How much does a reunion cost? A 80-guest example (2026)
For example, a family or class reunion in a hall with a buffet for 80 guests typically costs about $8,070 all-in ($101 per guest), including Extra buffer.
That total is about $1,200 for the hall rental, $2,720 for the buffet catering, $1,020 for the bar, $660 for the DJ, $370 for the group photographer, $160 for the slideshow / AV, $120 for the name badges, $240 for the reunion signage, $100 for the invitations / ticketing, $750 for the service / gratuity, and $730 for Extra buffer.
Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. It is already inside that $8,070. This example is a family or class reunion in a hall with a buffet. It is not a wedding reception, and it is not a small dinner party.
The example in one table
This is one mid-range example for the United States. Shares are rounded; the dollars are the source of truth. Source: Project ROI Calc Standard estimate, United States, 2026.
| Line | Dollars | Share of all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Hall rental | $1,200 | 15% |
| Buffet catering | $2,720 | 34% |
| Bar | $1,020 | 13% |
| DJ | $660 | 8% |
| Group photographer | $370 | 5% |
| Slideshow / AV | $160 | 2% |
| Name badges | $120 | 1% |
| Reunion signage | $240 | 3% |
| Invitations / ticketing | $100 | 1% |
| Service / gratuity | $750 | 9% |
| Extra buffer | $730 | 9% |
| All-in | $8,070 | 100% |
Walkthrough
Hall rental — $1,200
Hall rental is $1,200 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Buffet catering — $2,720
Buffet catering is $2,720 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Bar — $1,020
Bar is $1,020 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
DJ — $660
DJ is $660 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Group photographer — $370
Group photographer is $370 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Slideshow / AV — $160
Slideshow / AV is $160 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Name badges — $120
Name badges is $120 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Reunion signage — $240
Reunion signage is $240 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Invitations / ticketing — $100
Invitations / ticketing is $100 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Service / gratuity — $750
Service / gratuity is $750 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Extra buffer — $730
Extra buffer ($730) is spare money on top if something runs over.
All-in vs per guest
People quote both. All-in ($8,070) is money to have on hand for a family or class reunion in a hall with a buffet. Per guest ($101) is for comparing catering menus or grocery lists. This page does not add a third “average.”
What would change your number
- A different guest count
- A nicer or simpler buffet catering
- A quote you already have from a vendor
Change those amounts on the calculator — do not add a mental extra percent on top of Extra buffer.
Not in this number
- Guest gifts and the host's outfit
- Travel
- Sales tax if a vendor puts it on the invoice
If you need a tent, tables, or chairs, those are separate rental calculators -- not part of this $8,070.
How to use the calculator
- Enter how many guests you are hosting. This example starts at 80.
- Open a cost row and tap a starting-price button, or type the quote you already have.
- Tap Calculate. The all-in and per-guest figures update together.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 80-guest reunion cost?
This example is $8,070 all-in for 80 guests ($101 per guest), including Extra buffer. Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. That is a family or class reunion in a hall with a buffet.
What is included in this $8,070?
Every line in the table, plus Extra buffer. Items listed under “Not in this number” are left out on purpose.
Do I have to keep Extra buffer?
No. Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. You can lower it or zero it on the calculator. Do not add a mental extra percent on top of it.
What if I invite more guests?
Raise the guest count on the calculator. Food and per-person lines usually move with the list. The $8,070 figure here stays this example.
Related
How much does a holiday party cost?How much does a bbq party cost?All event cost calculators