How much does wedding catering cost? A 2025 guide to wedding food & drink
From beautifully presented canapés to indulgent desserts, discover how much wedding catering costs in 2025.
Sabrina is a content specialist with eight years of experience in creating captivating content strategies and digital PR campaigns. She has an adoration for the creative, a knack for data diving, and a passion for crafting compelling copy. When she’s not working, she’s either travelling, gaming, or walking her crazy cocker spaniel, Luna.
Wedding catering is one of the biggest expenses you'll face when planning your special day – and for good reason! Food isn't just fuel; it's a monumental part of what makes your celebration memorable. Whether it's beautifully presented canapés, delicious street food, or indulgent desserts, your catering adds fun, flavour, and personality to your big day.
With over 10 years of experience connecting couples with their perfect wedding caterers, we took a closer look at the numbers behind the bookings. After analysing over 3,200 enquiries from couples and quotes from more than 640 different wedding caterers over the last year, we reveal the average cost of wedding catering across key areas – from canapés and main courses to wedding cakes.
Contents
- What factors affect wedding catering prices?
- What is the average cost of wedding canapés?
- How much does a wedding breakfast cost?
- How much does a wedding buffet cost?
- What is the average cost of BBQ catering for a wedding?
- What is the average wedding dessert cost?
- How much does a wedding cake cost?
- How much does evening food cost for a wedding?
- How much is a hog roast for a wedding?
- How much does it cost to hire a food truck for a wedding?
- How much does it cost to hire a mobile wedding bar?
- Menus made for you
What factors affect wedding catering prices?
Given that the price of wedding catering can vary widely, it’s important to consider the factors affecting pricing before diving into average costs. Olivia Brown, Client Manager at Cater Express, highlights the following factors to help couples save on wedding catering:
Number of guests
“The number of guests is a primary consideration, as more guests require greater quantities of food and additional staff.”
Most caterers charge per guest, so every extra person adds to your total bill. With more guests, you might also need extra equipment, tableware, staff, and drinks, which can quickly increase the overall cost.
Staff
“The number of staff needed for the event, including servers, chefs, and bartenders, contributes to the overall catering cost.”
A bigger event means more staff are required, which naturally increases the price. Special services which require skilled chefs or mixologists (think interactive food stations and cocktail bars) can also have an impact.
Menu options
“The style of the menu also plays a significant role, with plated meals typically costing more than buffet-style or food stations. Menu customisation, including special dietary needs or specific cuisine, may also increase costs due to the need for special ingredients or preparation.”
Tailoring menus for dietary preferences, special cuisines, or more course options often means extra preparation and expensive ingredients, adding to the overall price.
Service style
“Service styles further impact costs, with plated services requiring more staff and therefore higher prices.”
Plated meals usually involve individually served courses, meaning you'll need extra staff to deliver dishes promptly, clear tables efficiently, and provide attentive service to guests throughout the meal. Buffet-style and food stations generally require fewer staff, as guests serve themselves, making these options more budget-friendly.
Wedding date
“Peak wedding seasons generally lead to higher catering rates due to increased demand, while off-peak seasons may offer more affordable options.”
As such, booking your wedding during quieter, off-peak periods or weekdays can help you secure better rates and save money.
Logistics
“Additionally, hidden costs like staffing, travel fees, and setup can add up, leading to unexpected expenses.”
If your caterer has to travel far or your venue requires special setups, extra costs like fuel charges or equipment hire might apply.
Extras & upgrades
“Additional items, such as appetisers, desserts, or beverage packages, will further raise the price.”
Extra charges can apply for premium ingredients, additional sides, live cooking stations, or enhanced equipment like mobile bars. While these extras add excitement to your event, they also increase your overall catering bill.
Cost to hire
Many food vans, ice cream trucks, mobile bars, and hog roast caterers offer a one-off cost, while some charge per person. Some offer a small one-off hiring cost on the basis that your guests will then pay for their food. This usually comes with a minimum spend. Higher deposits are often fully refundable once your guests spend beyond a certain amount, which is usually agreed upon in advance.
Location
“The location of the event can add to the price, especially if the catering company needs to travel long distances or cater to a remote venue.”
Venues in rural or remote areas or cities with higher living costs across the UK tend to result in higher catering prices due to added logistical challenges or local pricing differences.
What is the average cost of wedding canapés?
Our research reveals that the average cost of wedding canapés is £10–£15 per head. This figure is based on the cost of four canapés per person. It’s important to note that prices can change depending on the number of canapés per person. Usually, couples choose between 3 and 6 canapés per person to ensure everyone is catered for.
On average, couples can expect a well-rounded selection of hot and cold canapés, often crafted to match the wedding theme or style. Service usually includes professional staff, elegant presentation on serving boards, and options to customise menus for dietary requirements.
| Tier | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £10–£15 | Mix of hot and cold canapés to suit your theme Professional staff and elegant presentation Menu customisation for dietary needs |
| Budget | £5–£10 | Simple, classic canapés for light bites Basic serving equipment and minimal staff Ideal for budget-conscious celebrations |
| Premium | £45–£50 | Gourmet ingredients and bespoke menus Full service with high-end presentation Personalised consultations and drink pairings |
Budget canapé options offer simple yet tasty classics, perfect for light bites during a drinks reception. These packages tend to include basic serving equipment and minimal staffing, making them well-suited for budget-conscious celebrations.
At the premium end, canapés feature gourmet ingredients, bespoke menus, and may include paired drinks or additional courses. High-end packages often come with full service, exceptional presentation, and personalised consultations—ideal for couples wanting a polished, upscale experience.
How much does a wedding breakfast cost?
The average cost for a wedding breakfast is £30–£35 per head. In this price range, couples can enjoy a versatile array of options, from traditional roasts to international banquets. Typically, you'll have a variety of side dishes to choose from, as well as serving styles such as buffets, sharing platters, or formal sit-down meals. Many caterers in this range include professional service staff, quality disposables or crockery hire, and the flexibility to add canapés, desserts, or personalised menu options.
| Tier | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £30–£35 | Wide choice of dishes, from roasts to global cuisines Flexible serving styles: buffet, sharing platters, or sit-down Includes staff, crockery/disposables, and menu customisation |
| Budget | £10–£15 | Simple buffets and sharing platters Standard sides, eco-friendly serveware, and minimal staff Ideal for smaller celebrations |
| Premium | £55–£60 | Gourmet multi-course meals with global flavours Full table service, elegant tableware, and themed setups Bespoke menus with luxury touches like floral décor or live cooking |
From simple buffet-style menus to modest sharing platters, there are plenty of incredible options for budget-conscious couples. These packages typically include standard side dishes, eco-friendly serving ware, and minimal staffing – great for smaller celebrations.
At the premium end, couples can enjoy a highly tailored experience with menus offering multiple courses, gourmet meals, fine global cuisine, and creative plating. These packages usually include full table service, more extensive staffing, elegant tableware or themed setups, and premium touches like floral décor or interactive cooking elements. High-end caterers also prioritise flexibility, offering bespoke menus to make your wedding day truly memorable and unique.
How much does a wedding buffet cost?
The average wedding buffet catering cost is £15–£20 per head. Buffets at this price range typically offer a varied spread of hot and cold dishes, a broad range of savouries, and diverse dessert choices. Couples can expect professional service, quality tableware, and customisable menus to accommodate dietary needs.
| Tier | 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 | £45–£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 |
At the lower end, couples can expect a simple finger buffet with sandwiches, basic savoury items, and modest dessert options. These packages usually include essentials like plates, napkins, and delivery, with minimal or no staffing – ideal for smaller gatherings.
At the higher end, buffet menus are often bespoke, featuring gourmet dishes, fusion cuisine, or multi-course spreads. Premium buffets typically include full-service catering, additional staff, live cooking stations, and elegant presentation, creating a standout experience for more luxurious celebrations.
What is the average cost of BBQ catering for a wedding?
The average cost of BBQ catering at a wedding is £20–£25 per head. In this price range, couples can expect a varied menu featuring a mix of meats, such as burgers, kebabs, and speciality skewers, alongside a generous selection of sides and salads. Many caterers also offer themed BBQ styles, like American, Mediterranean, or fusion options.
| Tier | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £20–£25 | Mixed grill options like burgers, kebabs, and skewers Generous sides and themed BBQ styles Includes staff and setup with menu flexibility |
| Budget | £5–£10 | Staple BBQ items: burgers and sausages Limited sides, basic disposables, and minimal staffing Great for larger guest lists on a budget |
| Premium | £45–£50 | Gourmet meats and sides with bespoke menu design Live cooking, outdoor kitchens, and dessert add-ons Full service with standout presentation |
Lower-priced BBQ options often include staple items like burgers and sausages, with a small selection of essential sides. These packages usually come with basic disposables and limited staffing, and are often designed for larger guest lists.
At the higher end, premium BBQ packages offer a bespoke experience, with gourmet meats, such as slow-cooked brisket or wood-fired specialities, and a wide range of sides and desserts. Many also feature live cooking stations, custom outdoor kitchen setups, and additional elements like wood-fired pizza or dessert trailers. Service is fully inclusive, with professional staff, tailored menus, and striking presentation.
What is the average wedding dessert cost?
The average cost of wedding dessert catering is £5–£10 per head. From sweet grazing boards and candy carts to cupcake towers and ice cream trucks, there are plenty of delicious options to suit any budget.
At the average price point, couples can enjoy an array of choices, including doughnut walls and interactive stations like crepe vans or waffle carts. These packages often include setup, staff, and decorative elements such as themed displays, floral accents, or custom signage.
| Tier | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £5–£10 | Fun setups like doughnut walls, crepe vans, or waffle carts Includes setup, staff, and decorative elements Themed displays with floral accents or signage |
| Budget | £1–£5 | Individual treats like crepes, cookies, or cupcakes Simple, cost-effective options for late-night snacking Great for keeping things sweet on a small budget |
| Premium | £10–£15 | Elaborate dessert tables and multiple live stations Stunning floral displays and detailed presentation Fully staffed service with interactive experiences |
Budget dessert options start from as little as £1 per item for individual treats like crepes, cookies, and cupcakes. Simple and cost-effective, these options are perfect for those seeking scrumptious late-night snacks. At the higher end, couples can enjoy elaborate dessert tables, multiple dessert stations with live or interactive elements, decorated with stunning floral displays and delicate details.
How much does a wedding cake cost?
The average wedding cake cost is £359. While the overall price usually depends on the number of guests and tiers, couples can expect a fully custom cake tailored to their theme at this price point. Usually, you’ll also get to choose from a wide variety of flavours and decorative styles, such as sugar flowers, edible art, or hand-crafted detailing.
| Tier | Total cost | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £359 | Fully custom design tailored to your wedding theme Wide variety of flavours and decorative styles Options like sugar flowers, edible art, or hand-crafted details |
| Budget | £75 | Simple two-tier cake with classic flavours Clean, minimal designs ideal for small weddings Cost-effective but still elegant |
| Premium | £730 | Multi-tiered, bespoke creations in unique styles Includes options like cupcake towers, brownie stacks, or bento cakes Highly detailed with luxury finishes and personalised flair |
At the lower end, couples can enjoy simple two-tier cakes with classic flavours and clean designs, perfect for intimate celebrations. Premium wedding cakes often feature multiple tiers and bespoke designs. These intricate creations can come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional wedding cakes to contemporary cupcake towers, brownie stacks, and trendy bento cake displays.
How much does evening food cost for a wedding?
The average cost of evening food at a wedding is £5–£10 per head. That said, the price of evening food can vary dramatically depending on the type of food. For example, hiring a candy cart or a chocolate fountain is usually much cheaper than having a BBQ in the evening.
Whether you’re seeking sweet treats or savoury snacks, there are plenty of delicious options at different price points to choose from. Think wood‑fired pizzas, BBQs, hog roasts, grazing boards, street food, paella, and gourmet burgers, all the way to candy carts, chocolate fountains, gelato, and ice cream trucks.
| Tier | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £5–£10 | Options like wood-fired pizza buffets, sweet carts, or street food vans Menus with 4–5 flavours, mixed sides, or assorted desserts Light customisation such as themed signage or décor |
| Budget | £1–£5 | Single-item menus like hot dogs, fish and chips, or sweet carts Served in disposable containers with minimal staff or décor Great for casual or smaller evening celebrations |
| Premium | £20–£25 | Gourmet street food, multi-course menus, or showstopping desserts Live cooking stations and fully styled setups Staffed by a full team to create a seamless, premium experience |
At the average price point, couples can expect a well-rounded selection, such as a wood-fired pizza buffet, a sweet cart with customisable treats, or a street food van offering multiple options. Menus usually include a variety of items (e.g. 4–5 pizza flavours, a mix of sides, or assorted desserts), with the ability to tweak flavours or add light custom touches like themed signage or décor.
Budget evening food offers a simpler experience – perfect for smaller gatherings looking to provide a fun food moment without the extras. These packages typically focus on one item, such as a sweet cart, hot dogs, or fish and chips, served in disposable containers with minimal décor and staffing.
High-end evening food packages often include multi-course menus, gourmet street food, or elaborate dessert stations. Couples can enjoy highly stylised setups, live cooking elements, personalised décor, and more. Service is usually managed by a larger team of chefs and servers to ensure a seamless experience for everyone.
How much is a hog roast for a wedding?
The average cost of a hog roast at a wedding is £15–£20 per head. For this price range, couples can expect a standard hog roast made with quality, locally sourced meat. This offering typically includes various side options, such as salads and potatoes, available either as part of the package or for an additional cost. Most hog roast caterers also provide professional service, with a chef/carver and server, along with quality disposables and flexible upgrade options.
| Tier | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £15–£20 | Quality, locally sourced hog roast with classic accompaniments Includes salads, potatoes, and flexible upgrade options Professional service with chef/carver, server, and disposables |
| Budget | £5–£10 | Basic hog roast with bread rolls, stuffing, crackling, and apple sauce Minimal sides and eco-friendly disposables Limited staffing, often one chef, with minimum guest numbers required |
| Premium | £60–£65 | Upgraded meats, multi-course menus, and gourmet sides Full service with canapés, desserts, themed setups, and extra staff Bespoke presentation and additional courses |
For weddings in the lower price range, couples can expect a basic hog roast accompanied by essentials such as crackling, stuffing, apple sauce, and bread rolls. This offering typically includes minimal sides (if any) and comes with basic eco-friendly disposables. Staffing is often limited to a single chef or server, with set minimum guest requirements.
On the other end of the scale, premium hog roasts often include multi-course menus featuring an upgraded hog roast or alternative meats, along with gourmet sides, additional courses, and bespoke service elements. Couples can enjoy a comprehensive service with canapés, sharing boards, and desserts, alongside extra staff, equipment hire, themed setups, and added extras that deliver a true “wow” factor.
How much does it cost to hire a food truck for a wedding?
The average cost of hiring a food truck for a wedding is £10–£15 per head. Food vans in this price range typically provide full service, including on-site preparation, stylish presentation, and dietary customisations such as vegan, gluten-free, or halal choices. Couples can expect a diverse menu with options like wood-fired pizzas, gourmet wraps, or speciality burgers.
| Tier | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £10–£15 | Varied menus like wood-fired pizzas, tacos, fish and chips, gourmet burgers Full service with on-site prep and stylish presentation Plenty of staff and bespoke décor options |
| Budget | £1–£5 | One or two simple items like hot dogs, burgers, or doughnuts Ideal for smaller gatherings or as a fun snack option Basic setup with limited staffing and décor |
| Premium | £15–£20 | Bespoke menus with multi-course options or dessert stations Includes live cooking, custom setups, and themed décor All-inclusive service covering staff, transport, and branding |
Lower-priced food van options tend to focus on one or two simple items, such as artisan doughnuts, hot dogs, or burgers. These packages are usually tailored for smaller gatherings, offering a tasty treat for peckish guests. Note that many food vans in this price range offer a one-off hiring cost on the basis that your guests will then pay for their food. This usually comes with a minimum spend.
At the higher end, couples can enjoy a bespoke, customised experience. Premium food vans often include multi-course menus, dessert stations, or live cooking demonstrations. Service is typically all-inclusive, covering staffing, transport, set-up, and even bespoke décor or branding, making them ideal for couples seeking a truly unique celebration.
How much does it cost to hire a mobile wedding bar?
The average cost to hire a mobile wedding bar is £201. Most mobile bars require a small deposit on the basis that your guests will then pay for their drinks. This usually comes with a minimum spend. Higher deposits are often fully refundable once the bar spend exceeds a certain amount. Some mobile bars, however, request an overall price based on the number of guests and drinks.
Standard packages typically include a mobile bar setup, such as a horsebox or pop-up bar, along with professional bartenders, a fully stocked drinks menu (beers, wines, cocktails, soft drinks), and options for signature cocktails.
| Tier | Total cost | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £201 | Mobile bar setup with professional bartenders Fully stocked menu with beers, wines, cocktails, and soft drinks Signature cocktail options and refundable deposit/minimum spend terms |
| Budget | £50 | Simple bar setup with licensed staff Guest-paid drinks with minimal extras Ideal for couples wanting basic, no-fuss bar service |
| Premium | £500 | Bespoke bar designs with luxury finishes (e.g. vintage horseboxes) Custom cocktail menus, welcome drinks, and themed décor Full-service, immersive drinks experience with added flair |
Budget drink packages usually include a simple setup and licensed staff, often relying on guests to pay per drink. These are perfect options for couples seeking simple bar service without extensive extras.
At the premium end, couples can enjoy bespoke setups, luxury finishes, and a fully immersive drinks experience. Think high-end vintage horsebox bars, custom cocktail menus, refreshing welcome drinks, themed bar décor, and more.
Menus made for you
From relaxed street food and sharing platters to elegant multi-course meals and intricate wedding cakes, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you're planning a low-key celebration or a luxurious affair, you’re sure to find food that fits your day perfectly, without compromising on quality. To help you discover wedding food within your budget, simply fill in the form and receive tailored quotes from talented caterers near you.
Methodology
Using our internal data, we analysed 3,239 enquiries from couples and quotes from 646 different wedding caterers over the last year (between 12th March 2024 and 12th March 2025). To find accurate pricing, we analysed different wedding categories, including:
- Canapés
- Wedding breakfast (main course)
- Evening food
- Dessert
- Drinks (mobile bars)
- Buffet
- BBQ
- Food vans
- Hog roast
- Wedding cake
We first identified the smallest, average, and largest price per head from our data. We then rounded these numbers into fixed £5 intervals. For example, a minimum price of £7 would be reported in the £5–£10 bucket. For total costs, we identified the smallest, average, and largest total costs.
