You've agreed on 200 guests for your wedding. Now it's time to sort out food, and the first question is: how much will it cost to feed everybody?

You speak to one caterer, and they quote ₦6,000 per plate. Another says ₦9,000. Someone else gives you a much higher price, and you're wondering why there's such a big difference when everybody is serving jollof rice and chicken.

Well, the price of wedding catering in Nigeria depends on what you're serving, the number of guests, the caterer's package and whether things like small chops, drinks and serving staff are included.

For 200 guests, a main meal budget of ₦6,000 per person comes to ₦1.2 million. But that's just the starting point. Your full catering budget may be higher once you include everything needed to serve your guests.

Let's work through it.

How Much Do Caterers Charge Per Plate in Nigeria?

There's no fixed price for wedding catering in Nigeria. The menu, portion size, location and level of service can all affect what a caterer charges.

For example, a plate of jollof rice with chicken and salad won't necessarily cost the same as a package offering jollof rice, fried rice, swallow, different soups and several protein options.

According to WakaWork's 2026 Lagos catering guide (opens in a new tab), published in August, estimated catering prices range from ₦2,000–₦3,000 for basic delivery-only meals to ₦7,000–₦12,000 for more elaborate packages.

Other Nigerian catering guides publish different ranges, which is why you shouldn't treat any online price as a guaranteed quotation. Your best bet is to request a current price from your caterer based on your wedding date, location and preferred menu.

Let's Break Down a Budget for 200 Guests

Suppose you're planning a Lagos wedding and want to serve jollof rice, fried rice, chicken and a side dish. You also want small chops, drinks and enough servers to attend to guests at their tables.

Here's a sample budget you can use to understand how the expenses add up.

Sample Catering Budget for 200 Guests

Main Meals: ₦1,400,000

Small Chops: ₦300,000

Drinks and Water: ₦200,000

Serving Staff: ₦96,000

Transport and Equipment: ₦100,000

Subtotal: ₦2,096,000

Contingency (10%): ₦209,600

Total Planning Budget: ₦2,305,600

These figures are illustrative assumptions to show how a budget works. They are not actual quotes, verified averages or a promise that these amounts will cover your wedding.

Your caterer may charge more or less, depending on your menu and arrangements. Also, eight servers may not be enough for every 200-guest event, so confirm the staffing plan with the caterer and your coordinator.

Now, let's look at the expenses you need to pay attention to.

1. Your Menu Can Change the Entire Budget

You might plan to serve jollof rice, fried rice and chicken, then remember that some of your guests would prefer amala, eba or pounded yam.

Before you know it, you're discussing different soups, assorted meat, fish and extra food options.

There's nothing wrong with giving guests a choice, but every addition can affect your budget.

Agree with your caterer on the menu, portions and quantities for each meal. If you're having both traditional and white wedding ceremonies, remember to budget for the guest count and food arrangements of each event separately.

2. Small Chops and Drinks May Be Separate

Don't assume that because you've booked food for 200 guests, small chops and drinks are automatically included.

You might have a separate small-chops vendor serving puff-puff, spring rolls, samosas and peppered gizzard while guests wait for the main meal.

Then there are soft drinks, water, malt, chivita and any other drinks you're planning to serve.

The 2026 wedding catering guide from Ready4Nikah (opens in a new tab) also identifies small chops, drinks and serving staff as expenses that can be charged separately.

Ask for a breakdown so you know what your caterer is handling and what you'll need to arrange yourself.

3. Who Will Serve the Food?

At Nigerian weddings, guests remain seated while caterers and servers bring meals to their tables.

So, beyond cooking enough food, you need people who can serve it properly.

Ask your caterer how many servers will be available, who will supervise them and how meals will be distributed across the hall.

You don't want one section of the venue eating while another section is still wondering when their food will arrive.

Also, ask how the food will be kept fresh and at safe temperatures before serving. The World Health Organization's food safety guidance (opens in a new tab) highlights proper cooking, cleanliness and safe food temperatures.

4. What If More Than 200 Guests Show Up?

You know how Nigerian weddings can be. You plan for 200 people, but some guests come with an extra person, and a few family members may bring people you weren't expecting.

That's why you should agree on a contingency plan before the wedding.

Ask your caterer what happens if you need 20 additional meals. Can they provide them? How much will each extra plate cost? When do you need to confirm the final number?

Don't just assume extra food will be available.

How Can You Reduce Your Wedding Catering Cost?

The easiest way to manage your food budget is to decide what matters most before requesting quotations.

If you're trying to spend less, you can keep the menu simple, reduce the number of meal options or review your guest list.

You should also request quotations from different caterers using the same menu and guest count. That way, you're comparing similar packages.

If you need help with that, our guide on comparing wedding vendor quotations (opens in a new tab) explains what to check before choosing a vendor.

And instead of trying to remember every expense, you can use the free SkillConnect Event Planner (opens in a new tab) to record your budget, guest list and vendor quotations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ₦1 Million Enough to Feed 200 Wedding Guests?

It could cover a simpler main-meal arrangement, depending on the caterer's quotation. But you may need a larger budget if you're also paying for small chops, drinks, serving staff and logistics.

How Many Extra Plates Should I Budget For?

There's no number that works for every wedding. Review your guest list with your families and ask your caterer to price an agreed number of additional portions.

Should I Pay a Caterer Before Tasting Their Food?

Where possible, arrange a tasting first. Confirm whether it costs extra, and make sure the final menu, portions and service arrangements are included in your agreement.

Before You Book Your Caterer

Feeding 200 guests doesn't have to become a guessing game. Once you know your menu, guest count and what each catering package includes, you'll have a better idea of what you can afford.

You want good food, enough portions, proper serving arrangements and a caterer who understands your event.

When you're ready to start looking, explore event catering services on SkillConnect (opens in a new tab) and use the app to find available caterers, review their work and discuss your wedding plans.