Planning a wedding is such an exciting time, but let’s be honest—it can get a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. Wedding Catering costs can quickly add up, and as one of the largest expenses, it can feel daunting to get right. But here’s the good news: with a little planning and some clever tips, you can serve up delicious food that your guests will rave about without blowing your budget.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the average wedding catering costs in the UK, share with you our 5 best tips to help you keep your costs down while still creating a memorable dining experience AND answer Frequently Asked Questions like “How much does catering cost for a wedding in the UK?” and “What is the cheapest food to cater at a wedding?”.
Understanding Wedding Catering Costs
Before we dive into cost-saving tips, it’s important to understand what influences wedding catering costs. According to Bridebook, the average cost of wedding catering is £20-£50 per person, depending on the style and menu you choose, with more elaborate meals pushing the price upwards. For example, to cater for 80-90 guests, couples typically spend around £5,700.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Menu Complexity: A simple grazing table or buffet will typically cost less than a gourmet, multi-course dinner.
- Guest Count: The more people you invite, the higher your bill will climb. It’s why couples should try to avoid last minute additions to avoid surprise costs or shortages.
- Staffing Needs: Plated meals require more staff than a buffet or grazing-style setup, which may not require servers present.
- Extras: Don’t forget to account for VAT (an additional 20%), rentals for cutlery, crockery, and linens, and other hidden costs that can add up.
Understanding these factors can help you set a realistic budget and prioritise what matters most for your big day.
How Much Does Catering Cost For A Wedding In The UK?
| Catering Style | Cost per Person (Range) | Cost for 100 Guests (Range) | Points To Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seated (Plated) | £30 – £100+ | £3,000 – £10,000+ | While more formal and elegant, seated meals come with higher staffing and service costs. |
| Buffet | £20 – £50 | £2,000 – £5,000 | Buffets are more affordable than plated meals but can still require a lot of preparation and staffing. |
| Grazing Table | £25 – £60 | £2,500 – £6,000 | Grazing tables provide excellent value for money, offering variety, visual appeal, and fewer staff, which reduces overall costs. |
| Food Truck | £15 – £40 | £1,500 – £4,000 | Food trucks offer a fun option but can be limited in menu choices and will not offer the same elegant presentation as grazing tables. |
Price estimates pulled from a mix of trusted sources: Bridebook, The Budget Savvy Bride, and Paunveiled
5 Genius Ways to Save on Wedding Catering Without Missing Out On Style
1. Opt for Grazing Tables Over Traditional Catering
Traditional sit-down meals and large buffets often come with higher costs due to staffing and preparation requirements. Grazing tables, however, are a stylish and affordable alternative. Grazing tables allow you to offer a wide variety of foods without the high cost of individual plating or extensive staffing. They’re easy to customise to your preferences and guest count, making them ideal for weddings of all sizes.
Plus, by using seasonal ingredients and focusing on presentation, grazing tables can create a memorable, elegant dining experience that feels high-end—without the hefty price tag. Whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors, these spreads are flexible enough to fit any theme or setting.
At Savery Grazing, we pride ourselves on turning grazing tables into a centrepiece of your wedding. Each table is designed to reflect your style. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, our grazing tables can be scaled to suit your needs while adding a touch of elegance to your special day.
Stunning spreads that include charcuterie boards, cheese boards, fresh fruits, artisan accompaniments and much more—all tailored to your preferences. These tables offer a relaxed, social dining experience while reducing staffing needs – allowing you not only to reduce your costs but give your wedding a more intimate vibe.
Why Grazing Tables Work: They’re versatile, visually impressive, and budget-friendly, making them a perfect solution for couples seeking cheap wedding catering that doesn’t compromise on quality or style.
2. Use Seasonal and Locally Sourced Ingredients
Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are a win-win for your wedding catering—and even better, they’re a win for the planet too. Seasonal produce is fresher, bursting with flavour, and more affordable because it’s readily available. By choosing ingredients that align with the time of year you’re getting married, you’re not only saving money but also reducing your wedding’s carbon footprint.
Local distribution means fewer delivery miles, and supporting nearby farmers helps sustain their businesses and communities. It’s a thoughtful choice that benefits the environment, local farmers, and your budget. Talk about a win-win-win!
At Savery Grazing, we’re passionate about crafting grazing platters that celebrate the best of every season. By working closely with local suppliers, we ensure our spreads are as fresh as they are beautiful.
Whether it’s sweet summer fruits or rustic autumn vegetables, try to bring a taste of the season to your special day to cut down the costs—all while supporting local producers and keeping costs in check.
Why Seasonal Ingredients Work: They’re budget-friendly and add a meaningful, sustainable touch to your big day.
3. Timing Is Everything
When you hold your wedding can significantly affect your wedding catering costs. If you’re flexible with the timing of your big day, you could save yourself a bundle. Opting for off-peak times—like weekdays or those lovely off-season months—can make a big difference to both your catering and venue costs.
Weekends, especially in the summer, tend to be the busiest times for weddings, which means higher prices across the board. But if you’re open to hosting your celebration on a Thursday or Friday, or in quieter months like January or February, you’ll likely find that many caterers and venues offer significant discounts.
This not only frees up your budget for other fun touches (hello, extra drinks or a stunning dessert table!), but it also helps you dodge the stress of competing with a dozen other couples for your dream venue or caterer.
Why Timing Matters: Off-peak weddings often benefit from discounted rates, letting you stretch your budget further.
Check out this Hitched blog to find the most popular UK wedding dates
4. Add Personal Touches with DIY Elements
Personal touches can make your wedding memorable while keeping costs low. If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your wedding catering without breaking the bank, consider preparing some of your own desserts. Simple treats like homemade Blackberry Fool, Lemon Posset, or White Chocolate & Pistachio Cookies—all of which are delightful, make-ahead treats that add a personal and homemade touch to your celebration.
However, we understand it can be tricky to make enough of these treats for all your guests while ensuring everything is just right. The last thing you want is to spend your wedding day in the kitchen, worrying about whether you’ve got enough desserts for everyone or if the flavours are just as perfect as you imagined.
That’s where we come in. We can prepare these delicious, crowd-pleasing treats in large quantities, ensuring your guests get a taste of everything you’ve envisioned for your wedding day. Simply ask us about adding them to your grazing table package when you make an enquiry.
Why DIY Works: It’s a cost-effective way to personalise your catering without the stress of doing everything yourself.
5. Simplify Your Drink Options
Alcohol is often one of the priciest parts of wedding catering. Instead of offering an open bar, which can quickly become expensive with a range of spirits, mixers, and staffing, consider serving a signature cocktail alongside wine and beer. Not only does this keep things simple and elegant, but it also allows you to add a personal touch to your wedding reception. A signature cocktail—whether it’s something classic like a mojito or a fun twist like a fruity champagne punch—can reflect your style and theme while keeping costs in check.
By offering just a few drink options, you’ll reduce the amount of alcohol consumed, cutting down on costs without sacrificing the celebration atmosphere.
Why It’s Effective: A streamlined drinks menu saves money while still offering something special for your guests to enjoy.
Budget Wedding Catering With Savery Grazing
Your wedding day is about celebrating love, and the food you serve should reflect that joy without the added stress of overspending. By embracing creative, cost-effective catering options like grazing tables, using seasonal and local ingredients, and carefully planning the timing of your wedding, you can create a memorable dining experience that’s both affordable and stylish.
“I honestly don’t have enough good words to describe Savery Grazing. Jasmine catered our wedding a couple of weeks ago, and the communication was excellent from start to finish. We ordered multiple sharing boxes and she allowed me to request a few items. We didn’t meet the guys on the day, but they set everything out beautifully and it all looked INCREDIBLE. Our guests were absolutely amazed by the presentation and loved all of it. The chutneys/crackers/breads and the quality of the food was top notch. Cannot recommend highly enough. Thanks!” (Emily – Google Reviews)
At Savery Grazing, we specialise in making wedding cateeeeeeeeering effortless, elegant, and accessible for all budgets. Whether you’re dreaming of a show-stopping grazing table or need advice on how to keep costs low, we’re here to help.
Let’s make your vision a reality:
- Request a Personalised Quote to start planning your perfect menu
- Explore Our Range of grazing boards, platters, and Wedding Catering options
- Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more inspiration and behind-the-scenes tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Catering Cost For A Wedding In The UK?
Wedding catering costs in the UK can vary greatly depending on factors like the type of service, the number of guests, and the complexity of the menu. On average, you can expect to spend between £20 to £50 per person. More elaborate meals, such as multi-course plated dinners, can cost upwards of £100 per person. To save, consider opting for a buffet or grazing table, which are often more affordable without compromising on style or quality.
How Much Does It Cost To Cater A Party For 50 In The UK?
For a party of 50 people, wedding catering costs typically range from £1,000 to £2,500, depending on the style of service and menu. Simple options like buffets or grazing tables can keep costs lower, while more formal plated meals will push the price higher. It’s always a good idea to get a few quotes to understand your options based on your preferred catering style.
What Is The Cheapest Food To Cater At A Wedding?
Some of the cheapest wedding catering options include simple buffets, grazing tables, or food stations. These can feature affordable yet delicious items like cheese boards, seasonal fruits, cold cuts, salads, and finger foods. Grazing tables are particularly great because they offer a variety of affordable ingredients that also look stunning and are perfect for a relaxed, social dining experience.
How To Keep Food Costs Down At A Wedding?
To keep food costs down, consider serving a buffet or grazing table instead of a plated meal. These options generally require fewer staff and can be customised to fit your budget with affordable, seasonal ingredients. Additionally, timing your wedding during off-peak seasons or opting for a weekday wedding can help reduce catering costs. You can also DIY some of your desserts or snacks to save money.
How To Do A Cheap Wedding Buffet?
For a cheap wedding buffet, focus on simple yet satisfying dishes that can be made in bulk. Think pasta salads, cold cuts, seasonal vegetables, and hearty finger foods. Offering a variety of items that are easy to prepare and serve will keep costs low, and you can always enhance the presentation with affordable decorative touches.
What Is A Realistic Budget For A Wedding In The UK?
A realistic wedding budget in the UK depends on several factors, but on average, couples spend around £15,000 to £30,000. That said, weddings can be done for much less if you’re conscious of your spending. Prioritise the elements that matter most to you, such as food and venue, and look for ways to cut costs, such as opting for more affordable catering options or a DIY approach.
How Many Trays Of Food To Feed 100 People?
The number of trays you need to feed 100 people depends on the type of food you’re serving. For a grazing table, you might need 3 to 4 large platters of each type of food (cheese, meats, fruits, etc.) to ensure there’s enough for everyone. For buffets, you’ll need about 2 to 3 trays per dish. It’s always good to consult with your caterer to make sure you have the right portions based on your guest list.
What Is The Cheapest Food To Get Catered?
The cheapest food to get catered usually includes items that are easy to prepare and can be served in bulk. Think of things like pasta salads, cold cuts, cheese boards, or sandwiches. These options are generally more affordable and can be made in large quantities without driving up costs. Additionally, focusing on seasonal ingredients can help reduce costs while keeping the food fresh and flavourful.
What Is The Cheapest Option For A Wedding?
The cheapest wedding catering options often involve buffet-style meals, grazing tables, or food stations. These offer a variety of affordable dishes and reduce costs by requiring fewer staff and less complicated preparation. By choosing seasonal ingredients and being mindful of your guest list, you can keep your catering budget under control without sacrificing quality.
Jasmine Savery
Founder & DirectorHi! I'm Jasmine, and I launched Savery Grazing in 2022. I’ve always had a passion for food, with a particular love for how social it can be. Follow along as I share my favourite tips, tricks, and delicious recipes with you.
Hi! I'm Jasmine, and I launched Savery Grazing in 2022. I’ve always had a passion for food, with a particular love for how social it can be. Follow along as I share my favourite tips, tricks, and delicious recipes with you.