Cost of Wedding Catering in the UK
Wedding catering in the UK usually costs around £40 to £80 per guest in 2026 for a traditional sit-down meal, although buffet catering can be cheaper and premium multi-course dining can cost £80 to £120+ per guest.
For a wedding with 100 guests, catering alone may cost around £4,000 to £8,000 before drinks packages, evening food, service charges or extras are added.
In 2026, wedding catering in the UK typically costs £40 to £80 per guest.
Quick Answer
The average wedding catering cost in the UK is usually around £40 to £80 per guest for a sit-down meal. Buffet catering may cost around £20 to £40 per guest, while premium catering packages can exceed £120 per guest.
Typical catering costs:
| Catering Type | Average Cost per Guest |
|---|---|
| Buffet catering | £20 – £40 |
| Sit-down meal | £40 – £80 |
| Premium multi-course dining | £80 – £120+ |
Want to see the full wedding budget? Read our complete UK wedding cost guide.
Wedding catering cost for 50, 100 and 150 guests
| Guests | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 50 guests | £2,000 – £4,000 |
| 100 guests | £4,000 – £8,000 |
| 150 guests | £6,000 – £12,000 |
What Is Included in Wedding Catering?
What is included in wedding catering depends on the venue or caterer. Some packages only include the wedding breakfast, while others include canapés, drinks, evening food, staff, tableware and service.
Typical packages include:
– canapés or arrival snacks
– starter, main course and dessert
– buffet or sharing platters
– evening food
– waiting staff and table service
– plates, cutlery and glassware
– tea and coffee
– drinks packages
– menu tasting
– dietary options
Extra Catering Costs
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Evening buffet | £8 – £20 per guest |
| Drinks packages | £15 – £40 per guest |
| Cocktail hour | £300 – £1,000 |
Ways to Reduce Catering Costs
Couples often save by:
- reducing guest numbers
- choosing buffet-style catering
- limiting alcohol packages
- selecting seasonal menus
Typical Wedding Catering Cost Summary
| Service Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Buffet | £20 – £40 per guest |
| Sit-down meal | £40 – £80 per guest |
| Premium dining | £80 – £120+ per guest |
Is wedding catering worth the cost?
Wedding catering is one of the largest parts of a UK wedding budget because it usually increases with every guest. The key is to compare what is included in the price per head. A cheaper menu may not include drinks, evening food, staff, tableware or service charges, so always check the full package before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does wedding catering cost per head in the UK?
Wedding catering in the UK usually costs around £40 to £80 per guest for a sit-down meal. Buffet catering may cost around £20 to £40 per guest, while premium dining can cost £80 to £120+ per guest.
How much does wedding catering cost for 100 guests?
Wedding catering for 100 guests usually costs around £4,000 to £8,000 for a sit-down meal. The total can be higher if drinks packages, canapés, evening food or service charges are added.
Is buffet catering cheaper than a sit-down wedding meal?
Yes, buffet catering is usually cheaper than a sit-down wedding meal because it often needs less formal service and can use simpler menu options.
Are drinks included in wedding catering?
Sometimes. Some wedding catering packages include arrival drinks, table wine or toast drinks, while others charge separately for drinks packages, corkage or bar service.
How can you reduce wedding catering costs?
You can reduce wedding catering costs by lowering guest numbers, choosing buffet-style food, limiting alcohol packages, avoiding premium menu choices and checking whether evening food is really needed.