Wedding Catering Costs in the UK (2026)
Wedding catering in the UK costs £40-120 per person for food, with drinks packages adding £20-50 per person. Total catering spend is the second largest expense after the venue.
11 April 2026 · Last reviewed April 2026
Average catering cost in United Kingdom
Range: £4,000 – £14,000
What you’re paying for
Canape reception
Per person for 4-6 passed canapes
£10 – £25
Wedding breakfast (3 courses)
Per person for a seated meal
£50 – £100
Evening food
Per person for buffet, pizza, or fish and chips
£10 – £25
Drinks package
Per person for welcome drink, wine, and toast
£20 – £50
Corkage (BYO venues)
Per bottle if bringing your own wine
£5 – £15
How to save on catering
Choose a BYO venue
Buy wine in bulk from a supermarket or wine merchant. Even with corkage, you save 40-60% vs venue drinks packages.
Skip the canapes
Go straight from ceremony to sit-down meal. Saves £10-25 per person and keeps the timeline moving.
Fish and chips for evening food
Cheaper and more popular than a formal evening buffet. Guests consistently rate it as a highlight.
Common questions
How much is wedding catering per head in the UK?
£60-120 per person all-in (food + drink). London and the South East sit at the top of this range.
Free budget planning tools
Other United Kingdom wedding costs
Ivory Lane Editorial
The Ivory Lane editorial team covers wedding planning, budgeting, and vendor advice for Australian couples. Our guides are reviewed regularly to reflect current pricing and industry practice.