How much is it to cater a party for 40 people?

I am wondering if I should have my sister's bridal shower catered, so it is less work for us. But does anyone know how much that can run me? And if you have suggestions of where to go.

The shower is in August, for @ 40 people. It will be in my mother's backyard in East Patchogue.

Thanks!

I did something like this for my best friend.
i had it 1/2 catered and 1/2 did it myself.

I bought all the appetizers from Sam's club- mini egg rolls, coconut shrimp, and dumplings. I hired a teenager for $50 to basically heat everything up and make sure everything was clean, etc. I also made a big salad.

I also catered the main courses... a pasta dish, a chicken dish and the cake.

All in all I think I did the whole thing for $350

Thanks!

Anyone else?

I don't know prices of things - but I agree with Dina - catering half and doing half your self seems to be the easiest most cost effective method of an in home party.

Price club/bjs has great appetizer/snack foods and desserts. Something like a baked ziti is easy to make and not expensive (it kills me to see a tray of ziti costs $50 when we all know it's 1/4th that to make.)

cold cut platters are easy to put together & people seem to go for 6 foot heros that are not crazy expensive.