Wedding Budget Example: How Much Is Catering?

Planning your wedding budget can feel overwhelming, and one of the biggest questions couples ask early on is: how much should we spend on catering?

The answer depends on your guest numbers, style of service and the type of experience you want to create.

In this guide, we’ll break down realistic UK figures, show you example budgets and help you understand where your money actually goes.

How Much of Your Wedding Budget Should Go on Catering?

As a general rule, catering takes up 30–50% of your total wedding budget in the UK.

That might sound like a lot, but when you think about it, it makes sense:

• You’re feeding every guest

• Food is spread across multiple parts of the day

• Service, staff and setup are all included

For many couples, catering is one of the most noticeable parts of the day, and one of the things the guests remember most.

Average Wedding Catering Costs in the UK

Here’s a rough guide to what you might expect to pay per head:

• £30–£50 per person – Buffet or simpler catering

• £50–£90 per person – Street food / food truck style

• £90–£150+ per person – Premium or plated dining

These figures typically include food, but may or may not include staffing, equipment or drinks, so always check what’s covered.

Wedding Budget Example (100 Guests)

Let’s break this down with a realistic example.

Total Wedding Budget: £20,000

Category	Estimated Spend
Venue	£6,000
Catering	£6,000–£8,000
Photography	£1,500
Dress & Attire	£1,500
Entertainment	£1,000
Flowers & Décor	£1,000
Miscellaneous	£1,000

In this example, catering accounts for 30–40% of the total wedding budget.

What’s Included in Wedding Catering Costs?

Wedding catering isn’t just about the food on the plate. A professional service usually includes:

• Menu planning and consultation

• Food preparation and cooking

• Service staff

• Equipment and setup

• Clear up and rubbish disposal after the event

If you opt for a more flexible setup like food vans or a catering truck for wedding celebrations, this can also include:

• Mobile kitchen setup

• Made-to-order food

• Faster, more casual service

Working with a specialist in wedding catering ensures everything is planned properly, from timing to portion sizes, so nothing gets overlooked.

How Style Impacts Your Catering Budget

Your chosen style has a big impact on cost.

Traditional Sit-Down Meal

• Higher staffing requirements

• More structured service

• Typically more expensive

Street Food or Food Truck Catering

• Often more flexible

• Guests choose their own food

• Can be more cost-effective depending on setup

Sharing-Style Menus

• Balanced option between formal and relaxed

• Great for creating a social atmosphere

There’s no “right” choice; it depends on the experience you want to create.

Hidden Costs to Consider

When building your wedding budget, it’s important to factor in additional elements that may not be included upfront:

• Travel costs (especially for remote venues)

• Staffing for larger guest numbers

• Equipment hire

• Evening food

• Drinks packages

A clear, itemised proposal will help you understand exactly where your budget is going.

Tips to Manage Your Catering Budget

If you’re trying to stay within a set wedding budget, here are a few practical tips:

1. Be Clear on Guest Numbers

The number of guests has the biggest impact on cost. Even small changes can make a big difference.

2. Choose a Flexible Food Style

Street food, sharing platters or food stations can sometimes offer better value while still delivering great food.

3. Focus on What Matters Most

You don’t need everything. Decide what’s most important, whether that’s high-quality ingredients, variety or a unique experience.

4. Plan for the Whole Day

Don’t forget to budget for evening food, it’s often one of the most appreciated parts of the day.

Is Wedding Catering Worth the Investment?

In short, yes.

Food is one of the few things every guest will experience, and it plays a huge role in how your day feels. Great catering keeps people happy, energised and engaged from start to finish.

Whether you go for a traditional wedding breakfast, a relaxed street food setup or a mix of both, investing in quality catering will always pay off.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding budget is all about balance, and catering is a key part of that.

By understanding typical costs, planning and choosing a style that fits your day, you can create a dining experience that feels special without overspending.

And when it’s done right, it’s not just food, it’s one of the highlights your guests will remember long after the day is over.