What attracts guests most at a wedding? Considering the Indian background, it is, of course, the food. It can take the celebration from zero to hero. Wedding catering services in Kolkata offer multiple cuisines according to the guest count and different price ranges. Whether it is an event of a different scale, traditional or contemporary, finding the right caterer can make a notable difference to the wedding guest experience.
As we all know, Kolkata is known for its food, so wedding catering services have to offer great food as well as broad menu options, great service, presentation, and value for money.
In this blog, we will talk about:
- Different catering service types for weddings in Kolkata
- The top five caterers in the city
- Menu options
- The catering packages
- Cost of catering
- How to choose a caterer in Kolkata
Wedding Catering Services: What Kind of Catering Do You Need?
Before you start searching for wedding caterers in Kolkata, you must determine what type of food you want to serve and what you want your guests to enjoy. Here are the main catering types for Kolkata weddings:
Bengali Catering
For weddings in Kolkata, traditional Bengali food is always at the top of the list. The menu usually includes luchi with aloo dum, steamed rice with shukto, dal, vegetable curry, different types of fish curries, mutton kosha, aam or tomato chutney, papad, and desserts such as Kolkata signature mishti doi, roshogolla, sandesh and more. Based on the requirements, the caterer can also prepare bhetki paturi, chingri malai curry and other dishes.
Multi-Cuisine Catering
For guests with different dietary preferences, multi-cuisine catering is a great option. You have a wide range of choices, including North Indian, South Indian, Asian, Italian, Indo-Chinese and more. This type of Bengali wedding catering in Kolkata is recommended for large ceremonies when guests have different dietary preferences.
Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Catering
Most marriage caterers in Kolkata prepare both non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. For vegetarian meals, you can select vegetable curry, paneer, mushroom, dal, pulao, assorted Indian breads and more. For non-vegetarian dishes, popular choices include chicken, mutton, fish and seafood.
Buffet Catering
Buffet catering is one of the most popular options because it lets guests select what they want to eat. In Kolkata, caterers can also prepare à la minute dishes such as desserts, rolls, fuchka and kebabs.
Best Wedding Caterers in Kolkata
If you are looking for wedding caterers, here are five caterers in Kolkata provided by EventsMonial:
| Caterer | Location | Cuisine | Veg/Non-Veg Plate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khabarwala | Kolkata | Bengali, Chinese, North Indian, South Indian, etc | ₹500 ₹600 |
| Happy Plates | Salt Lake | Bengali, North Indian, Chinese, Italian, Thai | Contact for pricing |
| Namaste Tilottama | Paschim Putiary, Kolkata | Bengali, Indian, Italian, Asian, etc | ₹500 ₹850 |
| Smart Caterer | Kadamtala, Howrah | Bengali, Chinese, Desserts | ₹300 ₹400 |
| New Annapurna Caterer | Purbachal, Haltu, Kolkata | Bengali, Chinese, Desserts | ₹250 ₹550 |
Wedding Catering Menu and Packages
When it comes to a good wedding catering menu in Kolkata, it should have a perfect balance of dishes so that guests can enjoy the food without breaking the bank. While it is a good idea to have more dishes for greater variety, the more dishes there are, the more expensive the wedding catering service will become. Besides, having too many dishes at the buffet can confuse guests. So, it is better to plan the menu so that it offers plenty of variety without unnecessary additional expenses.
Bengali Wedding Menu in Kolkata
A traditional Bengali menu typically consists of the following courses:
- Welcome drink or sherbet
- Luchi + aloo dum
- Shukto
- Dal + vegetable curry/fries
- Basanti pulao
- Fish fry, kalia, or paturi
- Chingri malai curry
- Chicken or mutton dish
- Chutney + papad
- Mishti doi
- Rosogolla, sandesh, or other Bengali sweets
When planning your Bengali wedding food menu, you can also use this directory to come up with combinations of dishes and serving formats on a budget. Here are some dishes that are popular at contemporary receptions:
- Paneer Tikka
- Kebabs
- Fried rice/noodles
- Chilli chicken
- Biryani/butter chicken
- Fish fry
- Mutton curry
- Various desserts
- Live counters
Wedding buffet catering in Kolkata also offers à la minute fuchka, kebabs, rolls and desserts. So, when selecting your menu, it is a good idea to include your favourite dishes and interesting combinations.
Basic, Standard and Premium Catering Packages for Weddings
When it comes to catering packages in Kolkata, they are usually customised according to the client’s needs. Nevertheless, it is possible to divide them into three categories:
- Basic Fewer variety of starters, main course dishes, rice/bread, 1 dessert Budget weddings
- Standard More variety of starters, Bengali/Indian main course dishes, fish/chicken, multiple desserts Average receptions
- Premium Multiple variety of starters, seafood/mutton, international dishes, a la minute, premium desserts
Big weddings/luxury receptions
Each caterer has its own menu and different packages. Therefore, it is useful to stay in touch with multiple companies to make a comparison between wedding food catering services and prices. Make sure you ask whether caterers charge extra for staff, crockery and additional amenities such as live counters or appetizer counters. It is always suggested to ask for a detailed estimate to understand the expected additional expenses.
Wedding Catering Cost in Kolkata
The wedding catering cost per plate in Kolkata is highly influenced by the services and menu. Wedding catering packages in Kolkata for a Bengali wedding night or reception with a non-veg menu usually start from ₹850 to ₹1,100 per plate, but the final pricing depends on the caterer and the services provided.
On average, the wedding catering cost per plate in Kolkata can range from hundreds to thousands depending on the menu and services.
| Caterer | Veg Plate | Non-Veg Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Caterer | ₹300 | ₹400 |
| Khabarwala | ₹500 | ₹600 |
| New Annapurna | ₹250 | ₹550 |
| Namaste Tilottama | ₹500 | ₹850 |
Let’s imagine that you want to organise a reception for 200, 300 or 500 guests. Here is an average catering cost for these guest lists:
| Number of Guests | ₹500 per Guest | ₹800 per Guest | ₹1,000 per Guest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,60,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
| 300 | ₹1,50,000 | ₹2,40,000 | ₹3,00,000 |
| 500 | ₹2,50,000 | ₹4,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 |
So, the main factors that affect the wedding catering cost in Kolkata are:
- The number of guests
- Vegetarian/non-vegetarian meals
- Seafood/mutton
- Number of starters
- Premium desserts and à la minute options
- Staff, layout, tax and other services
- The distance to the venue
- Crockery
How to Choose a Caterer for Your Wedding in Kolkata
When choosing a caterer, it is essential to compare not only the prices but also the menu options, services and other factors. To do that, you should:
- Decide on a budget according to your total wedding cost.
- Fix the services and menu, including cuisine, starters, desserts and more.
- Make a list of caterers that suit your requirements.
- Request a detailed quotation that includes food, staff, layout, crockery, transportation and tax.
- Find out if live counters and beverages are included in the food price.
- Ask for a sample tasting if possible.
It is important to understand how a caterer takes care of guests at events of different scales. After all, the tastiest food can feel bland if the service is not good, there are too few staff members, long buffet lines or inadequate serving arrangements.
Most caterers suggest holding back at least 15–20% of the total budget to cover additional expenses. Before paying the deposit, make sure to discuss the cancellation policy and booking timeline. Essentially, it is suggested to book the caterer a few months ahead, especially during peak seasons. You can go through the EventsMonial directory to help choose a caterer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to cater a wedding in Kolkata?
–The cost can differ according to the menu and services. The price of a non-veg menu for a wedding reception will cost around ₹850 to ₹1,100 per plate. However, the final cost will vary according to the menu and services.
What do catering packages include?
+They usually include food, serving staff, buffet, crockery and other relevant services. However, additional services such as counters, mocktails or other beverages and transportation may have separate rates, so it is important to clarify the details before booking.
What is included in a traditional Bengali wedding menu?
+It usually includes luchi and aloo dum, shukto, dal with vegetable curry/fries, basanti pulao, fish curry, chingri malai curry, a chicken or mutton dish, chutney and papad, and Bengali sweets. This combination of dishes and courses can vary according to the event and family.
Can I customise my wedding catering menu?
+Yes, you can. Most marriage catering services in Kolkata provide customised menus for Bengali, Chinese, Indian and multi-cuisine weddings. However, it is essential to clarify which menu items will impact the price per guest.
Do caterers offer buffet catering for weddings in Kolkata?
+Yes, they do. Some wedding catering services in Kolkata provide buffet services for events. You can find multiple caterers on EventsMonial offering this service.
How far in advance should I book a caterer for my wedding?
+It is highly dependent on the caterer and the season. Ideally, you should make a list of several service providers in advance and set up a personal tasting session. Remember to book ahead during the popular wedding season, and it is recommended to finalise your caterer on time.
