Wedding Catering Costs in Spain
Planning a wedding in Spain means getting to grips with a lot of numbers, and catering is usually the biggest one. Across the country, wedding catering generally works out at €45–€120 per guest for a full banquet, depending on the menu, the service style and the venue. That range is a useful starting point, but the final figure depends on your guest list and where you are getting married.
In this guide we look at catering costs per guest and by guest count, explain how prices vary by city and region, and set out exactly what is included in a typical quote and what is not. We also share practical advice on requesting quotes without surprises, so you can compare offers with confidence and focus on enjoying the planning.
How much wedding catering costs per guest
In Spain, wedding catering is usually quoted as a price per guest, sometimes called the cubierto. The figure depends on the style of service, the quality of the ingredients and the reputation of the caterer. The ranges below are the national picture for 2026.
| Service style | Price per guest |
|---|---|
| Cocktail reception / aperitif | €25–€50 |
| Buffet | €30–€60 |
| Full seated menu | €45–€80 |
| Wedding banquet (per-guest price / "cubierto") | €45–€120 |
| Premium banquet | €75–€120 |
| Luxury banquet | Custom quoted (can exceed €120) |
A standard wedding banquet is the classic Spanish wedding meal: a multi-course seated lunch or dinner with house wine and water, served by waiting staff. Premium menus move up to higher-quality ingredients, more elaborate presentation and a wider choice of dishes. Luxury catering is bespoke: a custom menu, premium products, extra service and no fixed price ceiling. In practice, the per-guest figure you are quoted will sit somewhere within these ranges depending on your choices.
How much wedding catering costs by guest count
The total catering bill depends on how many guests you invite. The table below applies the per-guest ranges to four common guest counts.
| Guests | Cocktail (€25–€50/p) | Buffet (€30–€60/p) | Seated menu (€45–€80/p) | Standard banquet (€45–€120/p) | Premium banquet (€75–€120/p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | €875–€1,750 | €1,050–€2,100 | €1,575–€2,800 | €1,575–€4,200 | €2,625–€4,200 |
| 60 | €1,500–€3,000 | €1,800–€3,600 | €2,700–€4,800 | €2,700–€7,200 | €4,500–€7,200 |
| 100 | €2,500–€5,000 | €3,000–€6,000 | €4,500–€8,000 | €4,500–€12,000 | €7,500–€12,000 |
| 150 | €3,750–€7,500 | €4,500–€9,000 | €6,750–€12,000 | €6,750–€18,000 | €11,250–€18,000 |
To put these figures in context, a full wedding for 100 guests in Spain — including dress, photography, music, flowers and catering — usually comes to €15,000–€30,000 in total. Catering is the largest single item, so the banquet figures above are a useful starting point for your overall budget.
Does the price change by city or venue?
Yes, but the national ranges above are the best starting point for most of Spain. As a general rule, in mid-sized towns and smaller cities the low end of the national range can dip a bit, while in premium destinations the top end goes clearly above it. There is no published local figure for Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville or Málaga, so the national range applies there. If you are getting married in one of these cities, you can browse wedding catering in Madrid, wedding catering in Barcelona, wedding catering in Valencia, wedding catering in Seville or wedding catering in Málaga to see who is available.
Ibiza is the exception, because it is a premium seasonal island market with its own local data. There, a buffet costs €35–€80 per guest, a seated menu costs €55–€120 (with a premium tasting menu at €120–€200), and a wedding banquet costs €55–€180 per guest. A luxury destination wedding in Ibiza sits at €180–€350 per guest. For a 100-guest wedding, that works out at €5,500–€18,000, or €18,000–€35,000 for the luxury version. Prices in Ibiza rise 20-30% during high season, June–September, so a summer date will cost more. See wedding catering in Ibiza for local caterers.
What's included in the price (and what's extra)
Before comparing quotes, understand how VAT works. Catering is taxed at 10% VAT in Spain, while rental items such as furniture, marquees and decoration are taxed at 21%. Quotes are usually given without VAT, so never assume VAT is included — always ask.
Usually included in the per-guest price:
- Welcome aperitif
- Full menu
- Basic drinks during the meal (water, house wine, soft drinks)
- Waiting staff (waiters, maître d')
- Setup and teardown
- Tableware, cutlery and linen
Usually charged separately:
- Open bar and late-night snack
- Wedding cake (a menu tasting may or may not be charged — always ask)
- Floral decoration
- Venue or marquee hire
- Extra service hours
How to request a quote without surprises
Use this checklist when you contact catering companies:
- Ask for a written breakdown of the per-guest price and what it includes.
- Ask whether VAT is included or added on top.
- Request at least three comparable quotes before deciding.
- Ask about the menu tasting: is it included, and is there a charge?
- Ask about the minimum guest count for the date you want.
- Ask about the change and cancellation policy.
Wedding planner or DIY?
If you are short on time, a wedding planner can be worth the investment. Full planning fees in Spain are typically €2,500–€6,000, separate from the catering unless the agency bundles both services. A planner will handle negotiations, tastings and logistics, and can often secure better terms with suppliers. If you prefer to manage the budget yourself, compare quotes using the checklist above and our wedding catering companies directory. You can also search by province to find caterers near your venue. For more help, see our wedding planner guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does wedding catering cost?
For a wedding banquet in Spain, you can expect to pay between €45 and €120 per guest. The standard range sits at €45–€120, with premium weddings typically costing €75–€120. Luxury catering can exceed €120 with no fixed ceiling, depending on your choices.
How much is a wedding menu per person?
A full seated wedding menu in Spain generally costs between €45 and €80 per person. This range covers a multi-course meal served at the table, typically including appetisers, main course, and dessert. Cocktail aperitifs and buffets are separate options at different price points.
How much does catering for 35 guests cost?
For 35 guests, a standard wedding banquet typically costs between €1,575 and €4,200 in total. If you prefer a cocktail reception instead, the price would be roughly €875–€1,750. These figures assume the national per-guest range of €45–€120 for a banquet.
How much does catering for 60 guests cost?
For 60 guests, a standard wedding banquet costs between €2,700 and €7,200. A cocktail reception would be €1,500–€3,000, a buffet €1,800–€3,600, and a full seated menu €2,700–€4,800. The final price depends on the service style you choose.
How much does catering for a 100-guest wedding cost?
Catering for a 100-guest wedding in Spain typically ranges from €4,500 to €12,000, based on the standard banquet price of €45–€120 per guest. This covers the food service itself. A full wedding package for 100 guests, including everything, would cost €15,000–€30,000 in total.
Does wedding catering cost change by city?
In general, national price ranges apply across Spain, so per-guest costs are similar in most cities. Ibiza is the exception, with its own premium rates: buffet €35–€80, seated menu €55–€120, banquet €55–€180 per guest. A 100-guest wedding there costs €5,500–€18,000, or €18,000–€35,000 for luxury.
Is VAT included in the wedding catering price?
In Spain, wedding catering is taxed at 10% VAT, while rental items such as furniture or decor are taxed at 21%. Quotes from venues and caterers are usually given without VAT, so you should never assume it is included. Always confirm the final price with tax.
Is it cheaper to get married on a Friday or midweek?
Yes, getting married on a Friday or midweek is generally cheaper than a Saturday, because venues and caterers have a lighter calendar. The low season from November to March also brings lower prices. Choosing a weekday outside peak months can make a meaningful difference to your catering budget.
John Guerrero
Food service consultant and founder of the ChefBusiness group. 20+ years in hospitality helping restaurants and caterers run profitably. johnguerrero.es
