Skip to main content
mehndi.uk
Search

How Much Does a Wedding Caterer Cost?

Last updated: March 2026

Quick Answer

Asian wedding catering in the UK costs between £30 and £100+ per head. For a typical 300-guest wedding, total catering costs range from £9,000 to £30,000. Budget buffets start at £30-£45 per head, mid-range sit-down meals cost £45-£70 per head, and premium multi-course banquets run £70-£100+ per head.

Price Breakdown

Service TypePrice Range
Budget buffet£30 - £45 per head
Mid-range buffet or family-style£45 - £70 per head
Premium sit-down meal£70 - £100+ per head
Canape and drinks reception£15 - £35 per head
Mehndi night catering£20 - £40 per head

What Affects the Price?

  • •Number of guests - per-head rates often decrease with larger guest lists (300+)
  • •Service style - silver service sit-down meals cost more than buffet or family-style
  • •Menu complexity - more dishes and live cooking stations increase the price
  • •Dietary requirements - separate halal, vegetarian, and vegan menus may add cost
  • •Staffing - waiters, chefs, and kitchen porters are sometimes charged separately
  • •Equipment hire - chafing dishes, crockery, and glassware may not be included

Regional Price Comparison

CityTypical Price Range
London£50 - £100+ per head
Birmingham£35 - £75 per head
Leicester£30 - £65 per head
Manchester£35 - £75 per head

Tips to Save Money

1

Choose a buffet over sit-down service - buffets are typically 20-30% cheaper per head

2

Reduce the number of courses or dishes while keeping crowd favourites

3

Provide your own drinks and alcohol (if the venue allows) instead of using the caterer's bar service

4

Consider combining your mehndi and wedding catering with the same provider for a multi-event discount

Find Wedding Caterers Near You

Browse our directory of verified wedding caterers across the UK. Compare portfolios, read reviews, and send enquiries directly.

Browse Wedding Caterers

Frequently asked questions

How much does Asian wedding catering cost per head?
Asian wedding catering in the UK costs £30 to £100+ per head. A budget buffet with 4-5 dishes runs £30-£45 per head, a mid-range spread with live stations costs £45-£70 per head, and premium multi-course sit-down meals are £70-£100+ per head. For 300 guests, total catering typically costs £9,000 to £30,000.
Is buffet or sit-down service cheaper for an Asian wedding?
Buffet service is typically 20-30% cheaper than sit-down meals. A buffet for 300 guests might cost £35-£50 per head (£10,500-£15,000 total), while silver-service sit-down meals for the same number would be £70-£100+ per head (£21,000-£30,000+). Buffets also reduce staffing costs.
What is included in a typical Asian wedding catering package?
A typical package includes: starters (samosas, pakoras, kebabs), main courses (curry dishes, rice, naan), desserts (gulab jamun, kheer), serving equipment, waitstaff, and kitchen cleanup. Premium packages add live cooking stations, canape reception, fruit displays, and chocolate fountains.
Do Asian wedding caterers cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, most Asian wedding caterers offer halal, vegetarian, vegan, and Jain menu options. Many specialise in specific cuisines (Gujarati vegetarian, Mughlai, South Indian). Always discuss dietary needs upfront, as separate preparation areas for halal or vegetarian food may add a small surcharge.
Should I do a tasting before booking my caterer?
Absolutely. Most reputable caterers offer a tasting session for £50-£150 for the couple (sometimes free if you book). This is your chance to try the exact dishes that will be served. Some caterers waive the tasting fee when you confirm your booking. Never book a caterer without tasting their food first.

Other cost guides

How Much Does a Mehndi Artist Cost?How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost?How Much Does a Wedding Makeup Artist Cost?How Much Does a Wedding Decorator Cost?How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost?
View All Cost Guides