Wedding Catering Budget: How Much You Really Need and Where to Save
When you’re planning a wedding, your wedding catering budget, the amount you set aside to feed your guests at the reception often ends up being the biggest chunk of your overall spending. It’s not just about food—it’s about service, staffing, rentals, and hidden fees that add up fast. Most couples don’t realize how much of their budget gets eaten up by catering before they even look at the cake or the bar. In fact, food and drink can take up 40% or more of your total wedding costs, according to real data from hundreds of UK weddings last year.
Why does it cost so much? It’s not just the ingredients. Think about the staff: servers, bartenders, chefs, and cleanup crews. You’re paying for their time, uniforms, insurance, and travel. Then there’s the equipment—linens, glassware, chafing dishes, tables, chairs—all of which get rented. And if your venue doesn’t let you bring in outside caterers, you’re locked into their markup. Some caterers charge extra for late-night snacks, cake cutting, or even napkins. These aren’t always listed upfront, which is why so many people end up surprised by their final bill. The wedding catering cost, the total expense for food, drinks, and service on your wedding day varies wildly depending on where you are, how many guests you have, and what kind of meal you pick. A plated three-course dinner for 100 people in London can easily hit £15,000. But you can get the same number of guests fed with a buffet or food stations for under £7,000 if you know where to cut corners.
It’s not about being cheap—it’s about being smart. You don’t need lobster for everyone to have a memorable meal. A well-planned taco bar, a DIY cocktail station, or a late-night pizza truck can feel just as special—and cost a fraction. The wedding food budget, the portion of your overall wedding budget dedicated to meals and beverages should be set early and protected. Don’t let a flashy menu convince you to overspend. Look at the catering price breakdown, the detailed list of what each part of the catering service actually costs before signing anything. Ask for itemized quotes. Compare per-person rates across different vendors. And remember: fewer guests means lower costs, so be honest about your guest list. If you’re trying to stick to a tight budget, a lunch wedding or a brunch reception can save you thousands. You’ll get the same joy, the same smiles, the same memories—just with less stress and more cash left over for your honeymoon.
What you’ll find below are real, practical stories and breakdowns from couples who planned their weddings without going broke. You’ll see exactly how much people spent on food in 2025, what they cut, what they kept, and how they made their reception feel luxurious without the luxury price tag. No fluff. No hype. Just clear, honest advice to help you spend smarter on the one thing everyone remembers: the food.
How to Feed 100 People at a Wedding on a Budget
Feed 100 wedding guests on a budget with smart menu choices, affordable proteins, seasonal food, and limited alcohol. Save thousands without sacrificing flavor or joy.