Wedding Catering Break-Even Attendance Calculator

How to use this calculator

1. Enter the project or event values using consistent units.
2. Adjust assumptions to match your scope, vendor quote, or venue plan.
3. Select Calculate and review both the main result and supporting figures.

Formula

Break-even attendance = round up[(fixed catering costs − subsidy) ÷ (revenue per guest − variable cost per guest)].

What the result means

The main result is a planning estimate based on your inputs. Supporting figures show the intermediate values so you can identify which assumptions have the largest effect.

Planning tool only. Verify contractual, code, occupancy, pricing, tax, and safety requirements with the appropriate professional or authority.

Example calculation

With $6,000 fixed catering costs, $1,500 subsidy, $85 variable cost, and $145 revenue per guest, break-even is 75 guests.

Tips for better results

• Use net revenue after payment fees and discounts.
• Keep venue and non-catering event costs outside this calculation unless intentionally combined.
• Test a lower-attendance scenario to understand financial downside.

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