Wedding Planning 101: How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?

At Mid Sussex Catering, we offer a range of catering options that can be tailored to your tastes, guest count, and event style. Here's a guide to help you budget for wedding catering, with some pricing examples to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

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What Influences Wedding Catering Costs?

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Several factors will impact the cost of catering for your wedding, including:

• Guest Count: More guests means more food, drinks, and staff, which directly increases the overall cost.
• Menu Choices: Whether you opt for canapés, shared platters, or a multi-course plated meal, the type of food and the number of dishes offered will affect the price.
• Service Style: Buffet-style service tends to be more affordable than a fully staffed plated meal, but shared platters can offer a blend of both in terms of cost and experience.
• Extras: Don’t forget to consider costs like drinks, bar service, and evening food.

By understanding these factors, you can make informed choices and adjust your budget accordingly.

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Wedding Catering Cost Breakdown

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To give you a starting point of what to budget for wedding catering, here are some estimates for our most popular options.

Canapés

Canapés are a delightful way to kick off your wedding reception, whether served as guests mingle or during a drinks reception. These bite-sized treats can be simple or gourmet, depending on your preferences.

• 2 or 3 canapé options: £6 per person
• 4 or 5 canapé options: £8 - £9 per person

Canapé examples:

• Classic tomato bruschetta
• Garlic mushrooms on toast
• Honey-glazed cocktail sausages
• Tempura prawns with sweet chilli dip

This is a great option for a more relaxed, pre-dinner snack or a light bite during a drinks reception.

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Shared Platters

For a more casual, social experience, shared platters are an excellent option. Guests can help themselves to a variety of dishes without leaving the comfort of their table, creating a relaxed yet elegant dining atmosphere.

• Shared platters: £15 - £35 per person, depending on the number of options and guests

We recommend serving the following at a minimum:

• A variety of meats or vegetarian options
• Freshly made salads
• A selection of fresh breads, rice, and couscous

Shared platters are ideal for those who want to offer a variety of flavours while encouraging interaction among guests.

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Plated Meals

If you’re looking to elevate your wedding with a more formal dining experience, a plated meal offers a sophisticated touch. This option includes two or three courses served directly to guests, allowing for a more structured meal.

• Two-course meal: £25 - £40 per person
• Three-course meal: £35 - £60 per person

This service style is ideal for those wanting to add a sense of luxury and formality to their wedding day.

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Off-Peak Wedding Package Special

If you're planning a wedding outside of the peak season, you may be able to take advantage of discounted rates. During the off peak season we're able to offer our Wedding Menu two for a special price. The menu is flexible and we're more than happy to guide you through suggested options.

• Approx. 50 guests: £1600
• Approx. 100 guests: £2500

This package is perfect for couples looking for value without compromising on quality.

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BBQs, Hog Roasts & Paella

For more casual and relaxed wedding catering, our BBQs, hog roasts, and paella options provide both flavour and theatre. These are excellent for outdoor weddings or summer celebrations, where guests can enjoy the spectacle of the food being cooked fresh on-site.

• Pricing: £10 - £20 per person, depending on the menu options

Options include:

• BBQs: With a range of grilled meats, vegetarian options, and sides
• Hog Roasts: Slowly roasted and served with fresh rolls, apple sauce, and all the trimmings
• Paella: Authentic large pan paella with meat, fish, or vegetarian options

These choices offer a more informal dining experience and are perfect for those looking to add a unique touch to their wedding day.

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Tips for Budgeting Wedding Catering

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Here are a few practical tips to help you budget for your wedding catering:

• Guest List Management: The number of guests you invite will have the largest impact on your catering costs. Keep your guest list in check to manage your budget effectively.
• Prioritise Menu Elements: Think about which aspects of the catering are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. If the food is a top priority, allocate more of your budget here, and consider scaling back in other areas if necessary.
• Consider the Season: Booking your wedding during off-peak months can help reduce catering costs, as some vendors offer discounted packages during quieter times.

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Wedding catering is an essential part of your big day and a key element in creating an unforgettable experience for your guests. With Mid Sussex Catering, you have a wide range of options to suit both your budget and your taste. Whether you choose elegant canapés, shared platters, or a show-stopping hog roast, we’re here to ensure your wedding day is as delicious as it is memorable. Contact us today to start planning the perfect menu for your Sussex wedding.

Looking for some wedding menu inspiration? Take a look at our downloadable PDF here.