UK wedding catering typically costs around £70-£120 per guest for a three-course wedding breakfast, though buffets and street food can start near £25-£50 a head while sit-down fine dining runs much higher. Style, guest numbers and region drive most of the price difference, and many couples book a caterer 9-12 months ahead to secure popular dates. The single most useful tip is to ask every caterer for one "all-in" written quote that states VAT, service charge, staffing, travel and corkage, so headline per-head prices can be compared like for like.
Typical UK cost: Most UK couples pay roughly £35-£70 per guest for a sit-down wedding breakfast, while buffets, grazing and street-food formats typically fall in the £15-£45 per head range.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does wedding catering cost per person in the UK?
A three-course sit-down wedding breakfast typically costs around £70-£120 per guest in 2025-2026, with bespoke or fine-dining menus going higher. Buffets, grazing tables and street food are usually cheaper at roughly £25-£60 per head. Prices vary by region, with London and the South East tending to sit at the top of these ranges and parts of the North and Midlands at the lower end.
How far in advance should we book a wedding caterer?
Most couples book their caterer around 9-12 months before the wedding, and popular caterers can be reserved 18 months ahead for peak summer Saturdays. If your date falls outside the May-to-September season you can often book with less notice. Booking early also gives you time for a tasting and to finalise the menu and dietary needs without rushing.
What's usually included in a wedding catering quote, and what costs extra?
A quote normally covers the menu, kitchen staff, serving staff and basic crockery, cutlery and linen, but the headline per-head figure often excludes several extras. Common add-ons are VAT, a 10-15% service charge, travel beyond a set radius, corkage if you supply your own drinks, supplier meals, and equipment hire. Always ask for one written all-in price that lists these so you can compare caterers fairly.
What questions should we ask a wedding caterer before booking?
Ask whether the price includes VAT and service charge, what staffing is provided, and whether there is a minimum spend or guest number. Confirm the corkage policy if you want to bring your own drinks, how they handle dietary requirements and allergies, and whether a tasting is offered. It's also worth checking their cancellation terms, deposit, insurance and whether they have worked at your venue before.
Do wedding caterers offer a tasting session before the day?
Most caterers offer a menu tasting so you can check flavours, presentation and portion sizes before confirming the final menu. Some include the tasting in the package while others charge a fee that may be credited against your booking, so confirm this in advance. It's a good chance to discuss vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy options, and to bring anyone whose dietary needs you want catered for.