Buffet budgets unveiled: A guide to wedding buffet costs
Whether you’re seeking a relaxed self-serve buffet or a glorious banquet, discover the average cost of wedding buffets.
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From glorious banquets to casual picky bits, buffets are a popular and crowd-pleasing option for weddings of all sizes. Flexible and versatile, buffets cater to every taste and preference while offering opportunities for guests to get together and mingle. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or an elaborate celebration, wedding buffets can be as relaxed or as luxurious as you like, making them ideal for any budget.
With a decade of experience matching couples with their perfect wedding caterers, we took a deep dive into the numbers behind the bookings. After analysing quotes from 50 different wedding buffet caterers over the last year, we reveal the average cost of wedding buffets.
What factors affect wedding buffet costs?
Before exploring the average costs, it’s important to understand some of the key factors that impact the overall price of wedding buffets.
Buffet complexity
The variety and complexity of your menu can significantly affect the overall cost of your wedding buffet. Simple menus with classic favourites like sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps and dips, and mini quiches are both budget-friendly and popular. Elaborate buffet menus, such as international dishes or gourmet delicacies, like premium seafood and fine meats, will naturally come at a higher price.
Guest numbers
The number of guests you're inviting also has a direct impact on the overall price. Generally, buffet catering offers slightly better per-person pricing for larger guest lists. That said, the bigger the gathering, the more food and staff you’ll need, which leads to a higher overall cost. Smaller, more intimate celebrations can sometimes have higher per-head costs, but keep total costs lower.
Staffing and service style
How your buffet is served also impacts overall costs. A self-serve buffet usually costs less as fewer staff members are needed – perfect for budget-conscious couples. Served buffets with attentive servers or live cooking stations staffed by chefs are often more pricey, providing a more luxurious experience.
How much does a wedding buffet cost?
Based on our analysis, the average cost of a wedding buffet is £15-£20 per head.
| Price point | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £15-£20 | - Varied spread of hot and cold dishes with dessert options - Professional service and quality tableware - Customisable menus to suit dietary needs |
| Budget | £5-£10 | - Simple finger buffet with sandwiches and basic savouries - Modest desserts, plates, napkins, and delivery included - Minimal or no staffing; ideal for small gatherings |
| Premium | £30-£50 | - Bespoke gourmet buffet with fusion or multi-course options - Full-service catering with extra staff and live cooking - Elegant presentation for a standout, luxury experience |
Average
Wedding buffets within the average price range offer a broad variety of hot and cold dishes, savouries, and a tempting range of desserts. Couples can enjoy either self-service setups or staffed stations with quality tableware and customisable menus to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.
Budget
Perfect for smaller, relaxed weddings, budget-friendly buffets are typically self-serve style and feature classic finger foods such as sandwiches, sausage rolls, mini quiches, and a selection of modest desserts. Buffets within this price range often include disposable plates, cutlery, napkins, and simple yet pretty presentations.
Premium
For couples seeking a truly exceptional experience, premium buffet options offer bespoke gourmet menus with multi-course meals, live cooking demonstrations, fusion dishes, and more. Buffets within this price range typically include exquisite tableware, customised décor, beautifully presented serving stations, and a dedicated team of talented chefs and attentive servers.
Beautifully bespoke buffets for your celebration
Whether you’re seeking a grand banquet boasting a variety of versatile dishes or a simple self-serve buffet with your favourite nibbles, wedding buffets can perfectly suit any budget. Simply complete our quick form to connect with local caterers who specialise in crafting delicious wedding buffets tailored to your tastes.
