Find catering services in Elmhurst, IL

Q: How much is catering?

Catering costs $10 to $35 per person for basic party food or a drop-off service. On average, caterers charge $500 to $7,500 total for 50 guests, $1,000 to $15,000 for 100 guests, and $1,500 to $23,000 for 150 guests. Alcohol or bartending options often cost extra. Formal catering or wedding catering costs $30 to $200 per person for plated meals, a buffet, or food stations. A food truck rental costs $10 to $40 per person , depending on the type of event and whether you hire the truck on a weekend or holiday. Popular food truck menu options include tacos, pizza, BBQ, and ice cream.

Q: How long do caterers stay at an event?

Caterers typically serve food for 1 to 4 hours , depending on the time of year and number of guests. Setup usually takes 1 to 2 hours . Ask your caterer whether they will include any of the setup or cleanup time in their estimate.

Q: Do you tip caterers?

Some caterers include a gratuity charge of 15% to 20% on your bill that is split between the servers. Before adding a cash tip, ask your caterer or review the contract to make sure a gratuity charge is not already included. If you decide to give cash tips directly, pay each person between $15 to $50 .

Share a few details and we'll show you the best catering services in your area.

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Find catering services in Elmhurst, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best catering services in your area.

Zip code

Top 10 catering services in Elmhurst, IL

Clients agree: these Elmhurst catering services are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.

Your Wedding and Event Catering questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.

How much is catering?

Catering costs $10 to $35 per person for basic party food or a drop-off service. On average, caterers charge $500 to $7,500 total for 50 guests, $1,000 to $15,000 for 100 guests, and $1,500 to $23,000 for 150 guests. Alcohol or bartending options often cost extra.

Formal catering or wedding catering costs $30 to $200 per person for plated meals, a buffet, or food stations. A food truck rental costs $10 to $40 per person, depending on the type of event and whether you hire the truck on a weekend or holiday. Popular food truck menu options include tacos, pizza, BBQ, and ice cream.

What is catering?

Catering means supplying food and drink at a party, wedding, or other gathering. Some catering companies provide waitstaff, while others offer self-serve buffet stations or simply drop off prepared food to an event. Different catering companies provide different types of foods and cuisines, including:

Italian
Mexican
Barbeque
Japanese
Pizza
Sandwiches
Ice cream
Breakfast or brunch

How far in advance do I need to order catering?

Most caterers recommend ordering at least a few weeks to 6 months in advance, depending on the type of event and number of guests. However, catering a small party may not require as much advance time as a wedding, holiday party, or large corporate event.

Large chain restaurants often provide limited, drop-off catering services and require less notice than professional catering companies. Some chain restaurants and grocery stores offer catering services with only one day's notice.

What do caterers provide?

Caterers supply all the food for your event, either cooking it on-site or preparing it in their own kitchen beforehand. Many catering services include serving dishes, plates, glasses, and silverware in their price. Some caterers also offer tables, chairs, linens, or custom place settings for an added fee.

How long do caterers stay at an event?

Caterers typically serve food for 1 to 4 hours, depending on the time of year and number of guests. Setup usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Ask your caterer whether they will include any of the setup or cleanup time in their estimate.

Do you tip caterers?

Some caterers include a gratuity charge of 15% to 20% on your bill that is split between the servers. Before adding a cash tip, ask your caterer or review the contract to make sure a gratuity charge is not already included. If you decide to give cash tips directly, pay each person between $15 to $50.

How do I choose a catering company?

Search our list of caterers, then:

Get three or more free estimates to compare.
Read their reviews and menus on Fash and Google.
Choose a licensed, insured, and experienced company.
Try menu tasting before your event if possible.
Make sure they're a good fit for your budget and schedule.
Get a written estimate or contract.
Avoid making a large payment before your event begins.

After reading reviews and asking questions, hire the best company in your area.

What questions should I ask caterers?

When looking for local catering companies, consider asking the following questions:

How long have you been catering?
Are you licensed and insured?
How far in advance do I need to book?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you allow menu changes?
Will you bring prepared food, or will you prepare it onsite?
How long will you be able to serve food?
How long do you need to set up?
Do you charge extra for travel fees?
Will you give me a written estimate and contract?

Reviews for Elmhurst catering services

Recent success stories from people in the Elmhurst area.

Karen H.

Susan prepared a lovely selection for a company Christmas party I through for employees, and then came back one week later with brunch for my family's Christmas Eve gathering. She is extremely professional, creative with options which are all spectacular, and even prepared gluten-free servings for someone who is gluten sensitive! They were as good as the gluten options. I will contact Chef Susan for the next gathering/celebration/party. The planning, prep, set-up/presentation and final product can't be beat! Dr. K

Kitchen Ten

Jariah F.

Professional,Trustworthy, Did Anything to be helpful in any kind of way I really appreciate you all and will be booking again

San's Kitchen & Catering Company

Fiona K.

Chef Dre and Vi are incredible!!! They came to do a brunch in Galena for my bachlorette worth and it was easily the best meal of the trip. Feeding 33 hungover girls is not easy feat but they executed with perfection. We had an amazing spread with: Peach cobbler French toast, Smoked lamb chops with chimichurri, Breakfast potatoes, Chicken N Waffles bites with Oreo spice glaze, Shrimp and grits parfaits, Banana nut crepes, turkey sausages and bacon. My mouth is still watering just thinking about it. If you are having an event of any kind look no further for the perfect chefs. They are affordable, friendly and hilarious, traveled TO US, and made planning a dream. Thank you for making me and my friends feel like celebrities. Catered and pampered in every way. I wish I could have culinary collections cater my life every day. I have already hired them for some more events coming up and can’t wait to work together again. They are the best of the best in the business. Hands down!

Culinary Collections

Patrice S.

Loretta is so easy to work with, has a great menu selection and her food is fantastic! She prepared separate gluten-free food for a couple of guests, which was just as delicious. Because of Covid she had food wrapped separately, and wore a mask and gloves while setting everything up. It was such a convenience to have her deliver all of the food an hour before the party started. Great food and great service from a very lovely person! I look forward to using Loretta‘s services again.

Just a Bite

Katalina A.

Giving a budget and letting Chef Felicity surprise me with a menu is so much fun! She kills it every time! The Jamaican Jerk chicken is chef's kiss.

Vxbe Vegan

Sharice

She's friendly and professional

HairWiz

Cristina A.

Always professional, on time and can put all my ideas into action. All while tasting delicious and fresh!

BeYoutiful Kreations

Phoenix H.

Can't give enough praise to the ladies at this spa. Not only do the treatments work but the care you receive in their hands is second to none. can't wait to go back.