Wedding rehearsal dinner catering: menus and what it costs
A rehearsal dinner for 30 comes to $629.70 in food on Buffet Menu 3 at $20.99 a person, before tax. Menus, staff and timing for catering near Yorkville.
By the Upper Crust Catering kitchen
Wedding rehearsal dinner catering with us starts at $18.99 a person for a buffet, with a 20-guest minimum. Most rehearsal dinners are small, so the question is usually whether to do a buffet, trays or a staffed dinner at a hall or home. A buffet for 30 on Buffet Menu 3 is $20.99 x 30 = $629.70 before tax and staffing.
Three buffet menus
Each buffet has a set menu with entrées, sides and bread, cooked from scratch in our Yorkville kitchen.
- Buffet Menu 1, $18.99 a person: comfort classics like herb roasted chicken, baked mostaccioli, meat loaf and pulled pork.
- Buffet Menu 2, $19.99 a person: chicken piccata, marsala, pot roast, roast turkey and our famous pork chops.
- Buffet Menu 3, $20.99 a person: carved sirloin, cordon bleu, cod, brisket and salmon.
For a rehearsal dinner we usually point people to Menu 2 or 3. Carved Sirloin with Natural Jus and Baked Salmon with Fresh Herb Sauce are both on Menu 3. The salmon is gluten-free.
What 30 guests cost
Food only, before 9.25% sales tax:
- Menu 1: 30 x $18.99 = $569.70
- Menu 2: 30 x $19.99 = $599.70
- Menu 3: 30 x $20.99 = $629.70
With a staffed event, add the staff and fees. Servers are $35 an hour each with a four-hour minimum ($140 each), plus a $50 event production fee and a 20% service charge on food and rentals. On Menu 3, the 20% service charge is $125.94. Sales tax is 9.25% on food and rentals. Everything goes on one written sheet before you commit. Staffed events need 14 days' notice.
Buffet, trays or full service
Buffet delivered. Easiest for a home or a church hall. Drop-off orders carry no service charge. You will need your own tables and a way to keep food warm. A Chafing Dish Set is $17 for each hot dish and is yours to keep, or rent a Stainless Steel Chafing Dish for $20 and return it.
Trays. If your group is under 20, trays have no minimum. A tray serves about 20, so a rehearsal dinner for 12 may do better as a smaller tray plus a salad. Italian Beef Au Jus is $90 a tray in the small size. Ask which size fits.
Staffed. Servers are added on request and priced in writing with the rest. Pick this if you want someone serving at the table while you greet guests.
Planning notes
- Ask for a tasting. We offer tastings by appointment at the kitchen showroom for weddings and big events.
- Deposit for weddings is 20% to reserve the date, credited to your balance. Balance is due 7 days before the event after you give a final count.
- Guest counts can go up until the balance is paid, and can drop by no more than 10% after the deposit.
- If you also need the wedding itself covered, see wedding catering and what wedding catering costs in Kendall County.
For a written price, ask for a quote or call (630) 553-9533.
Questions
How much does a rehearsal dinner cost?
Food on our buffets runs $18.99 to $20.99 a person, before tax and any staff. For 30 people that is $569.70 to $629.70.
What is the minimum number of guests?
Buffets start at 20 guests. Trays have no minimum.
How far ahead should I book?
Three days for standard orders and 14 days for staffed events. For a wedding weekend, call as soon as you know the date.
Do you serve vegetarian options?
Yes. Meatless Mostaccioli, Spinach Lasagna and Eggplant Parmesan are on our menu and are vegetarian.
Wedding catering that lets you enjoy your own party
