Attention to detail is the first way to differentiate your wedding catering events.
According to The Wedding Report, 2022 marked the most weddings in the U.S. since 1984 at 2.5 million. Pent up demand from COVID saw couples catching up on postponed weddings. For 2023, a sweet 2.24 million wedding occasions are projected, at an average cost per wedding of nearly $30,000. Here are more numbers that will amaze you.
Weddings began their rebound in 2021 with average costs of just over $27,000. Overall, Americans spent more than $50 billion dollars in 2021. Based on inflation, the number is likely to score north of $30,000 per wedding this year.
United States Average Wedding Cost per Wedding Last 5 Years
Wedding costs are expected to be north of $30,000 each in 2023.
Here are a few of the latest estimates on average spends per catered item from the most recent data of 2021 and projected costs for inflation of 15% this year.
| Item | 2021 Average Cost* | Average Cost +15% For Inflation |
| Wedding Cake | $454 | $522 |
| Bar Service | $2,144 | $2,465 |
| Foodservice | $4,164 | $4,788 |
| Wedding Venue Location | $5,220 | $6,003 |
| Wedding Venue Rentals | $1,614 | $1,856 |
| Wedding Table Centerpieces | $359 | $412 |
| Wedding Floral | $506 | $582 |
| Wedding DJ/MC | $853 | $980 |
| Wedding Reception Menus | $146 | $168 |
| Wedding Tips (all services) | $387 | $445 |
*The Wedding Report
These insights offer a glimpse at the potential of cashing in on weddings in 2023. Here are three ways to stand out from your competition.
1. Evaluate Your Strengths, Shore Up Your Attention to Detail
A wedding event is more about a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression—more important than just the price. Everything from your website and social posts, to your location and atmosphere down to the butters served on the plate communicate the value of your services.
If you haven’t already, ask your best customers and friends to share their impressions of their most recent catered wedding event experience with you. They will help uncover gems of brilliance that can help you differentiate your own company’s brand’s position.
Their input gives you a fresh outlook on winning strategies and the little things that can help you stand out and be chosen for more events. Remember, it’s not just about the cost of the event, but the value you can bring in crafting an event that will be positively remembered by the customer’s guests.
Here is an easy one. While most caterers think of butter on the plates as an afterthought, make yours a point of difference. Butterball® Farms shaped butters are an easy way for letting guests know that you thought of everything. Set yourself apart and make them part of your “premium” table service package that can boost your profits.
Butterball® Farms butters come in a variety of shapes to set your service apart from the rest.
Butterball Farms beautifully shaped butters are available through DOT Foods. If you have an immediate need or only want to order 1 case, you can also purchase their Premium Butter Balls and Roses Direct at www.butterballfarmsdirect.com
Want to try a free sample kit? Request yours today.
2. Packages Pump Up Profits. Line Up Partners and Package Them Up
Packaging up services from floral to live bands can add to your profits.
The Wedding Report’s numbers offer a reminder that you’ll get the most from weddings by offering a total package with partnered services, from DJs and live bands to florists and wedding planners. Reassess your partners who may be new to your market. Likewise, partner up with new or existing wedding venues who are open to packaging your services. Couples may look for a wedding venue before a caterer and the venue can refer them to you. Whether it’s your partners or a referral from a venue, make a referral fee or commission part of your plan.
3. Take Labor-Saving Short Cuts in Your Kitchen
Quick-Creations® Butter Sauces save time and labor in your kitchen.
Take the lead from today’s restaurant kitchens and simplify the preparation process. They are reducing the time, training, and the number of employees to prepare meals by switching to short-cuts, like Butterball Farms Quik-Creations® Butter Sauces.
Why waste time creating recipes from scratch when you can reach for a 32-ouch microwavable pouch that easily acts a base to create pasta-, seafood dishes, soups, desserts and more. Simply add in your own spices and herbs to create culinary delights within minutes. Here are just a few of the many recipes you can create with Quik-Creations Butter Sauce. Available now at your local distributor.