Average catering cost in United Kingdom
£8,000
Typical 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.
£60-120 per person all-in (food + drink). London and the South East sit at the top of this range.
Free tools
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Other categories
More United Kingdom wedding costs
Ivory Lane Editorial
The Ivory Lane editorial team covers wedding planning, budgeting, and vendor advice for couples worldwide. Our guides are reviewed regularly to reflect current pricing and industry practice.