How do I figure the price for catering?

Question

I was asked to cater some parties by the pastor of my church. I have done some parties for friends, but I have them buy the food and just tell them to pay me what they think is fair. But my pastor wants me to write out some menus with proposals so he can present it to the board. How would I go about figuring a price? I have called some catering companies, but they seem very expensive.

Answer 1

Call the catering companies, and describe in general what you are looking for. it will typically be what it costs.

The other way is to hunt down yourself, each item, see how much it costs, evaluate how you will prepare it cook it serve it transport it, etc etc.

you will find cost of items, plus people hired, plus time spent, etc = what caterer's are quoting, except theirs is about 15-20% more.