Wedding Caterers in the UK
Food is one of the most memorable elements of any wedding celebration. Whether you dream of an elegant sit-down dinner, relaxed sharing platters, or fun street food stalls, your catering choices will shape your guests' experience and leave a lasting impression. The UK wedding catering scene is wonderfully diverse, with caterers offering everything from classic British cuisine to global flavours, fine dining to casual feasting.
Choosing the right caterer involves more than just tasting delicious food. You need a team who understands the logistics of feeding large groups, can work seamlessly with your venue, and will deliver impeccable service throughout the day. From canapés during the drinks reception to late-night snacks on the dance floor, your caterer plays a crucial role in keeping guests happy and the celebration flowing smoothly.
Find Wedding Caterers by Location
Browse wedding caterers in popular UK locations:
How to Choose a Wedding Caterer
Start by considering the style of dining that suits your wedding vision and venue. Formal sit-down meals work well for traditional celebrations and venues with dedicated dining spaces. Family-style sharing platters create a relaxed, sociable atmosphere. Buffets offer variety and flexibility. Street food and food trucks are perfect for outdoor weddings and casual vibes.
Check whether your venue has an exclusive caterer or approved supplier list, as this will narrow your options. If you have a dry hire venue with open catering, you have more freedom to choose.
Arrange tastings with your shortlisted caterers. This is your chance to sample their cooking, assess presentation, and discuss menu customisation. Ask about dietary accommodations, as caterers should be experienced in catering for vegetarians, vegans, allergies, and religious requirements.
Discuss logistics in detail. How will the caterer work with your venue? What equipment do they need? How many staff will be on site? A professional caterer will handle these details seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy your day without worrying about behind-the-scenes operations.
Finally, consider the full scope of what the caterer provides. Some offer bar services, cake cutting, and children's meals as part of their package. Others focus solely on food. Clarify exactly what is included in their quote.
Popular Types of Wedding Caterers
Fine Dining & Plated Service
Elegant multi-course meals served to guests at their tables with formal service.
Family Style & Sharing Platters
Generous dishes placed on tables for guests to share, creating a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
Buffet & Stations
Self-service options offering variety and flexibility for guests to choose their preferences.
BBQ & Hog Roast
Outdoor cooking perfect for summer weddings and relaxed celebrations.
Street Food & Food Trucks
Casual, fun food options from pizza and tacos to fish and chips and gourmet burgers.
Afternoon Tea
Quintessentially British option with sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.
Costs & Budgeting (UK)
Wedding catering costs typically represent 30 to 40 percent of the total wedding budget. In the UK, expect to pay between £50 and £150 per person for a full wedding breakfast, depending on the caterer, menu complexity, and level of service.
Factors influencing price include the number of courses, quality of ingredients, staff-to-guest ratio, and whether drinks packages are included. Canapés, evening food, and bar services add additional costs.
To manage your budget, consider the number of courses carefully—three courses plus canapés is standard, but two courses or a single sharing feast can work beautifully. Seasonal menus using local ingredients often offer better value. Discuss portion sizes and menu options honestly with your caterer to find solutions that work within your budget.
FAQs
What is the difference between plated service and buffet?
Plated service means each guest receives individually prepared plates brought to their table. Buffets allow guests to serve themselves from a central display. Plated service is more formal but requires more staff; buffets offer variety and flexibility.
How do caterers handle dietary requirements?
Professional caterers are experienced in accommodating allergies, intolerances, and dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and religious requirements. Discuss specific needs during menu planning and collect guest information in advance.
Should I provide food for my wedding suppliers?
It is standard practice to provide meals for suppliers working throughout your wedding, including photographers, videographers, and musicians. Many caterers offer reduced-cost supplier meals. Discuss numbers and requirements when planning your catering.