Catering Prices Per Head for Events in Nigeria

When planning an event in Nigeria, the catering per head price is a crucial aspect to consider for budgeting and ensuring your guests are well-fed and satisfied. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or any other gathering, understanding this cost is essential. In this guide, we'll uncover what influences per head catering prices and provide tips on how to get the best value for your money.

Factors Influencing Catering Per Head Price

Type of Event

• Weddings: Typically, weddings tend to have higher per head prices due to elaborate menus, multiple courses, and premium service.

• Corporate Events: These might range from simple boxed lunches to high-end gala dinners, affecting the per head price accordingly.

• Social Gatherings: Casual events like birthday parties or family reunions usually have more flexible and lower per head pricing.

Menu Selection

Cuisine Type: Exotic or gourmet cuisines like sushi, French, or Italian often cost more than traditional fare like sandwiches or BBQ.

Meal Type: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner have different pricing structures, with dinners usually being the most expensive.

Courses: The number of courses (appetizers, main courses, desserts) will also impact the per head price.

Service Style

Buffet 

Plated Service 

Family Style

Buffet service is typically the most affordable option. In this setup, guests serve themselves from a selection of dishes arranged on a buffet table. This self-service approach reduces labor costs, as fewer staff members are needed to manage the service.

Plated service, however, tends to be more expensive. This formal dining style involves servers bringing individual plates to each guest. The need for additional staff to handle the plating and serving process increases the overall cost. This option is often chosen for upscale events where a more elegant dining experience is desired.

Family style service falls somewhere between buffet and plated service in terms of cost. In this setup, large platters of food are placed on each table, and guests serve themselves from these shared dishes. While it still requires some staff to set up and replenish the platters, it generally needs fewer servers than a fully plated service, making it a middle-ground option both in terms of experience and expense.

Additional Services

• Beverage Packages

• Rentals:

• Staffing:

• Special Requests:

Beverage packages can significantly add to the cost, especially if you opt for alcoholic drink options. Offering a range of non-alcoholic beverages can also affect the price, depending on the variety and quantity provided.

Rentals are another expense to factor in. This includes the cost of tables, chairs, linens, and tableware. Depending on the size and style of your event, these rental costs can vary widely.

Staffing is a crucial aspect that influences the overall catering cost. This includes chefs, servers, bartenders, and cleanup crew. The number and type of staff needed will depend on the service style and scale of your event.

Special requests, such as accommodating dietary restrictions, creating custom menus, or incorporating themed decor, can also affect the price. These personalized touches often require extra resources and planning, leading to additional costs.

Average Catering Per Head Prices

Casual Events: $5 - $10 per head

Mid-Range Events: $10 - $20 per head

High-End Events: $20 - $50+ per head