Cost guide
How much does party catering cost?
A delivered cold buffet for a party costs £10 to £20 per head. A hot fork buffet with staff to serve is £18 to £30, and a sit-down meal starts at around £35. The figure per head drops as guest numbers rise, and many caterers will not take a small weekend order under £250 to £500.
Typical prices
Ranges, not quotes. A quote depends on your room.
| Work | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Cold finger buffet, delivered, per head | £8 to £15 |
| Hot fork buffet, delivered, per head | £12 to £22 |
| Hot buffet with serving staff, per head | £18 to £30 |
| Christening afternoon buffet, 40 guests | £400 to £800 |
| Staff, chafing dishes or clearing away, per head | £2 to £6 extra |
A quote that looks cheap per head often leaves out staff, clearing away or delivery. Ask for one price for the whole party, covering everything that arrives and leaves, then divide it by your guests yourself.
What moves the price
- Guest numbers. Delivery, set-up and disposables cost much the same for 30 guests as for 100, so small parties pay more per head.
- Drop-off or staffed. Staff to serve, replenish and clear away add £2 to £6 a head, or a flat fee.
- Hot or cold. Hot food needs chafing dishes, fuel and someone to watch it, and costs more than a cold finger buffet.
- Disposables or crockery. Paper plates are usually included; china, cutlery and glass hire are extra.
- The date. A Saturday in June is the busiest day of the year for most caterers; a weekday or a winter date gives you more choice.
Who quotes for it
1518 of the 2,162 caterers listed on this site take on party catering.
Where they are: Birmingham (12), Coventry (12), Glasgow (12), London (12), Milton Keynes (12).
Questions about party catering
Do party caterers bring plates and cutlery?
Most include disposable plates, napkins and cutlery with a delivered buffet. China, glassware and linen are usually hired separately, either through the caterer or from a hire company.
Do I need to tell the caterer about allergies?
Yes, when you order. Food served at a buffet is not covered by Natasha's Law labelling, but the business must be able to tell you which of the 14 allergens each dish contains, and a good caterer labels the table.