How to choose a party caterer
Match the food to the party
A backyard party where guests trickle in over an afternoon needs food that holds: tacos, barbecue, grain bowls, big salads. A shower or a brunch suits lighter platters and something sweet. Graduation parties pull in every age, and a build-your-own bar keeps grandparents and teenagers equally happy.
Trays, carts and food trucks
Three formats cover most home parties. Trays dropped off ready to serve are the simplest. A taco or grill cart puts a cook in your yard and makes the food part of the fun. A truck at the curb needs legal street space for its whole length, so ask the neighbors about moving cars that morning, and plan where the line will form.
Parks and permits
A birthday in a park is easy until you add a canopy, a bounce house or a cart. Rules differ between the City of LA, the county and cities like Pasadena, Burbank or Long Beach, and larger gatherings or extra equipment can need a permit. Check with the parks department that runs your spot before you book anything, then tell the caterer what is allowed.
Graduation season and summer weekends fill fast
May and June weekends bring graduations, and summer brings birthdays and backyard parties. Popular caterers and carts book up early for those dates. Reserve as soon as you know the date and confirm the final count about a week out. In July and August, ask how cold food stays cold in an inland backyard.
Small details that make the day easier
- Ask whether plates, napkins, cutlery and serving utensils come with the order.
- Check how the food stays hot or cold, and whether the caterer needs tables or power.
- Mention kids, since many caterers offer smaller portions or kid-friendly dishes.
- Decide where trash, recycling and leftovers will go before the first guest arrives.
What it costs in Los Angeles
Trays dropped at the door, a taco cart in the driveway, a staffed dinner in the backyard. Party catering in LA covers all three. Prices are per guest, for food, before delivery and tax unless noted.
Party catering in LA, per guest unless noted| What | Typical range |
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| Party trays or drop-off buffet | $20 to $45 per guest |
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| Taco cart or food truck | $12 to $50 per guest |
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| Food truck or cart minimum | $800 to $1,500 per event |
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| Staffed buffet, food and service | $45 to $90 per guest |
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| Disposable plates and cutlery | $2 to $4 per guest |
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Food trucks and carts usually charge a minimum for a set service window, so they get cheaper per guest as the guest list grows. Delivery, setup time, a service charge on staffed parties and sales tax are the other usual additions.
Party pricing from Marbled LA starts at $24 per guest for Menu 1, with passed appetizers from $15 per guest and stationary bites from $3 apiece, plus $2.50 per guest for disposables, delivery from $150 and 15 percent service.
Tips
- Thirty guests or fewer? Put a truck's minimum next to a drop-off quote. Trays often come out ahead for a small crowd.
- Before comparing tray prices, ask whether plates, napkins and serving utensils are included.
These are typical Los Angeles market ranges drawn from public price lists and cost guides, not quotes. Every caterer prices its own menus, so ask each one for a written quote.
