Which catering format fits your guest count in Bali?
Match your guest count to the right catering format in Bali, from small plated dinners and BBQ nights to buffets and custom proposals for larger groups.
Your guest count is the fastest way to choose a catering format in Bali: plated or drop-off for small tables, BBQ for relaxed groups, buffet from about 30 guests, and a custom proposal from 100. Every one of our catering formats for villas and events in Bali has a clear minimum, so start with the headcount and narrow down from there.
This guide walks through the formats by group size, with the published minimums and starting prices, so you can shortlist before you ask for a quote.
- Small tables of 4 to 10: plated, signature tasting or drop-off.
- 8 to 30 guests: BBQ, plated or babi guling from 10.
- 30 to 100 guests: buffet is the standard choice.
- 100 guests and more: custom proposal.
- Children under 10 pay 50% of the adult per-guest price.
Minimum guests by format
| Format | Minimum guests | Best range | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plated dinner | 5 | About 10 to 60 | IDR 850,000++ per guest |
| BBQ | 8 | Small to large groups | IDR 700,000++ per guest |
| Babi guling | 10 | 10 to 100 | IDR 700,000++ per guest |
| Buffet | 30 standard (20 to 29 at their own rates) | 30 to 200+ | IDR 475,000++ per guest at 30 to 49 |
| Drop-off | 4 for family dinners, 8 for party and grazing packages | 4 to 40 | IDR 700,000 per guest |
| Styled grazing | 5 | Welcome drinks and parties | Quoted to your event |
Prices with ++ have 11% government tax and 10% service added on top. Drop-off tax treatment is confirmed in your quote. For every rate, see myCHEF pricing.
4 to 10 guests
A small table suits a seated plated dinner from 5 guests, a signature tasting from 4, or drop-off catering if you want to serve yourselves privately. Drop-off is planned in bands: 4 to 8 guests for a small group, 8 to 16 for a medium group and 16 to 40 for a large delivery. If the group is staying several days, a full-day villa chef often makes more sense than one-off catering.
10 to 20 guests
This is the classic villa party size. BBQ works well here: it starts at 8 guests, and from about 15 guests the grill is included. Under 15 guests the grill is IDR 600,000++. Plated dinners also shine at this size for birthdays and anniversaries. Babi guling starts at 10 guests if the group eats pork.
20 to 30 guests
From 20 guests you can book a buffet at the rates for 20 to 29 guests, or stay with BBQ or plated. Buffet prices for 20 to 29 guests are IDR 525,000++, 625,000++ or 850,000++ per guest by tier.
Not sure which format fits your numbers?
Send the date, guest count, villa area and occasion. We recommend a format and send a written quote before any deposit.
30 to 100 guests
From 30 guests the buffet is the standard format. It suits weddings, birthdays, reunions and corporate dinners where variety and pace matter.
| Guests | Indonesian | International | Live-station |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 49 | IDR 475,000++ | IDR 575,000++ | IDR 775,000++ |
| 50 to 99 | IDR 450,000++ | IDR 550,000++ | IDR 750,000++ |
Plated still works up to about 60 seated guests. One head chef handles plated events up to 50 guests, and larger events add chefs so every dish is finished on time. Compare the two in buffet or plated for a villa event.
100 guests and more
At 100 or more guests, buffets get a custom proposal built around your event, and babi guling is priced for 10 to 100 guests. For company events, corporate catering has a minimum booking of IDR 15,000,000, subject to event scope and location. See corporate catering for formats.
Children and the headcount
Count children in your guest number. Children under 10 pay 50% of the adult per-guest price on per-guest menus, BBQ and catering, so list them separately when you enquire.
How to send your guest count
- Adults and children under 10, as two numbers.
- Whether the number may still change, and by how much.
- The occasion and whether guests will be seated or standing.
- Diets and allergies.
FAQ
What is the minimum guest count for catering in Bali?
It depends on the format. Plated and classic set menus start at 5 guests, BBQ at 8, babi guling at 10, cocktail packages at 10, and the standard buffet at 30, with separate rates for 20 to 29 guests. Drop-off family dinners start at 4.
Which catering format suits 50 guests?
A buffet is the usual choice for 50 guests, and plated still works up to about 60 if the evening is seated. The buffet is priced from IDR 450,000++ per guest at 50 to 99 guests for the Indonesian tier.
What happens above 100 guests?
Buffets for 100 or more guests get a custom proposal built around your event. Babi guling is priced for 10 to 100 guests, so larger feasts are planned with you directly.
Do children count in the guest number?
Yes, they count, and children under 10 pay 50% of the adult per-guest price on per-guest menus, BBQ and catering.
Is there a minimum spend for corporate catering?
Yes. Corporate catering has a minimum booking of IDR 15,000,000, subject to event scope and location.
Can we book catering for fewer than 5 guests?
For very small groups, a full-day villa chef or a signature tasting from 4 guests is usually the better fit, and romantic dinners for two are arranged separately.
Your next step
Browse every format on our catering page, then send your numbers on WhatsApp. You get a written quote before any deposit.
Related guides
- Buffet or plated dinner for a Bali villa event?
- How to compare catering quotes for a Bali villa event
- Can a private chef cater a villa party for 50+ guests?
- How to choose a buffet menu for a Bali villa event
- What happens when catering comes to your Bali villa
- How gluten-free catering works for a Bali villa event
