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How to Budget for a Catered Holiday Dinner

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Catered Holiday Dinner

Hosting the holidays doesn't have to break your budget. Here is how to lock in your caterer early and spread the $1,400 cost over 15 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $93.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,400 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

The holidays always sneak up on us, and good caterers book up even faster. To host the extended family without spending your entire December in the kitchen, you need to lock in your menu and reserve your slot by early October. Waiting any longer means risking a booked-out kitchen or paying last-minute rush fees.

A full holiday spread for a large family usually runs about $1,400. Instead of taking that entire hit to your checking account in one month, we can use a simple strategy to spread the cost over more than a year without paying extra in interest.

Just remember that 0% interest does not mean free money. It is a strict 15-month deadline. If you still have a balance left when those 15 months are up, the regular interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, which will quickly erase any savings from your holiday planning.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in your caterer early

    Start calling local caterers in September to get quotes. You want to pay your deposit and secure your slot by early October before the holiday rush hits. This also gives you time to adjust the guest count later.

  2. 02

    Streamline the menu

    Skip the expensive custom appetizers and stick to a few high-quality main dishes and sides. You can always buy simple starters and drinks at the grocery store to keep the catering bill closer to $1,400.

  3. 03

    Spread the cost with 0% interest

    Use the Discover it® Cash Back to pay for the deposit and final bill. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which lets you pay off the feast slowly. APR stands for annual percentage rate, which is just the yearly cost of borrowing money.

  4. 04

    Automate your monthly payments

    Divide your total $1,400 bill by 15 months, which comes out to $93.33 per month. Set up autopay for this exact amount immediately so you do not have to think about it again.

  5. 05

    Let guests bring the extras

    Let the caterer handle the heavy lifting like the main meats and the complex sides. Ask your family to bring the desserts, wine, and extra ice to keep your final bill from creeping up.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When do I need to book holiday catering?

Most caterers fill their holiday calendars by mid-October. Aim to have your deposit paid and menu finalized by the first week of October to avoid missing out.

How much does a catered holiday dinner usually cost?

For a typical extended family gathering of 10 to 12 people, expect to spend about $1,400. This usually covers the main proteins, a few sides, and basic setup.

What happens if my guest count changes after I book?

Most caterers will let you adjust your final head count up or down until about two weeks before the event. Just make sure to ask about their specific policy before paying the deposit.

Can I use a credit card to pay for catering?

Yes, most professional caterers accept credit cards, though some might charge a small processing fee. Always ask upfront so you can factor that into your budget.