Plus-plus calculator
What “$100++” really costs at a wedding
Calculate a per-person wedding price after service charge and sales tax, then learn what the plus signs still may not include.
Interactive estimate
Plus-plus calculator
This model applies tax after the service charge. Replace every field with the exact rates in the quote and confirm whether that order matches local tax rules.
Base subtotal
$15,000.00
Service charge
$3,600.00
Tax
$1,488.00
Estimated total
$20,088.00
Effective / guest
$133.92
The two plus signs are not two fixed fees
In a catering or venue proposal, “$100++” usually means the stated price is followed by a mandatory service or administrative charge and sales tax. The notation is shorthand, not a complete calculation. The percentages and the order in which they apply must come from the proposal or contract.
A service charge may be retained by the venue rather than distributed as a tip. Ask whether gratuity is included, optional or expected in addition to the service charge. That answer can materially change the final food-and-beverage budget.
A 150-guest example
At $100 per guest, 150 guests create a $15,000 food-and-beverage subtotal. If a 24% service charge applies, it adds $3,600. If 8% sales tax is then assessed on the $18,600 combined amount, tax adds $1,488 and the total becomes $20,088—or $133.92 per guest.
That example is illustrative. Some jurisdictions tax service charges differently, and some proposals apply fees to bar, room rental or labor on separate bases. Use the calculator above with the actual percentages shown in your documents.
Illustrative effective price
$133.92 per guest
$100 base + 24% service charge + 8% tax on the combined amount
Questions that close the remaining gap
Ask the venue to provide a sample banquet-event-order total at your estimated guest count. It should show each percentage, taxable subtotal and mandatory line instead of only repeating the package price.
- What exact subtotal receives the service charge?
- Is the service charge taxable at this location?
- Does the service charge include gratuity for servers and bartenders?
- Are bar labor, cake service, rentals or room fees outside the per-person price?
- Will the guaranteed guest count or food-and-beverage minimum control the final bill?