Olive Garden catering is a popular pick for weddings, office events, church gatherings, and family celebrations. The menu includes Italian-style entrées, salads, breadsticks, and catering pans that feed groups of 10 to 200+ guests. It’s easy to scale portions up or down based on your guest count and event type.
If you’re planning a small bridal shower or a full wedding reception, it helps to know how Olive Garden’s catering works. You’ll want a clear idea of portion sizes, prices, and package options so you can budget with confidence and avoid last-minute stress.
This updated 2026 guide covers current catering prices for pickup and delivery, explains serving sizes, and compares individual boxed meals versus family-style pans. You’ll also find simple tips to stretch your food budget, feed your guests comfortably, and get the best value from your Olive Garden catering order.

Wedding Catering Pricing (Olive Garden 2026)
Olive Garden catering works well for weddings because it’s cheaper than hotel catering and still feels complete. Pasta stations and family pans are common picks for receptions, rehearsal dinners, and showers.
Here’s how wedding pricing usually looks in 2026:
|
Wedding Option |
Serves |
Estimated Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
|
Pasta Station |
50 guests |
$650 – $750 |
|
Family Pans + Sides |
50 guests |
$525 – $650 |
|
Soup + Salad + Breadsticks |
50 guests |
$200 – $240 |
|
Mixed Stations + Trays |
75 guests |
$875 – $1,150 |
|
Full Combo Meal |
100 guests |
$1,300 – $1,500 |
Best picks for weddings:
- Pasta stations feed evenly
- Family pans stretch farther
- Breadsticks fill plates for cheap
- Salad is always requested
Cost for 10, 20, 50, and 100 Guests (2026)
Here’s a quick budget overview based on group size:
|
Guests |
Estimated Cost |
Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|
|
10 |
$140 – $180 |
$14 – $18 |
|
20 |
$260 – $340 |
$13 – $17 |
|
50 |
$625 – $750 |
$12.50 – $15 |
|
100 |
$1,250 – $1,500 |
$12.50 – $15 |
Per-person cost tends to drop as the group gets bigger.
Most events land between $12 – $18 per person, depending on sides and appetizers.
Budget Notes
- Delivery adds fees
- Pickup saves money
- Family pans give better value than boxed meals
- Breadsticks help feed guests for cheap
- Pasta stations make large groups easier
How Much Does Olive Garden Catering Cost Per Person
Olive Garden catering usually runs $12 to $25 per person.
Your price depends on what you order, how many people you’re feeding, and pickup vs delivery.
Per-person price ranges (2026)
|
Catering Style |
What You Get |
Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|
|
Pasta-Only |
Pasta station or pasta-heavy meals |
$12–$15 |
|
Mid-Range Meals |
Entrée + salad + breadsticks |
$14–$18 |
|
Protein Packages |
Chicken entrées + sides or dessert |
$18–$25 |
Cheapest option: pasta-focused
Pasta-focused catering gives you the lowest cost per person.
A pasta station runs around $145 for 10 people, which works out to $14.50 per person.
|
Pasta Option |
Price |
Serves |
Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Create-Your-Own Pasta Station |
$145 |
10 |
$14.50 |
Higher-end option: protein entrées
If you want chicken entrées, drinks, or dessert, the price goes up.
A chicken-based combo for 10 guests can cost $210–$224, which is about $21–$22 per person.
|
Package |
Price |
Serves |
Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chicken Parmigiana Combo |
$210 |
10 |
$21.00 |
|
Chicken Parmigiana Combo |
$224 |
10 |
$22.40 |
Simple per-person calculator
Use this quick formula:
Price ÷ Servings = Cost Per Person
Example:
$145 ÷ 10 = $14.50 per person
Olive Garden Wedding Catering Packages 2026
Olive Garden doesn’t have preset wedding packages. Instead, you build your own order. Most wedding orders use pans, pasta stations, and add-ons based on guest count.
Wedding events Olive Garden can cover
- Cocktail hour
- Rehearsal dinner
- Reception meal
- Small bridal shower
- Family lunch after the ceremony
These setups work because the food scales well, and pasta is easy to serve.
Wedding Package Tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium)
To make planning easier, here’s how most couples build their order:
|
Tier |
Best For |
What’s Included |
Estimated Cost (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Basic |
Budget weddings |
Pasta + salad + breadsticks |
From $13.50 |
|
Standard |
Most receptions |
Basic + chicken entrées |
About $15–$20 |
|
Premium |
Bigger receptions |
Standard + appetizers or dessert |
About $18–$25 |
Basic (Pasta + Salad)
This works for casual receptions and rehearsal dinners.
It keeps the cost low and still feeds everyone well.
Popular picks:
- Create-Your-Own Pasta Station
- Salad and breadsticks
Standard (Add Chicken Protein)
This feels more like a wedding meal.
Chicken entrées help fill the plate and please picky eaters.
Common pans:
- Chicken Parmigiana
- Chicken Alfredo
Premium (Add Appetizers or Dessert)
This tier works for cocktail hour and longer receptions.
It adds more variety and feels more complete.
Easy add-ons:
- Fried Mozzarella
- Spinach-Artichoke Dip
- Tiramisu
- Whole cakes
Olive Garden Catering Portion Sizes and Servings
Olive Garden catering is easy to plan when you know the serving sizes. Most menu items come in small or large pans. You can mix and match both to fit your group and budget.
Serving sizes
|
Item |
Serves |
|---|---|
|
Small Pan |
4–6 people |
|
Large Pan |
12–14 people |
|
Salad Bowl |
about 10 people |
How many pans to order
A simple rule is 1 large pan for every 10 guests.
This covers most events without running short.
|
Guests |
Large Pans |
|---|---|
|
10 |
1 |
|
20 |
2 |
|
30 |
3 |
|
50 |
5 |
|
75 |
8 |
|
100 |
10 |
If your group eats more, add one extra pan.
Mixing pans for more variety
For weddings or office events, variety helps.
Try this setup:
- 1 large pan as your main
- 1–2 small pans for extra options
- Salad bowls for balance
This keeps the meal simple but still gives choices.
Salad servings
Salad is a side, not a full meal.
Plan on 1 salad bowl for every 10 people.
|
Guests |
Salad Bowls |
|---|---|
|
10 |
1 |
|
20 |
2 |
|
50 |
5 |
|
100 |
10 |
Pickup vs Delivery Catering Costs at Olive Garden
Olive Garden catering gives you two choices: pickup or delivery. Pickup is free and keeps your total cost lower. Delivery costs extra and has a minimum order.
Pickup vs Delivery (Comparison)
|
Option |
Minimum Order |
Extra Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
Pickup |
No minimum |
No fee |
|
Delivery |
$100 minimum |
10% up to $500, then 5% after |
How Delivery Fees Work
Delivery fees are based on your food total:
- $100 minimum food order
- 10% fee on orders up to $500
- 5% fee on the amount above $500
Delivery Fee Examples
|
Food Total |
Delivery Fee |
|---|---|
|
$200 |
$20 |
|
$500 |
$50 |
|
$600 |
$55 |
Most Popular Olive Garden Catering Menu Items (2026)
These are the items people order most. They’re filling, easy to serve, and work for weddings, office lunches, and family events.
|
Menu Item |
Serves |
Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
|
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno |
4–6 |
$49.99 |
|
Chicken Parmigiana (Pan) |
4–6 |
$59.99 |
|
Lasagna Classico Bundle |
up to 12 |
$94.99 |
If your group eats more, order one extra pan.
Olive Garden Appetizer and Salad Catering Options
Appetizers and salads help round out your order. They also help stretch entrée pans.
Appetizer trays
|
Appetizer |
Serves |
Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
|
Fried Mozzarella (30 pieces) |
4–6 |
$30.79 |
|
Stuffed Mushrooms |
Varies |
Price varies |
Salad bowls
|
Salad |
Serves |
Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
|
Jumbo House Salad |
6 |
$23.49 |
Simple salad rule:
1 jumbo salad feeds about 6 people.
For 12 people, order 2 salads.
Pasta Station and Entrée Packages Explained
Create Your Own Pasta Station
The Pasta Station is an easy way to feed a group. It keeps ordering simple and works for picky eaters.
What’s included:
- 2 pastas: Spaghetti and Fettuccine
- 3 sauces: Alfredo, Marinara, Meat Sauce
- 3 toppings: Chicken, sausage, meatballs
- Plus: Salad and breadsticks
It feeds 10 people and runs about $140–$150.
That’s roughly $14–$15 per person.
|
Package |
Serves |
Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
|
Pasta Station |
10 |
$145 |
If you don’t know what to order, this is a safe first choice.
Entrée Packages (Meal Combinations)
Entrée packages feed more people and need less planning. They also include chicken, which makes the meal feel more complete.
|
Package |
Serves |
Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
|
Chicken Parm Package |
8–14 |
$200–$240 |
|
Lasagna Package |
8–14 |
$200–$240 |
A good rule is one package for every 10 guests.
Olive Garden Dessert Catering and Sweet Options
Dessert rounds out the meal. It works well for weddings, birthdays, and company events.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is easy to slice and plate.
|
Size |
Serves |
Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
|
Half Tray |
6–8 |
$36 |
|
Full Tray |
12 |
$65 |
Black Tie Mousse Cake
Black Tie Mousse Cake is rich, so smaller slices work fine.
|
Size |
Serves |
Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
|
Half Cake |
6–8 |
Varies |
|
Full Cake |
12 |
Varies |
Dolcini (Mini Desserts)
Dolcini are mini-sized desserts. They’re quick to serve and make cleanup easy.
Good rule: 1–2 mini desserts per guest.
Corporate Event Catering at Olive Garden
For work lunches or board meetings, meal packages are the easiest. They feed the group and keep portions consistent.
|
Group Size |
What To Order |
|---|---|
|
8–14 |
1 meal package |
|
15–28 |
2 meal packages |
Some locations also offer boxed lunches, but availability varies. Check your local Olive Garden if you need boxed meals for a meeting.
How to Order Olive Garden Catering Online
Ordering Olive Garden catering online is fast and simple. You can choose pickup or delivery, depending on your event.
How to order
- Go to OliveGarden.com
- Select Catering
- Pick your menu items
- Choose pickup or delivery
- Set your date and time
- Pay and confirm your order
Timing note
If you need next-day lunch delivery, order by 5 PM.
If you’re close to that cut-off, call your local store.
Olive Garden Catering Cancellation and Change Policy
Cancellation rules can vary by location, but most orders follow the same basic setup.
Cancel or change at least 24 hours ahead
Try to cancel or adjust your order 24 hours before your event.
This helps you avoid extra charges and last-minute problems.
How to cancel or change your order
Call the restaurant handling your order.
It’s the fastest way to adjust the time, menu, or guest count.
Same-day changes
Same-day cancellations can come with fees.
Some third-party ordering sites may charge more than Olive Garden itself.
If you’re worried about fees, ask upfront when you place the order.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the calorie and nutrient content of menu items can help with meal planning. Below is a breakdown of some popular Olive Garden dishes:
| Item | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Fettuccine Alfredo | 1 serving (227g) | 1200 |
| Spaghetti with Meatballs | 1 serving (240g) | 850 |
| Chicken Parmigiana | 1 serving (281g) | 1060 |
| Lasagna Classico | 1 serving (346g) | 850 |
| Garden Salad | 1 serving (145g) | 120 |
| Garlic Breadsticks | 1 breadstick (57g) | 140 |
| Five Cheese Ziti al Forno | 1 serving (283g) | 1220 |
Note: Prices and menu items may vary. Check with your local Olive Garden for the latest updates.