What moves the number
- The tandoor. A live tandoor is the difference between a North Indian buffet and a hot box of naan; it adds ₹200–₹350 a head as a counter but is included in the bands above.
- Paneer. In-house paneer costs the kitchen more than a supplier's block and is the first thing a Punjabi family notices.
- Non-vegetarian mains. Butter chicken adds the least; mutton rogan josh and kebab counters the most. The vegetarian-to-non-vegetarian gap is ₹200–₹400 a plate at this tier.
- Live sweets. Jalebi with rabri fried at the counter adds ₹80–₹150 a head and is the most-photographed thing at the wedding.
- Chaat. A chaat counter is a separate seat and a separate charge: ₹120–₹250 a head.
Worked examples, 300 guests
| Menu | Per plate | Food, 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian North Indian buffet, live tandoor, live jalebi | ₹800 | ₹2,40,000 |
| Mixed buffet, tandoor, two non-veg mains, chaat counter | ₹1,100 | ₹3,30,000 |
| Mughlai-Awadhi reception, galouti live, kacchi biryani | ₹1,300 | ₹3,90,000 |
Before GST at 5%, service staff (about 11 servers at one per 28) and counter setup. Indicative Bangalore 2026 ranges; see the pricing ledger and the North Indian wedding caterers page.
The commonest pattern
A South Indian leaf lunch after the muhurtham and a North Indian reception at night: two chefs, two menus, one contract. Budget the lunch at ₹350–₹750 a plate and the reception at the bands above.