Average Cost of Catering for 50 Guests and More in the UK

In the UK, the average catering cost per person ranges from £40 to £150, depending on the type of service and other factors. This typically includes the chef’s fee, travel, and staffing, but costs can rise with added services like cutlery and customisation requests.

The high-effort DIY approach: This option can be more affordable if you’re prepared to handle the logistics. Instead of hiring a ready-made team, you can hire chefs and waitstaff separately. Chefs typically charge £30-£50 per hour, while waitstaff range from £20-£30 per hour. After agreeing on the menu with the head chef, you must account for grocery costs and clearly communicate about the available ingredients to prevent any last-minute issues.

The low-effort approach: Platforms like Yhangry allow you to find a chef/ caterer by simply sharing your requirements and budget. Within minutes, you’ll receive transparent quotes that include menus, prices, groceries, and any staffing needs you’ve specified.

For a more casual event, you can expect the buffet catering cost per head to be around £50, offering a budget-friendly solution, while formal sit-down meals with multiple plated courses can cost around £70 per person. 

For example, just to give you an estimate, the average cost of catering for 50 guests may vary widely, from £1,000 for a basic buffet to as much as £4,000 for a formal multi-course meal.

Several factors play a role in determining the catering prices per head, and understanding these will help you fine-tune your event budget while ensuring the service is delivered according to your needs.

The type of cuisine you choose influences the overall cost of catering. British or Italian cuisine can easily use locally sourced ingredients and is generally more affordable, with 3-course sit-down meals ranging from £40 to £50 per head. 

In contrast, if you’re wondering how much is catering for more specialised options, international cuisines like Japanese typically cost more due to imported ingredients and specialised preparation techniques, which are highly in demand. 

As a result, prices for Japanese menus, for example, usually start at £70 per head and go up to £300 or more for premium options.

Depending on the final menu, the cost can vary significantly due to the number of courses and the cost of the ingredients. A simple 3-course menu will cost less than a 5-course tasting menu.

The final cost will vary significantly depending on the menu and the ingredients used. For example, a vegetarian menu is generally less expensive than one featuring items like beef fillet or Dover sole. 

Dishes with premium ingredients, such as lobster or caviar, will be even more costly, and the pricing will differ based on the quality of the ingredients.

The cost of a sit-down meal can vary depending on whether courses are served sharing-style with large plates in the middle or individually plated for each guest. Sharing-style tends to reduce costs as it requires less plating and fewer individual dishes to serve. The type of service has a significant impact on overall costs.

Buffet catering cost per head is generally the most budget-friendly option, typically around £40 per person. BBQ catering prices fall into a similar range, usually between £30 to £50 per person, though costs can rise if premium meats and on-site cooking equipment are required.

A plated 3-course meal can cost around £70 per person, as chefs not only prepare and plate each dish but also manage precise service timing, which increases staff requirements and overall catering services prices. In contrast, a family-style or sharing-style 3-course meal, where dishes are served communally, might be more affordable, averaging £50 per person. 

Canapes catering prices typically range from £55 to £70 per head, and while this option is less formal than a plated meal, the intricate preparation and presentation can still drive up costs.

The chef’s experience significantly impacts how big a chunk of the total sum will go towards their fee. So, how much do caterers cost, really?

Michelin-trained chefs or those with notable backgrounds like Chef Graham and Chef Andrew command higher fees due to their expertise and reputation. If you are on a tighter budget, less experienced chefs can offer a more affordable option without sacrificing service quality.

This means that while some chefs may have a minimum spend of £250 per event, highly experienced chefs can set minimums as high as £2,000. 

The geographical area of your event directly affects the prices for catering services. In major cities like London, catering cost per head tends to be higher due to factors like increased labour costs, high demand, and the overall cost of living. 

For instance, private caterers in London may charge between £200 and £300 per person for high-end services, while in rural areas, where living expenses and demand are lower, the same service might range from £90 to £150 per person.

Additionally, urban events often incur extra logistics costs, including transportation and sourcing ingredients, which further drive up prices. In contrast, rural events can benefit from easier access to local ingredients, but extra costs may arise if staff and equipment need to be transported to more remote locations. 

The number of guests at your event directly impacts the overall cost, with larger groups typically benefiting from lower per-person rates. 

For smaller events, such as catering for 20 guests cost per head tends to be higher, often around £66 per person, bringing the total to £1,320. For even smaller groups, like events serving 10 people, clients usually spend around £700, or £70 per person.

As guest numbers increase, the average cost of catering for 30 guests in the UK generally drops to around £54 per person, totalling approximately £1,620. When catering for 50 guests cost per person typically decreases further due to economies of scale, with rates starting at £50 per person, resulting in a total of roughly £2,500. 

Special dietary requests, such as vegan, gluten-free, halal, or allergen-friendly menus, often increase costs due to the need for specific ingredients and additional preparation, which can significantly affect private catering prices. 

In the same way, premium services like grazing platters, signature cocktails, and interactive food stations can further drive up expenses, as they require extra staff and specialised equipment.

When it comes to catering for a birthday party, custom items like a bespoke birthday cake can fall anywhere between £100 and £300, depending on its complexity and ingredients, directly influencing birthday party catering prices. Additionally, high-end cutlery and tableware, if requested, may increase the total cost in the quote.

Now that you know what is the average cost per person for catering, here are some smart strategies to help you maximise your budget without sacrificing quality:

Tailoring your menu by focusing on seasonal and local ingredients can significantly keep your budget in check, as these items are often more affordable than imported or out-of-season products​. Additionally, offering a limited menu with simpler dishes or more vegetarian options helps lower the average catering cost per head while still accommodating diverse guest preferences.

Securing your caterer ahead of time not only ensures your preferred choice but also allows you to avoid last-minute pricing increases. Many private caterers offer lower catering costs per person average in the UK when booked early. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re concerned about the average cost of catering for 30 guests or more​.

Holding your event during off-peak times, such as weekdays or outside the holiday season, can result in significant savings. By choosing these dates, you can reduce how much catering costs, with many private caterers offering discounts of up to 15-20% when demand is lower.

Hiring a local caterer can reduce the overall cost of your event by cutting transportation and logistical fees. An easy way to find local options is to search terms like “catering buffet prices near me” to compare services in your area.

Alternatively, platforms like Yhangry make finding the right caterer effortless. You just have to submit a request, and nearby chefs will send their proposals within minutes, each with unique menus and private catering prices. This allows you to compare options quickly and choose the best fit.

In the UK, a buffet can be up to 30-50% cheaper than a plated meal, as it requires fewer staff and enables bulk food preparation. This can significantly reduce costs, especially when managing the average cost of catering for 50 guests or similarly sized events. 

Buffets also help minimise food waste by allowing guests to control their portion sizes.

Smaller plates encourage guests to take controlled portions, reducing the total food needed. Research shows that shrinking plate size by a few inches can lower food waste by 20-30%, directly cutting your catering cost per head.

Traditional catering services in the UK often come with a few downsides that can make event planning even more challenging. Many caterers stick to fixed menus with limited customisation, making it tough to cater to specific preferences or dietary needs. They usually prepare food off-site, which can affect freshness and presentation and might not provide the same level of service for smaller, more intimate events. Plus, hidden costs like service charges, delivery fees, and gratuities can sneak up on you, inflating your final bill.

That’s where Yhangry comes in handy. We offer you a more flexible approach, giving you on-demand access to a diverse pool of private caterers who prepare food on-site, ensuring freshness and a personalised touch for both large gatherings and intimate events alike. These chefs work closely with you to create customised menus tailored to your tastes and dietary needs. 

We also provide clear, upfront catering prices per head, so you know exactly what you’re paying for, helping you get the best value for your budget. And with a flexible cancellation policy—offering a full refund if you cancel at least 7 days in advance—you can confidently plan your event, knowing you’ve got everything under control.