Planning a wedding in Mumbai requires more than choosing a venue and guest list – catering costs often make up the largest share of the budget. Newly‑weds and families regularly ask how much wedding catering costs, and the answer depends on multiple factors: the type of venue, cuisine, guest count, and even the time of year. This 2025 guide breaks down current price ranges, explains how costs scale for 100, 300 or 500 guests, and shares practical tips to stretch your budget without compromising on quality. All figures are based on recent reports and industry data for Mumbai jafferbhaiscatering.com.
Pricing Overview: What a Plate Costs in 2025
Wedding caterers typically quote prices on a per‑plate basis, which covers food, staff and basic service. The base price for a vegetarian menu ranges widely depending on the venue and level of service:
- Boutique hotels or salon banquets (100–200 guests): Affordable vegetarian menus start around ₹1,200–₹2,200 per plate, while non‑vegetarian menus start at ₹1,600–₹2,800 per plate. These venues are common in areas like Bandra, Santacruz and Andheri.
- Mid‑size banquet halls (200–500 guests): expect ₹1,800–₹3,000 per plate for veg and ₹2,200–₹3,500 for non‑veg. Many halls in Andheri East, Goregaon and Chembur fit this bracket, making them popular for medium‑sized weddings.
- Premium hotels and sea‑facing ballrooms: high‑end venues in South Mumbai or Bandra charge ₹3,500–₹6,500+ per plate. These rates reflect luxury service, elaborate location décor and prime locations like Marine Drive and Nariman Point.
- Convention centres & open grounds: options in Navi Mumbai and Thane offer ₹1,800–₹4,000+ per plate. Such venues allow expansive guest lists and typically include large parking areas and lawns.
These ranges exclude taxes and optional upgrades like live food counters, premium desserts or bespoke décor, which can add ₹500–1,500 per plate depending on complexity.
Veg vs Non‑Veg Demand Patterns
In Mumbai, Veg and non‑vegetarian menus remain highly popular, especially among Muslim, Parsi and Catholic communities. However, vegetarian spreads have grown in demand due to religious preferences and vegan trends. Caterers generally price non‑veg plates ₹400–600 higher than equivalent vegetarian plates because meat and seafood ingredients are costlier and require separate handling. Seasonal availability also affects pricing – prawns and lobster cost more during monsoon, driving up non‑veg plate rates.
Cost Factors Explained
1. Venue Type & Location
The venue you choose has a substantial impact on catering cost:
| Venue Type | Typical Locations | Cost Notes |
| Banquet halls (mid‑size) | Andheri East, Goregaon, Chembu | Offer the best balance of price and capacity; per‑plate costs start around ₹1,800. |
| Luxury hotels & ballrooms | South Mumbai (Nariman Point, Colaba), Bandra | Charges reflect premium décor and five‑star service. Expect ₹4,000–6,500+ per plate. |
| Open grounds & lawns | Navi Mumbai, Thane, Powai | These venues usually have lower per‑plate rates ₹1,800–₹4,000+ but may require separate tent, lighting and stage arrangements. |
| Community halls & smaller auditoriums | Kurla, Dadar, Matunga | Suitable for local, budget-friendly ceremonies with costs from ₹1,200–₹2,000 per plate. Service may be basic and decorations limited. |
For grand celebrations, selecting well-managed wedding banquet halls in Mumbai ensures comfort for guests along with seamless food service and event coordination.
2. Guest Count Models
Per‑plate pricing scales with the number of guests. Here’s how typical guest‑count models affect your budget:
100 Guests (Intimate Weddings)
For small functions at community halls or boutique venues, expect a minimum billing of ₹1.2–2 lakh for vegetarian menus and ₹1.6–2.8 lakh for non‑veg. A higher per‑plate cost covers fixed kitchen and staffing overheads, so smaller weddings don’t always save proportionally. Live counters like chaat or pasta can add ₹20,000–30,000.
300 Guests (Mid‑Size Weddings)
This guest count is common in Mumbai’s suburban areas. At mid‑range banquet halls, total catering expenditure ranges ₹5.4–10.5 lakh (based on ₹1,800–3,500 per plate). The cost per plate often falls slightly at this scale due to economies of scale and caterers’ willingness to negotiate.
500+ Guests (Large Weddings)
Hosting a grand celebration at a premium hotel or open ground for 500 guests can cost ₹18–32 lakh solely for food. Many premium venues in South Mumbai and Bandra require minimum billing for 400–500 guests. For very large weddings, consider convention centres in Navi Mumbai or Thane to reduce costs per plate and gain more space.
Explore Jafferbhai Catering for 50–500 Guests | 2025 Packages
3. wedding catering cost Menu Complexity & Cuisine Type
Besides the vegetarian versus non‑vegetarian choice, specific cuisine influences price. A report on Mumbai wedding catering lists the following average cost bands:
- Traditional Indian (North & South): ₹1,000–2,500 per plate. Regional favourites like Gujarati thalis, Punjabi dhaba specials, coastal curries and South Indian sadhyas fall here.
- Fusion cuisine (Indian + continental): ₹2,500–4,000 per plate. Live pizza, pasta counters or sushi stations raise costs.
- Exotic/international menus: ₹3,500–6,000 per plate. Dishes may include Mediterranean mezze, Thai curries, or pan‑Asian grills, using imported ingredients.
4. Service Style & Add‑ons
The way food is served can shift the budget dramatically:
- Buffet Service: Standard for most Mumbai weddings; costs ₹1,200–2,500 per plate. Economical because one dish serves multiple guests.
- Plated Service: Guests are served individually; costs ₹2,500–5,000 per plate. This suits formal weddings but adds staffing costs.
- Live Food Stations: Interactive counters for kebabs, dosas or pasta; costs ₹2,000–4,500 per plate. Each station requires dedicated chefs and equipment.
5. Hidden Costs & Logistics
Catering quotes often exclude certain expenses. Typical additional charges include:
- Staffing: Servers cost ₹500–1,500 per person, bartenders ₹1,500–3,000, and speciality chefs ₹2,000–5,000 per live counter.
- Kitchen Rental & Setup: Venues lacking a kitchen may charge ₹20,000–50,000 for rental, plus ₹15,000–40,000 for buffet tables, décor and chafing dishes.
- Beverages: Non‑alcoholic beverages cost ₹200–500 per person; open bar services cost ₹2,500–5,000 per person, and signature cocktails add ₹500–1,500 per person.
- Taxes & Service Charges: GST (5%), service charges (10%) and municipal levies can add 15–25% to the base bill.
Seasonal Trends: Wedding Season vs Off‑Season
Mumbai’s peak wedding season runs from November to February, with sub‑peak periods during auspicious Hindu dates like Akshaya Tritiya and Ganesh Chaturthi. During these months, caterers and venues charge premium rates due to high demand. Conversely, off‑season months (May–September) see fewer weddings; some caterers offer discounted packages to fill their schedules. Off‑peak bookings can lower per‑plate rates by 10–15% and make it easier to secure desired vendors.
Area‑Wise Cost Logic
Understanding how different parts of Mumbai influence price helps refine your budget:
- South Mumbai (Colaba, Marine Drive, Malabar Hill): Historically prestigious, this region commands the highest catering rates due to premium venues and upscale clientele. Expect ₹4,000–6,500+ per plate.
- Bandra, Khar & Santacruz: Known for celebrity weddings and high‑end banquets; per‑plate rates mirror South Mumbai but with more boutique options.
- Andheri, Jogeshwari & Goregaon: With numerous banquet halls and hotels, this belt offers balanced pricing. Intense competition keeps rates in the mid‑range ₹1,800–3,500 per plate.
- Kurla, Ghatkopar & Chembur: Cost‑friendly venues with modern amenities; per‑plate rates often start lower but can rise for large events.
- Navi Mumbai & Thane: These satellite cities feature large convention centres and open grounds. Friendlier budgets and ample space make them popular for 500+ guest weddings.
Save & Share: Tips for Managing Your Catering Budget
- Fix a guest list early. Confirming numbers helps caterers quote accurately and allows negotiation for bulk discounts.
- Choose off‑peak dates. Weddings in May, June or July can secure cost concessions since demand is lower.
- Limit menu items. A curated menu with fewer main courses and desserts reduces waste and expense while maintaining quality.
- Opt for multi‑use venues. Selecting a hall with its own kitchen and staff eliminates rental charges and reduces logistics costs.
- Negotiate service charges. Ask if gratuities and taxes are included in the quote to avoid surprises.
Explore more resources on our site:
- Wedding catering services in Mumbai – detailed packages and menu options.
- Corporate catering services – professional menus for office events.
- Veg catering menu packages – curated vegetarian spreads.
FAQs
What is the average cost per plate for wedding catering in Mumbai?
In 2025, mid‑range banquet halls will charge ₹1,800–3,500 per plate for vegetarian or non‑vegetarian menu. Luxury hotels and ballrooms in South Mumbai can command ₹4,000–6,500+ per plat.
How does guest count affect wedding catering budgets?
Catering budgets scale with guest numbers. An intimate 100‑guest wedding might cost ₹1.2–3 lakh, while 500‑guest celebrations can exceed ₹20 lakh. Economies of scale may reduce per‑plate cost for larger guest lists.
Which areas of Mumbai are more budget‑friendly for weddings?
Suburbs like Kurla, Ghatkopar, Chembur and satellite cities like Navi Mumbai & Thane offer lower per‑plate rates and larger venues. South Mumbai and Bandra are premium zones.
Is vegetarian catering cheaper than non‑vegetarian?
Yes. Non‑vegetarian plates generally cost ₹400–600 more than vegetarian plates due to pricier ingredients and additional handling.
Can we get discounts by booking off‑season?
Many caterers provide off‑season packages in May–September, offering 10–15% lower rates and greater vendor availability.
Conclusion
Wedding catering in Mumbai is both a major expense and a memorable part of the celebration. By understanding per‑plate price ranges, area‑specific cost logic and factors like venue type, service style and season, couples can build a realistic budget and make informed choices. Whether you’re planning an intimate banquet in Andheri or a grand ballroom affair in South Mumbai, this guide helps you balance taste and cost – ensuring your 2025 wedding is not only beautiful but financially planned.
Looking for reliable and hygienic catering services in Mumbai? Contact us now to discuss menus, pricing, and availability for your event.
January 5, 2026
by Delhi Darbar Catering