Wedding Catering Cost: What You Really Pay for Food at Your Wedding
When you think about your wedding day, the food is one of the first things guests remember—and one of the biggest chunks of your budget. wedding catering cost, the total price for food and service at your reception, typically makes up 40% or more of your overall wedding budget. Also known as reception food cost, it’s not just about the plates on the table—it’s the staff, the rentals, the timing, and even the leftover meals. Most couples don’t realize how much extra fees can add up: service charges, gratuities, cake cutting fees, and minimum guest counts can spike your bill fast.
There’s no one-size-fits-all price for wedding catering cost. It depends on your location, menu style, and guest count. In the UK, a plated dinner might run £50–£100 per person, while a buffet could be £30–£60. Cocktail receptions with passed hors d’oeuvres? That’s often £40–£80. And if you’re thinking of a food truck or late-night snack bar, those can be cheaper—but they still need permits, staffing, and timing. Don’t forget the wedding food budget: it’s not just the caterer’s quote. You’ll need room for rentals (tables, linens, glassware), bar service (if included), and maybe even a separate dessert station. Some venues force you to use their in-house caterer, which can cost 20% more than hiring outside. Others let you bring your own, but charge a corkage or setup fee.
What you choose affects the price more than you think. A simple pasta station with garlic bread and salad? That’s far less than a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings. And don’t assume that more expensive means better—some couples save thousands by skipping the steak and going for a build-your-own taco bar or gourmet pizza station. Real couples are doing this now: one in Manchester spent £1,800 total on food for 80 guests with a BBQ-style setup. Another in Brighton saved £2,500 by choosing a lunch wedding with a sandwich and salad bar instead of dinner. The key is matching your food to your vibe, not your budget.
You’ll also find that catering per person isn’t always the full story. Many caterers have minimums—you might need to pay for 100 guests even if only 85 show up. And if you want to serve alcohol, that’s a whole other budget line. Some caterers include non-alcoholic drinks; others charge extra for sparkling water, lemonade, or coffee stations. Always ask: Is the price all-inclusive? What’s not included? What happens if someone has a dietary need? A vegan option shouldn’t cost extra, but it often does.
There’s a lot of noise out there about what’s "trendy" or "elegant," but your wedding food should reflect you—not a Pinterest board. The best way to control your catering prices is to know what you’re paying for, ask the right questions, and be willing to think outside the box. Below, you’ll find real breakdowns from couples who planned weddings at every price point—from £5,000 to £20,000—so you can see exactly how food costs add up, where the savings hide, and how to avoid the traps most people don’t see coming.
Why Wedding Catering Costs So Much - Hidden Fees Explained
Break down why wedding catering costs so much, reveal hidden fees, and learn practical tips to trim your food budget.