Best Catering Options for Large Group Events

Planning a large group event often requires catering. People are in good spirits if they have something delicious on their plates, especially if they’re celebrating something. Host the ultimate wedding reception by ordering food from companies known for excellence.

You’ll get high-quality service within your budget that aligns with your and your guests’ preferences.

 

What Couples Need From Catering Arrangements

Your wedding reception should match your taste preferences. Browse potential brands while thinking about what would make the night extra special. Once you have a cuisine in mind, you can sort your options by the meal types available, the restaurant’s guest list capacity and the brand’s locations.

Many companies also provide amenities. See if your preferred restaurants will arrange disposable dinnerware, buffet set-ups or servers that remain throughout the evening. Catering representatives may add those features for an extra charge if your order is big enough.

 

Popular Catering Companies for Large Groups and Weddings

Finding the right catering team for your wedding should feel like browsing a menu. Compare your options to find your favorite foods and top-tier service with leading brands.

 

1. Salata Salad Kitchen

Salata Salad Kitchen is an excellent company for couples seeking customizable, non-restrictive and tasty ways to eat healthy. Each menu option prioritizes convenience with fresh ingredients and fully customizable orders. Your reception could feature wraps or built-to-order salads with your choice of Salata’s 50+ toppings, plus soups, organic teas and lemonades.

With Salata’s 90 locations worldwide, your wedding venue may be close enough to a Salata location for delivery. Your order will even fund the community-focused initiatives that the brand leadership teams organize. Local impact and a customizable menu make Salata one of the best catering options for large group events like weddings.

Cuisines Available:

• Salads
• Wraps
• Soups
• Fruit and vegetables
• Cookies
• Lemonade
• Beverages

Catering Arrangements:

• Customizable Salata bar, including salads and wraps
• The Signature Experience
• Wrap Trays
• Same-day delivery with a four-hour notice
• Tastemaker Catering Loyalty Program rewards points

Custom Meals Possible?

• Yes

 

2. Olive Garden

Some couples book Olive Garden as their reception caterer because they love the brand’s Italian food. The company arranges wedding quotes at venues across the country. You could order a full meal for your reception, plus smaller orders for your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower lunch. The full catering menu is available for weddings, plus other large events.

If you’re nervous about feeding a guest list full of picky eaters, Olive Garden is generally a crowd-pleaser with plenty of options for a variety of taste preferences and dietary needs.

Cuisines Available:

• Chicken alfredo
• Lasagna
• Spaghetti with meat sauce
• Soups
• Salads
• Breadsticks
• Appetizers
• Desserts
• Beverages

Catering Arrangements:

• Create Your Own Pasta Station
• Combination meals for bigger groups

Custom Meals Possible?

• No

 

3. Panera Bread

You may enjoy eating Panera Bread food at your wedding reception if you want a bakery-inspired atmosphere. The restaurant arranges large orders and group reservations, so you can fill your bridal suite with sandwiches while everyone gets ready, too. After saying your vows, you could savor creamy mac and cheese, tomato soup or any seasonal items on the menu.

Cuisines Available:

• Breakfast
• Sandwiches
• Salads
• Boxed lunches
• Soups and mac
• Beverages
• Baked goods
• Desserts
• Sides and spreads

Catering Arrangements:

• Seasonal bundles
• Hot and cold boxed sandwich bundles
• Hot sandwich and salad bundles
• Boxed salad bundles

Custom Meals Possible?

• Yes

 

4. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel accepts orders for weddings at any time of the day. The company’s famous breakfast food might hit the spot for couples daydreaming about hosting a sunrise ceremony. Either way, you can treat your guests to Southern comfort foods like fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, or chicken and dumplings.

Other menu options are available for a heartier dinner. Buffet-style arrangements house platters full of meatloaf, turkey and sugar ham, depending on your order. Your quote may even include disposable chafing dishes and warming fuel cells if you’d prefer guests serve themselves.

Cuisines Available:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Desserts
• Beverages
• Breads

Catering Arrangements:

• Party platters
• Build your own sandwich bars
• Catering supplies
• Chafing dishes
• Warming fuel cells

Custom Meals Possible?

• No

 

5. Carrabba’s Italian Grill

You might also consider Carrabba’s Italian Grill for your wedding catering if you want higher-end Italian food that feels fresh out of the kitchen. The menus vary by location. A Carrabba’s location close to your venue might have large trays of meatball appetizers, lasagna and salad bundles, or sirloin steaks cooked to your preference. Every meal serves at least five people, making Carrabba’s one of the most popular catering options for large group events.

Cuisines Available:

• Italian dinners
• Sides
• Salads
• Soups
• Desserts
• Beverages

Catering Arrangements:

• All-in-one orders
• Perfect bundles
• A la carte party pan entrées
• Individually packaged entrées
• Chafing dish rack
• Chafing dish steam pan
• Two sternos

Custom Meals Possible?

• No

 

6. Texas Steakhouse

Wedding reception arrangements are available with Texas Steakhouse. If you can’t imagine celebrating your nuptials without steak, rolls and sweet honey butter, arrange an order for your guest list. A local restaurant can arrange small bites, snacks or elaborate spreads with your favorite entrées.

Longtime Texas Steakhouse fans might notice that the catering menu has additions you can’t find when dining in. The company ensures that every catered event feels special with unique additions like mini crab cakes and roasted turkeys. You could even spend the evening at a mashed potato bar if that’s what would make you happy during your big day.

Cuisines Available:

• Hors d’oeuvres
• Entrées
• Sides
• Beverages
• Desserts
• Bar service

Catering Arrangements:

• Buffet and plated meals
• Themed packages
• Salad bar
• Wing bar
• Mashed potato bar
• Nacho bar
• Carving station
• Grill on-site

Custom Meals Possible?

• No

 

7. Domino’s Pizza

Couples sometimes want to skip the festivities of a grand wedding and opt for a more laid-back vibe. Whether you’re hosting a ceremony at a quiet venue or in your backyard, Domino’s Pizza could be the best catering option for your evening. Pizza is a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to customize. Order pies with different toppings for people with food allergies and other sides for people who may prefer wings or pasta.

You could even take leftovers home if you’re getting ready to leave for your honeymoon. You won’t have to worry about cooking if you have cold pizza, loaded tots, sandwiches or other Domino’s menu items ready to eat in your fridge.

Cuisines Available:

• Pizza
• Chicken wings
• Sandwiches
• Pastas
• Breads
• Desserts
• Salads
• Sodas

Catering Arrangements:

• Delivery

Custom Meals Possible?

• Yes

 

8. Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse is among the best catering options for large groups. The international restaurant brand has years of experience in providing meals for big gatherings like weddings. Find an Outback near your venue to get a catering quote. The menu options are extensive, and limited-time deals may be available, depending on the season.

People love Outback for its upscale comfort food. Your guests will adore blooming onions during your cocktail hour and fresh seafood, steak and ribs for dinner. Many of the ingredients are also made in-house, which adds a homemade vibe to every plate.

Cuisines Available:

• Entrées
• Sides
• Salads
• Appetizers
• Desserts
• Beverages

Catering Arrangements:

• Buffet-style
• Individual entrées
• Party platters
• Build-Your-Own bars

Custom Meals Possible?

• No

 

9. Applebee’s

People arrange catering with Applebee’s when they want to feed a large group on a budget. The brand’s catering menu averages $10 per person, which is competitive pricing in the wedding reception market. You don’t even have to place your order extra early. A local Applebee’s venue will take your catering request up to 14 days in advance.

Cuisines Available:

• Appetizers
• Entrées
• Sides
• Salads
• Sandwiches
• Desserts
• Bagged beverages

Catering Arrangements:

• Boxed meals
• Cups provided with beverages

Custom Meals Possible?

• No

 

10. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

If your wedding won’t feel complete without barbecue, consider arranging Dickey’s Barbecue Pit catering. The brand representatives provide free quotes on custom menus, so call anytime. You could celebrate your vows with Texas-style barbecue and pit-smoked meats. Savory sides and big servings could help you close out your special day with delicious Southern comfort food. There’s no guest list too big for Dickey’s Barbecue Pit catering, so you won’t have to worry about a guest list cap on your order.

Cuisines Available:

• Entrées
• Sides
• Desserts
• Bread
• Beverages

Catering Arrangements:

• Barbecue buffets
• Boxed lunches
• Packs
• Party platters
• Full-service buffets

Custom Meals Possible?

• Yes

 

Tips to Arrange Catering for Your Wedding

Once you’ve found a restaurant for your wedding reception, finalize some details by strategizing your next steps. You’ll have a seamless experience while waiting for your wedding day to arrive.

 

1. Get Quotes Early

If you have a rough estimate for your guest list, you should contact the catering team right away. Their quotes will inform your budget, which may have ripple effects for other parts of your big day. The average 2024 couple spent $80 per person for reception food, but your preferred restaurants might have better pricing. You won’t know until you call for quotes, which requires finishing your guest list quickly.

 

2. Arrange Culinary Support as Needed

Double-check what you’re getting in your catering quote. The company may provide everything you’ll need for dinner, but not dessert or appetizers. You can contact other local businesses to arrange the extra services you need. They’ll need some time to process your order, so make those catering arrangements as early as possible.

 

3. Finalize Your RSVP List

Some couples give guests until the week before to decide if they’re coming. You may want to request their RSVP cards a few weeks before that point. Your catering team will finalize your quote according to who accepted or declined your invitation. Deliver that information early to know what you owe for your reception meal.

 

4. Contact Guests for Dietary Needs

Experts estimate that one in 10 adults has food allergies, so double-check your guests’ preferences. They might note their dietary restrictions on their RSVP card, but people sometimes forget. Reach out before finalizing your catering menu so everyone has something to eat after your ceremony.

 

5. Coordinate With Your Venue

Your venue coordinator will work with you on your catering service. They’ll indicate where the team should arrive, set up equipment and make your dishes. You’ll also have to let your catering company know when to clean up and leave the property. If you’re working with brand representatives who have handled weddings before, they’ll know how to work around your venue coordinator’s schedule.

 

How Pricing Works for Wedding Catering

Every restaurant handles pricing differently, but you can expect some common themes when getting quotes. Expect certain factors to affect the final cost of feeding your loved ones at your reception.

 

1. Pay Per Person

Smaller weddings often have receptions priced per person. You’ll have a more economical quote if you tailor your bill to your individual guests rather than booking more food than everyone can eat. You might also prefer a per-person itemized bill if you need specialized orders for guests with food allergies.

 

2. Arrange a Flat Fee

Larger groups may get flat fee pricing. Based on your guest list, the restaurant team will estimate a guest range, like 75-100 people. Their fee covers enough food and supplies for people within that range, which may leave you with leftovers if some guests cancel. However, you could also save money on group pricing because it could include discounts based on how the restaurant team prepares or serves the large order.

 

3. Discuss Delivery Costs

City-based wedding venues are close to numerous restaurants, so you may have a minimal delivery fee if your reception venue is near your caterer of choice. Remote or rural venues require a longer delivery route. Prepare to pay a bigger delivery fee if your restaurant is more than a few miles from your reception location.

 

4. Look Into Add-Ons

Some restaurants can provide add-ons for big catering orders. You might get a better deal on dinnerware or desserts compared to arranging two contracts with separate vendors for those services. Compare your options to see which one best fits your budget and wedding dreams.

 

Compare the Best Catering Options for Large Group Events

Arranging delicious food for large group events is much easier after contacting reliable, top-tier caterers. Reach out to various leading brands to discuss how they can make your wedding reception extra enjoyable. No matter which cuisines you prefer, you’ll have a great experience with the nation’s most popular culinary companies.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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