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How to Budget for a Catered Backyard Low-Country Shrimp Boil

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Catered Backyard Low-Country Shrimp Boil

Plan your late spring or early fall shrimp boil without scrambling, and spread out the cost sensibly.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $44.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Picture the backyard lit by string lights, a huge pot steaming on the burner, and a table piled high with shrimp, corn, and sausage. Late spring and early fall are the absolute sweet spots for this, with weather that actually lets you enjoy being outside. But getting a caterer locked in takes some lead-time.

We need to map out the timeline so you aren't paying rush rates or scrambling for dates. If you are looking at about $800 total, breaking that down over a few months makes the whole thing feel less like a hit to your checking account.

That intro window is a hard deadline, not free money, so make sure you have the balance cleared before the 18 months are up or standard interest rates will kick in on what's left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your window

    Aim for late May or mid-September when the humidity drops and people are actually eager to be outside. Caterers book up fast for these shoulder seasons, so lock your date at least two months out.

  2. 02

    Get the headcount fixed

    Caterers price shrimp boils per person, and the math changes quickly if your guest list creeps up. Nail down your final number three weeks before the event so you don't overpay for food nobody eats.

  3. 03

    Spread out the cost

    If you are using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading that $800 across the 18-month window comes out to about $44.44 per month.

  4. 04

    Sort the drinks and seating

    Caterers usually bring the food and the gear to cook it, but tables, chairs, and drinks are often on you. Handle rentals a month early so you aren't stuck scrambling for extra folding chairs the day before.

  5. 05

    Confirm the final details

    Call your caterer the week of the event to run through setup space, access to water, and arrival time. A quick check now saves you from surprises when they roll up with the burners.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does a catered shrimp boil usually cost?

Plan for about $800 depending on your headcount and how many extras like extra sausage, corn, and dessert you add on. Caterers usually have a minimum head count, so make sure you meet their threshold.

What do caterers usually provide?

Most bring the burners, pots, seafood, and fixings, plus paper goods and cleanup. Always double check if they provide tables and chairs or if you need to rent those separately.

When should I send out invites?

Send save-the-dates about four weeks ahead since late spring and early fall weekends fill up fast with graduations and other outdoor parties.

What if it rains?

Have a backup plan like a garage, porch, or renting a pop-up tent. Caterers will still cook in the rain, but your guests won't want to stand around a steaming pot in a downpour.