London Wedding Catering Cost Guide 2026

What couples should realistically expect to spend on wedding catering in London

One of the first questions couples ask when planning a wedding is:

“How much does wedding catering cost in London?”

London is one of the most diverse (and logistically complex) places to host a wedding, so costs can vary widely. This guide breaks down what influences pricing and what you can expect when booking a top London wedding caterer.

Average London Wedding Catering Costs

For quality, full-service wedding catering in London, couples typically invest.

Approx Cost Per Guest:

Canapés + 3-course plated meal

£95 – £150+

Sharing feasts / family-style

£85 – £130

Bowl food / modern informal

£75 – £110

Evening food stations

£12 – £25

These prices usually include food, chefs, service staff and basic equipment, but London weddings often require additional production elements (see below).

Why London Wedding Catering Costs Vary

When searching for London wedding catering prices, couples are often surprised by the range. Here’s why.

1. Venue Type (This Is the Biggest Factor)

Many London weddings are held in dry hire venues — galleries, historic houses, museums, blank canvas spaces.

That means your caterer must bring:

• Kitchens and prep equipment
• Ovens, refrigeration, cooking stations
• Tables, linen, service ware
• Waste removal systems

This infrastructure can add £2,000–£10,000+ depending on guest numbers and venue facilities.

2. Guest Numbers

Larger guest counts reduce food cost per head slightly, but staffing and equipment increase.

More guests = more:

• Chefs
• Waiting staff
• Bar staff
• Crockery, glassware, cutlery

For weddings of 150+ guests, staffing is a major part of the overall catering cost.

3. Menu Complexity

A luxury plated menu with multiple elements per dish costs more than a rustic sharing feast.

Higher-cost menus include:

• Premium meats (fillet beef, lamb saddle, wild fish)
• Intricate plating
• Bespoke courses or cultural fusion menus
• Late-night food

Simple, seasonal dishes can feel just as special while being more cost-efficient.

4. Staffing & Service Style

Formal plated dining requires more front-of-house staff than bowl food or sharing.

A top London wedding caterer invests heavily in:

• Professional, experienced teams
• Uniformed service staff
• Bar teams and drinks service
• Event managers overseeing the day

Exceptional service is one of the biggest drivers of guest experience.

5. Sustainability & Ingredient Quality

Ethically sourced, seasonal British produce costs more than mass-catered alternatives — but it’s a defining feature of modern luxury weddings.

Couples now prioritise:

• Local suppliers
• Responsible meat and fish
• Low-waste menus

This is part of the shift toward sustainable wedding catering in London.

What’s Often Not Included in the Per-Head Price

Couples should also budget for:

Crockery, glassware & cutlery hire

£6 – £15 per guest

Linen & napkins

£4 – £12 per guest

Kitchen build & equipment

£2,000 – £10,000+

Staffing beyond service (porters, build crew)

£500 – £2,000

Event management

Sometimes separate

Your caterer should provide a transparent breakdown.

How to Get the Most Value From Your Catering Budget

✔ Choose seasonal menus
✔ Balance luxury courses with simpler ones
✔ Consider sharing starters or desserts
✔ Reduce menu choices to minimise waste
✔ Work with your caterer early, planning saves money

The best wedding caterers in London design menus that feel generous and beautiful without unnecessary excess.

Final Thought

Wedding catering is not just food — it’s the team, logistics, equipment, design and experience that bring your day to life.

When comparing London wedding caterers, look beyond price per head and consider:

Experience, service style, venue expertise, and menu creativity.



That’s what turns a meal into a memory.