Catering per Person Wedding: Real Costs, Common Mistakes, and Smart Choices

When planning a wedding, catering per person wedding, the cost of food and service for each guest at a wedding reception. Also known as wedding food cost per guest, it’s one of the biggest budget drivers—and one of the most misunderstood. Most couples assume it’s just about the meal, but it’s really about service, staffing, menu complexity, and even how the food is served. A plated dinner at a hotel ballroom isn’t the same as a buffet at a barn, even if the menu looks identical.

The average catering per person wedding, the cost of food and service for each guest at a wedding reception. in the UK ranges from £40 to £120, but that number can swing wildly. Why? Because it includes more than just the plate. Staffing alone—servers, bartenders, kitchen crew—can add £15–£25 per guest. Then there’s the equipment: linen, chafing dishes, glassware, even the extra tables for dessert. If you’re serving a three-course meal with wine pairings, you’re looking at the high end. A simple buffet with one drink option? You’re closer to £45. And don’t forget the cake. Many caterers charge extra to serve it, even if you bought it elsewhere.

What most couples miss? wedding guest catering, the planning and execution of food service for wedding attendees. isn’t just about quantity—it’s about flow. If you have 100 guests and your caterer only brings 4 servers, people wait 20 minutes for their food. That’s not luxury, that’s frustration. Also, dietary needs aren’t optional. A single vegan or gluten-free guest shouldn’t mean a sad side dish. Good caterers build flexibility into their menus. Ask how they handle allergies, vegetarian options, and kids’ meals upfront. And if you’re thinking of a late-night snack? That’s often an extra £10–£15 per person. It’s not a perk—it’s an add-on.

And then there’s the wedding food budget, the total amount allocated for food and beverage services at a wedding.. Too many people fixate on the per-person number without looking at the total. If you’re inviting 100 guests and your caterer charges £80 each, that’s £8,000 before drinks, taxes, or tips. That’s more than half the budget for many couples. That’s why you need to ask: Can we do a cocktail reception instead? What if we cut the plated dinner and go for food stations? Is there a discount for booking on a weekday? Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t finding the cheapest caterer—it’s choosing a different format entirely.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how much food costs for 100 guests, what you’re really paying for when you hire a caterer, and how to save hundreds without your guests noticing. We’ve got real examples of couples who slashed their catering bill by switching from plated to buffet, why some "budget" caterers end up costing more, and what to say when a vendor tries to upsell you on champagne flutes you don’t need. This isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about cutting waste. And if you’ve ever wondered why your cousin’s wedding had lobster tails and yours had pulled pork sandwiches, the answer’s in the details below.