Why Does Wedding Catering Cost So Much (And Can Prices Change After Booking?) | WDP Ep 71

🎧 Listen to learn:

• Why wedding catering costs are so high—and what couples should expect
• Can wedding catering prices change after booking your vendor
• What to know before hiring a wedding caterer in California
• How luxury wedding caterers create custom menus
• The small details that elevate your wedding guest experience

In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Lara Burnap, Editorial Director, sit down with Alan Dunn, founder of Très L.A. Group, a Los Angeles-based luxury catering company known for its elevated service and unforgettable guest experiences.

Recorded on-site at Hummingbird Nest Ranch in California, this conversation explores Alan’s journey from traveling the world after college to working his way up in hospitality at the iconic Chateau Marmont—and ultimately launching Très L.A. in 2003. Along the way, he shares how those experiences shaped his approach to catering, service and building a trusted team.

The episode also breaks down one of the biggest questions couples are asking right now: why wedding catering costs have risen so significantly—and whether those prices can change after booking. Alan offers a transparent look at the realities of food and labor costs, long planning timelines and how caterers are adapting to maintain quality while navigating an evolving market.

Beyond pricing, the conversation dives into what truly sets a catering experience apart. From custom menu development to his philosophy of “Tiny Noticeable Touches,” Alan explains how thoughtful details and elevated presentation can transform wedding catering into a memorable dining experience.