Price Guide

How Much Does a Wedding Caterer Really Cost?

Compare prices for 12 services across 342 UK locations. Data-driven pricing updated for .

12 services priced 342 cities covered Updated

National pricing

Wedding Caterer Prices

National average prices. Select a city below for local pricing.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Sit-Down Meal (Per Head)

Low

£50

Average

£85

High

£130

2-3 hours service

More details

A formal three-course plated meal served to guests at their tables. Price per person includes starters, main course and dessert, table linen, crockery and waiting staff. Wine and drinks are usually charged separately.

What affects the price

  • Number of courses (3-course vs 5-course tasting menu)
  • Quality of ingredients and menu complexity
  • Whether the venue has an in-house kitchen or needs mobile catering
  • Minimum guest count requirements

Evening Buffet (Per Head)

Low

£15

Average

£25

High

£40

2 hours service

More details

A hot or cold buffet served during the evening reception, typically for additional guests arriving after the wedding breakfast. Options range from sandwiches and finger food to hot dishes like pizza, curry or pie and mash.

What affects the price

  • Hot buffet vs cold buffet
  • Number of dishes and variety
  • Whether serving staff are included
  • Dietary requirements and special menus

Canape Reception (Per Head)

Low

£10

Average

£18

High

£30

1-2 hours service

More details

Waiters circulating with trays of canapes during the drinks reception between the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Typically 5-8 canape varieties with 4-6 pieces per guest. A great way to keep guests happy during photos.

What affects the price

  • Number of canape varieties offered
  • Pieces per head (4-6 standard, 8-10 generous)
  • Complexity of preparation
  • Whether served alongside a drinks package

BBQ or Hog Roast (Per Head)

Low

£15

Average

£25

High

£40

2-3 hours service

More details

An outdoor BBQ or whole hog roast with sides and salads. A relaxed alternative to a formal sit-down meal. The hog roast operator provides the equipment, meat, rolls, sauces and serving staff. Sides and salads may be extra.

What affects the price

  • BBQ vs hog roast vs lamb spit
  • Number and quality of side dishes
  • Whether veggie and vegan options are included
  • Equipment hire and setup requirements

Afternoon Tea (Per Head)

Low

£20

Average

£35

High

£55

1.5-2 hours service

More details

A tiered afternoon tea service with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes and pastries. An elegant option for smaller or daytime weddings. Tea and coffee included.

What affects the price

  • Number and variety of items per tier
  • Whether prosecco or champagne is included
  • Quality of crockery and presentation
  • Whether served at tables or as a buffet-style display

Drinks Package (Per Head)

Low

£15

Average

£30

High

£50

4-6 hours

More details

An inclusive drinks package covering the reception drink, wine with the meal and a toast drink. Basic packages include house wine and prosecco. Premium packages add champagne, cocktails and an open bar for part of the evening.

What affects the price

  • House wine vs premium wine selection
  • Prosecco vs champagne for the toast
  • Whether cocktails or spirits are included
  • Duration of open bar service

Wedding Cake (3 Tier)

Low

£300

Average

£500

High

£900

Ordered 2-3 months ahead

More details

A bespoke three-tier wedding cake serving 80-120 guests. Price depends heavily on design complexity, from simple buttercream finishes to elaborate sugar flowers and fondant work. Delivery and setup at the venue usually included.

What affects the price

  • Design complexity (simple icing vs sugar flowers)
  • Flavour combinations and fillings
  • Baker's reputation and experience
  • Delivery distance and venue setup

Street Food Stalls

Low

£500

Average

£1,000

High

£2,000

3-4 hours service

More details

One or more street food vendors set up at the wedding serving freshly cooked food from their vans or stalls. Popular options include pizza, tacos, burgers, fish and chips, and Asian street food. Usually charged as a flat fee or per head.

What affects the price

  • Number of food stalls or vendors
  • Menu variety and portions per guest
  • Whether the vendor provides their own power
  • Setup space and vehicle access at the venue

Dessert Table

Low

£200

Average

£400

High

£700

Setup + 2-3 hours display

More details

A styled display table of desserts as an alternative or addition to a wedding cake. Typically includes a mix of brownies, macarons, cupcakes, doughnuts, tarts and other sweet treats for guests to help themselves.

What affects the price

  • Number of guests and portions required
  • Variety and complexity of desserts
  • Whether a styled table setup is included
  • Dietary options (gluten-free, vegan)

Bar Hire

Low

£500

Average

£1,000

High

£2,000

4-6 hours

More details

Hire of a mobile bar with trained bartenders for a wedding venue that lacks its own bar facilities. Includes the bar unit, glassware, ice, mixers and staff. The drinks themselves are charged separately, either as a cash bar or pre-purchased stock.

What affects the price

  • Whether a cash bar or free bar for guests
  • Number of bartenders needed (1 per 50-75 guests)
  • Bar style (rustic, vintage, modern)
  • Whether cocktail making is offered

Waiting Staff (Per Server)

Low

£120

Average

£175

High

£250

Full day (8-10 hours)

More details

Hire of an individual waiting staff member for the wedding day. They serve canapes, plated meals, clear tables and assist with drinks service. As a guide, you need 1 server per 10-12 guests for plated service or 1 per 25 for a buffet.

What affects the price

  • Hours of service required
  • Level of experience and agency used
  • Whether a maitre d' or head waiter is needed
  • Travel costs for remote venues

Dietary Menu Supplement

Low

£0

Average

£5

High

£15

Per person, per meal

More details

Additional cost per head for specialist dietary menus including vegan, gluten-free, halal or allergy-specific alternatives. Many caterers include basic dietary options at no extra cost, but complex requirements or separate preparation areas may incur a supplement.

What affects the price

  • Type of dietary requirement
  • Number of guests requiring special meals
  • Whether the caterer routinely offers alternatives
  • Complexity of preparation and cross-contamination controls

Popular locations

Wedding Catering Costs by City

London

£60–£160

Birmingham

£45–£120

Leeds

£50–£125

Glasgow

£50–£135

Sheffield

£50–£130

Manchester

£50–£125

Bradford

£45–£115

Edinburgh

£55–£150

Liverpool

£50–£130

Bristol

£55–£140

Coventry

£50–£125

Leicester

£45–£110

Local pricing

Find Wedding Caterer Costs in Your City

Browse all 342 cities for local wedding caterer pricing.

Barking and Dagenham Barnet Bexley London
Brighton Milton Keynes Reading Southampton
Bournemouth Bristol Gloucester Plymouth
Colchester Luton Norwich Peterborough
Birmingham Coventry Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton
Derby Leicester Northampton Nottingham
Bradford Leeds Sheffield York
Bolton Liverpool Manchester Warrington
County Durham Middlesbrough Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland
Blaenau Gwent Bridgend Cardiff Swansea
Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow
Belfast

Regional comparison

Sit-Down Meal (Per Head) by City

Average cost of sit-down meal (per head) across key UK cities.

London
+24% £105
Manchester
-2% £85
Birmingham
-7% £80
Glasgow
+5% £90
Bristol
+7% £90
Leeds
-3% £85
Cardiff
-2% £85
Belfast
-13% £75

Overview

What Does a Wedding Caterer Do?

A wedding caterer provides professional services covering wedding catering including sit-down meals, buffets, canapes, cakes and bar services. They cover a range of services from straightforward options to more complex, bespoke work. Choosing the right caterer ensures you get quality results and a professional experience.

You should hire a wedding caterer whenever you need specialist expertise or professional-grade results. The right caterer brings experience, proper equipment, and industry knowledge that makes a real difference to the outcome.

Pricing for wedding caterer services depends on the complexity of what you need, the options chosen, and where you live in the UK. Simpler services sit at the lower end of the scale, while more involved or premium options will be significantly more expensive. The prices on this page give you a realistic range for each type of service so you know what to expect before getting quotes.

When hiring a wedding caterer, always get at least three quotes from different wedding professionals. Read recent reviews and ask for references. Always check portfolios, reviews and availability. A reputable caterer will be happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain exactly what is included in their quote.

Related services

Related Services

Services often needed alongside a wedding caterer.

Wedding Venue UK price guide £5,000–£15,000 Wedding Photography UK price guide £1,000–£3,000 Hairdresser UK price guide £35–£80 Cosmetic Dentistry UK price guide £300–£800 Dentist UK price guide £27–£27 Solicitor UK price guide £800–£2,200 Family Solicitor UK price guide £2,000–£15,000 Tutoring UK price guide £20–£40

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about wedding caterer costs in the UK.

How much should I budget for wedding catering per head?
For a sit-down wedding meal, budget around 50-100 per head for a mid-range caterer. High-end caterers charge 100-150+ per head. Evening buffets typically cost 15-30 per head on top. Drinks packages add another 20-50 per head. Catering is usually the single largest wedding expense after the venue.
When should I book a wedding caterer?
Book your caterer 9-12 months before the wedding, especially for popular dates (summer Saturdays). Many venues have preferred or exclusive caterer lists, so check this before booking independently. Book a tasting session before confirming — most caterers offer this free or for a small charge that is deducted from the final bill.
What is the difference between a sit-down meal and a buffet?
A sit-down meal involves plated courses served to guests at their tables, offering a formal and structured dining experience. A buffet allows guests to serve themselves from a selection of dishes, offering more variety and a relaxed atmosphere. Buffets are often slightly cheaper per head but require more food to ensure no one misses out.
Do I need to cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. A good caterer will ask about dietary needs as standard and offer alternatives for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, kosher and allergy requirements. Include a dietary requirements question on your RSVP and share the final numbers with your caterer at least 2 weeks before the wedding.
Do wedding caterers provide crockery and staff?
Most professional wedding caterers include crockery, cutlery, glassware and serving staff in their per-head price. However, this is not universal — some budget caterers or street food vendors supply food only, leaving you to hire tableware and waiting staff separately. Always confirm exactly what is included in the quote before signing a contract.
Can I bring my own alcohol if using a wedding caterer?
This depends on the venue rather than the caterer. Some venues allow you to supply your own drinks and charge a corkage fee of £5–£15 per bottle. Others require you to purchase all drinks through their bar or an approved supplier. Supplying your own wine and prosecco can save a significant amount, so it is worth asking early.
How many waiting staff do I need for a wedding?
For a plated sit-down meal, allow 1 waiting staff member per 10–12 guests. For a buffet, 1 per 20–25 guests is usually sufficient. If you are having a drinks reception with circulating canapes, you will need additional staff for that service. Your caterer should advise on exact numbers based on your menu and venue layout.
What is the average cost of a wedding cake in the UK?
A three-tier wedding cake typically costs £300–£900 depending on design complexity. A simple buttercream finish is at the lower end, while elaborate sugar flowers, fondant work or hand-painted details push the price higher. Alternatives like dessert tables, cupcake towers or cheese wheel cakes can cost more or less depending on scale.
Should I have a canape reception at my wedding?
Canapes during the drinks reception are a popular choice to keep guests fed while the couple has photos taken. At £10–£30 per head for 5–8 varieties, they are a relatively affordable addition. If there is a long gap between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast, canapes help avoid hungry and restless guests.
What is the difference between a cash bar and an open bar at a wedding?
A cash bar means guests pay for their own drinks, while an open bar means the couple covers the cost. A common middle ground is to provide a drinks package covering the reception drink, wine with the meal and a toast, then switch to a cash bar for the evening. This keeps costs manageable while still treating guests.
How much does a wedding caterer cost in the UK?
The most common wedding caterer job, sit-down meal (per head), costs between £50 and £130 nationally, with an average of £85. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and your location within the UK.
What affects wedding caterer prices?
The main factors are the complexity and scope of what you need, the options and products chosen, and your location. London and the South East are typically 15-35% more expensive than northern regions. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
How do I find a reliable wedding caterer?
Get at least three quotes from different wedding professionals, check recent reviews and references, and ask for a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs before committing. Always check portfolios, reviews and availability.
Do wedding caterer prices vary by location?
Yes, significantly. London is the most expensive area, with prices typically 20-35% above the national average. The South East is also above average. Northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 5-15% below the national average. Our city pages show exact local pricing for 342 UK locations.
Do the prices shown include materials?
The prices on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some wedding professionals break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.
When is the best time to hire a wedding caterer?
Demand for wedding caterer services tends to peak in autumn and winter, which can mean longer wait times and higher prices. If your job isn't urgent, booking during spring or summer may get you a better rate and faster availability. Emergency work will always cost more regardless of the time of year.