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Cost guide

How much do grazing tables cost?

A grazing table costs £12 to £25 per head, built on site. Served as a light bite alongside other food it sits at £10 to £15; built as the main meal, with more substantial items, it moves to £18 to £30. Most grazers set a minimum of 20 to 30 guests.

Painted grazing table laid along a timber board with cheeses, grapes, bread and candles

Typical prices

Ranges, not quotes. A quote depends on your room.

WorkTypical UK price
Grazing table as a light bite, per head£10 to £15
Grazing table as the main meal, per head£18 to £30
Wedding evening grazing table, 80 guests£1,000 to £2,000
Delivered grazing platter for 10, no set-up£60 to £150
Minimum spend for a built table£300 to £500

Ask whether the figure per head assumes the table is the whole meal or a supplement to other food. Two quotes that look far apart are often the same table sized for two different jobs.

What moves the price

  • Snack or meal. The same table priced as a light bite and as the main meal can differ by £8 to £15 a head, because the quantities are different.
  • What goes on it. British farmhouse cheeses, good charcuterie and seasonal fruit cost more than a standard selection, and it shows in the price.
  • Guest numbers. Set-up time and travel are fixed, so a table for 25 costs more per head than one for 100.
  • Styling. Flowers, foliage, risers, boards and signage are sometimes included and sometimes priced separately.
  • How long it stays out. A table that stands for four hours may need replenishing, and some grazers stay on to do it.

Who quotes for it

22 of the 2,162 caterers listed on this site take on grazing tables.

Where they are: Bicester (2), Ayr (1), Chatham (1), Coventry (1), Ely (1).

Questions about grazing tables

Can a grazing table cater for vegans and allergies?

Yes, if you say so at booking. An open table is not covered by Natasha's Law labelling, but the grazer must be able to tell you which of the 14 allergens each item contains. For a serious allergy, ask for a separate plated portion rather than relying on a shared spread.

How far ahead should I book a grazing table?

For a summer Saturday wedding, several months ahead, because many grazers are small businesses that take one event a day. A midweek party can often be booked a few weeks ahead.

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