How much does wedding catering cost in the UK?
- Most UK couples pay between £55 and £85 per guest for wedding catering in 2026 — roughly £5,500–£8,500 for 100 guests.
- Buffets and food trucks start around £30–£45 per head; fine-dining and multi-course menus reach £140+ per head.
- The per-head figure rarely includes staff, hire (crockery, linen), or drinks — always ask what's bundled.
- Guest count is the biggest multiplier, so trimming the day-guest list saves more than changing the menu.
Catering is usually the largest single line on a UK wedding budget, because it's the one cost that multiplies by every guest in the room. A £20 difference per head sounds small until you times it by 120 people — that's £2,400.
This guide explains what a 'per head' price really includes (and what it quietly doesn't), how plated, buffet and street-food styles compare, and the extras that turn a tidy quote into a surprise on the final invoice.
What each price tier includes
- Single-course buffet or street-food serving
- Disposable or basic serveware
- Minimal on-site staff
- Self-service or grab-and-go style
- Three courses, plated or family-style sharing
- Waiting and kitchen staff
- Crockery, cutlery and glassware hire
- Menu tasting before the day
- Canapés + 3–4 plated courses
- Full front-of-house and kitchen brigade
- Premium tableware and linen
- Dietary menus and bespoke dishes
- Evening food (e.g. bacon rolls) often included
- Bespoke tasting-menu style service
- Sommelier / wine pairing
- High staff-to-guest ratio
- Premium ingredients and live cooking stations
- Full event styling of the dining space
What 'per head' usually leaves out
The per-guest figure is the food. It frequently excludes three big costs: staff, hire and drinks. Waiting and kitchen staff can add several hundred to a couple of thousand pounds depending on guest count and service style. Crockery, cutlery, glassware and linen hire — if the venue doesn't supply them — can add £8–£15 per head on its own.
Drinks are usually separate again, either supplied by you (with a corkage fee) or by the caterer. Before you compare two quotes, write down exactly what each one includes — a £55 'all-in' quote can beat a £45 'food-only' one once the extras are added.
Plated vs buffet vs food trucks
Plated (served to seated guests) is the most formal and the most staff-intensive, which is why it sits at the higher end. Buffets and sharing tables cost less in service but need careful flow planning so 120 people aren't queuing at once. Street food and food trucks are the most relaxed and often the best value, though they suit informal weddings more than black-tie ones.
Style affects more than price — it sets the tone of the day. Match it to the wedding you actually want, then price it, rather than picking the cheapest style and hoping it fits.
Why guest count beats menu choice
Because catering multiplies per person, the guest list is the most powerful budget lever you have. Cutting 20 evening or day guests saves more than downgrading everyone's main course. A smaller, well-fed wedding almost always feels more generous than a large, stretched one.
If numbers are fixed, the next lever is the format: a generous sharing feast can cost less per head than individual plated courses while feeling more abundant.
Tastings, dietaries and the final headcount
A tasting before the day is standard at the mid-range and up — confirm whether it's included or charged. Dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies) should be handled without a big surcharge by any competent caterer; ask how they manage them.
Caterers price on a guaranteed final number, usually confirmed 2–4 weeks before the wedding. Once locked, you pay for that count even if a few guests drop out, so don't confirm the figure too early.
How Bookt handles catering quotes
Every caterer on Bookt quotes around your guest count, menu style and venue facilities. Tell us roughly how many guests, the style you're after and whether the venue has a kitchen, and available caterers come back to you — usually within a few hours, with no obligation.
Deposits are held securely and released after the event, and each listing publishes its own terms, so a change in numbers or dates doesn't leave you chasing money back.
Tell us about your booking and we'll match you with verified UK pros who quote back within hours. Free, no obligation.
Get free quotes →Frequently asked questions
How much does wedding catering cost per head in the UK in 2026?
Most couples pay £55–£85 per guest for a three-course plated or sharing menu with service — roughly £5,500–£8,500 for 100 guests. Buffets and food trucks start around £30–£45 per head, while fine-dining menus reach £140 or more per person.
Does the per-head price include staff and drinks?
Usually not. The per-guest figure is typically food only. Waiting and kitchen staff, tableware and linen hire, and drinks are often quoted separately. Always ask for an itemised quote so you're comparing genuinely like-for-like.
Is a buffet cheaper than a plated wedding meal?
Generally yes, because plated service needs more staff. Buffets and sharing tables save on service but need good flow planning for larger weddings. Street food and food trucks are often the best value of all, suiting relaxed, informal celebrations.
What's the cheapest way to cut wedding catering costs?
Trim the guest list — because catering multiplies per person, removing 20 guests saves more than downgrading everyone's menu. If numbers are fixed, a generous sharing feast can cost less per head than individual plated courses.
Do wedding caterers charge for a tasting?
At the mid-range and above, a tasting is often included; some charge a fee that's refunded when you book. Confirm before you commit, and use the tasting to lock down portion sizes and dietary options.
When do I confirm final guest numbers with the caterer?
Caterers usually need a guaranteed final headcount 2–4 weeks before the wedding. You pay for that number even if a few guests drop out afterwards, so avoid confirming it earlier than necessary.