Catering Quote Calculator
Estimate catering costs per head for weddings, corporate events, and parties. Get a full quote breakdown by guest count, menu type, and service style.
Last updated: March 2026
Total Quote
£$3,040
Cost per Head
£$38.00
Staff Needed
4
Prep Hours
36 hrs
How You Compare
Your catering cost per head is better than 52% of UK event catering.
Industry typical: £25-£80 per head
Source: NCASS 2025
💡 What This Means
- 📊 £38 per head is within the typical UK range of £25-£80. The number of courses is the biggest cost driver.
- 📊 Total quote of £3040 requiring 4 staff and 36 prep hours. Tipping 10% for the catering team is customary.
- 💡 Ask about dietary requirement costs upfront. Some caterers include special meals in the per-head price, others charge a premium.
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What is Catering Cost?
Catering cost is the total expense for food and drink service at an event, including per-head costs, dietary accommodations, service charges, and equipment hire. It is typically the single largest event expense, accounting for 40-60% of total budget. Compare venue options with the Venue Hire Calculator and plan your full event with the Wedding Budget Calculator.
The Formula
Total Catering Cost = (Per Head Cost × Number of Guests) + Dietary Special Surcharges + Service Charge
Worked Example
80 guests at £55/head standard menu, 10 guests with dietary requirements at £10 extra each, 12.5% service charge.
- Standard catering = 80 × £55 = £4,400
- Dietary surcharges = 10 × £10 = £100
- Subtotal = £4,400 + £100 = £4,500
- Service charge = £4,500 × 12.5% = £562.50
- Total = £4,500 + £562.50 = £5,062.50
📌 Total catering cost: £5,062 for 80 guests — £63.28 per head including service charge and dietary accommodations.
Why This Matters
Budget allocation
Catering is where most event budgets are won or lost. A £10/head saving across 100 guests frees up £1,000 for other elements. Consider canape receptions or bowl food instead of sit-down for 20-30% savings.
Guest experience
Poor catering is the number one complaint at events. It's better to spend more per head on fewer guests than serve mediocre food to more people. Quality over quantity protects your event's reputation.
Common Mistakes
❌ Forgetting drinks costs
Food quotes often exclude drinks. A drinks package adds £15-35/head, and a free bar can easily reach £50/head. Always confirm whether the per-head price includes beverages.
❌ Not requesting a tasting
For events over 50 guests, most reputable caterers offer tastings. Committing £5,000+ to a caterer without tasting the food is a significant risk. Always taste before signing.
Industry Benchmarks
| Category | Good | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per head (buffet) | £20-30 | £30-50 | Above £55 |
| Per head (sit-down) | £40-55 | £55-80 | Above £90 |
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