In short: how much does wedding catering cost?
According to the Bridebook UK Wedding Report 2026, couples spend on average around £87 per head on food for the day and evening, or about £7,400 for 80 to 90 guests. Most quotes fall between £20 and £80 per head for the meal itself, with drinks on top. Here are typical ranges by style:
| Style | Typical price per head |
|---|---|
| Drinks reception (fizz + 3 to 5 canapés) | £10 to £25 |
| Wedding breakfast (3 courses, sit-down) | £40 to £80+ |
| Buffet or sharing platters | £25 to £45 |
| Food truck or BBQ | £15 to £30 |
| Evening food (bacon rolls, pizza, cheese board) | £10 to £30 |
| Drinks package (wine with the meal + toast) | £20 to £35 |
These are indicative prices: London and the South East are usually at the top of each range, and many venues sell all-inclusive packages.
Managing the budget is the eternal headache of wedding planning, and food is one of the biggest lines. Let's go through your main options.
1. The drinks reception
The drinks reception kicks off the celebrations while you're busy with photos, and it sets the tone for the whole day.
Expect a glass or two of fizz (or a signature cocktail) plus soft drinks, and around 3 to 5 canapés per guest if a full meal follows. Budget roughly £10 to £25 per head. A cocktail bartender, an oyster bar or live food stations will push the cost up.
2. The classic: the wedding breakfast
The sit-down meal is still the choice of most UK couples. It's comfortable for guests and fits neatly around the speeches.
A three-course wedding breakfast typically costs £40 to £80 per head, and more at high-end venues. Check whether the quote includes staff (plan around one waiter per 10 to 12 guests for a plated meal), crockery, linen and the cake cutting fee.
Children's meals are usually offered at around half price.
3. The relaxed option: buffet or sharing platters
Less formal and often cheaper, a buffet or family-style sharing platters lets guests choose what they like and encourages conversation. Count around £25 to £45 per head. Many caterers now offer premium sharing menus that rival a plated meal.
4. The trendy option: food trucks and BBQ
Wood-fired pizza vans, street food trucks or a hog roast are hugely popular for summer and rustic weddings. They usually cost £15 to £30 per head, excluding drinks. Booking several trucks can quickly erase the saving, so keep it to one or two.
5. Evening food
A British classic: once the dancing starts, guests will be hungry again. Bacon rolls, a cheese tower, pizza or fish and chips cost around £10 to £30 per head. You can usually cater for around 70 to 80% of evening guests, as not everyone eats.
6. Drinks
Drinks can double the bill. A common approach is a glass of fizz on arrival, half a bottle of wine per guest with the meal and a glass for the toast, then a cash bar. A full open bar is very expensive, so set a limit or a tab with the venue.
How to cut the cost of wedding catering
- Bring your own drinks: check the corkage fee first. It is often £10 to £20 per bottle, which can cancel out the saving.
- Use one supplier for the drinks reception, meal and evening food to save on staff and set-up costs.
- Serve the cake as dessert instead of paying for a separate pudding.
- Get married on a weekday or in winter: many venues and caterers lower their prices.
- Trim the guest list: it is the single biggest lever on your catering bill.
Summary of wedding catering prices
| Formula (excluding drinks package) | Price per head |
| Drinks reception + wedding breakfast + evening food | £60 to £135 |
| Drinks reception + buffet + evening food | £45 to £100 |
| Drinks reception + food truck | £25 to £55 |
| Evening food only | £10 to £30 |
For tailored advice, a wedding planner in your area can recommend trusted caterers and help you get the best value. Browse our directory.
