Start with the event brief
Confirm the guest count, service style, duration, location, dietary needs, and what the venue provides. Clarifying scope early protects both your team and the client.
Add up the complete cost
Include ingredients, prep and service labor, rentals, transport, disposables, setup, cleanup, and a sensible contingency. Decide which taxes and service charges are additional and communicate them clearly.
Price for a margin, not just a markup
To target a gross margin, divide total event costs by one minus the target margin expressed as a decimal. A $2,000 event cost at a 25% margin suggests $2,666.67 before separately applied taxes or fees.
This guide is for educational purposes and is not financial or legal advice.
