regardless of the number of courses, it’s common to serve wedding cake and supper later in the evening.
How early should I book wedding catering?
It is recommended to book wedding catering as early as possible, ideally 9-12 months before the big day. This is especially important if the wedding is to be held during the high season (May-September) or on popular dates.
Early booking offers several advantages:
- Greater freedom of choice among caterers
- Time to plan and customize the menu
- Opportunity for tasting and adjustments
- Better prices, as some offer discounts for early booking
If you’re planning an off-season wedding, you may be able to wait a little longer, but it’s still recommended to book at least 6 months in advance. Remember that popular caterers often get fully booked early.
How to book wedding catering?
Booking wedding catering can seem overwhelming, but we want to make the process easier for you. The first thing you need to do to get a quote for wedding catering is to get in touch with a catering company. You usually have to research different caterers to compare prices, menus, selection and capacity. We want to make it easier for you, so that you can spend time on other important things in your wedding planning. We work with several caterers across the country who specialize in wedding catering and can easily put you in touch with a skilled supplier close to where you’ll be holding your big day.
Fill in the form on our website and we’ll forward your enquiry to the catering company that best suits your wishes and needs. The service is free and non-binding, and you can expect to be contacted shortly.