How Much Does Wedding Catering Actually Cost?
A plain-English guide to wedding catering costs in the UK, what drives the price, and how to compare quotes properly.
Wedding catering is usually one of the biggest lines in the budget, and quotes can look very different from one supplier to the next. The reason is rarely the food alone. It comes down to what is included, how the food is served and who is doing the work on the day.
A realistic price per head
For relaxed, informal wedding food such as log-fired pizza, charcoal BBQ or a hog roast, our wedding packages average around £12 per person. Traditional plated, multi-course dinners typically cost more, because they need more kitchen space, more staff and more equipment on site.
As a rough guide at £12 per person: 50 guests is about £600, 100 guests about £1,200 and 150 guests about £1,800. Your own quote will depend on the menu, the venue and the date, so treat these as a starting point rather than a promise.
What changes the price
- Guest numbers: larger groups usually bring the per-head price down.
- Service style: a buffet or street-food style is generally cheaper than plated service.
- Menu: premium cuts, extra courses and evening food all add cost.
- Staffing: the more hands-on the service, the more staff you pay for.
- Travel and venue access: remote sites can add transport time.
- Date: peak Saturdays from May to September are in highest demand.
What to check is included
A low headline price can hide extras. Before you compare, ask whether each quote includes:
- Staff, setup and pack down
- Equipment (ovens, grills, tables, serving gear)
- Travel
- Crockery, cutlery and napkins
- Allergen information for every dish
- Public liability insurance
How we price it
Our pricing is all-inclusive. Transport, setup, service and pack down are in the quote, so the figure you agree is the figure you pay. We hold £5 million public liability insurance and provide a full allergen matrix for every menu.
Want a figure for your own date and guest count? Send us the details and we will come back with a clear quote within 24 to 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much is wedding catering per person in the UK?
It varies widely by style. Relaxed formats like pizza, BBQ or hog roast are typically at the lower end, while plated multi-course dinners cost more. Our wedding packages average around £12 per person, all-inclusive.
Is the quoted price per head the final price?
It should be, but always ask. With us, transport, setup, service and pack down are included, so there are no hidden fees.
Does a bigger guest list cost more per head?
Usually the total goes up but the per-head cost can come down, because setup and travel costs are spread across more people.
Get a fixed, all-inclusive quote
Tell us your date and guest numbers. We reply within 24 to 48 hours, and can often take bookings with 24 hours' notice.
Request a Quote