UK Hen Party Catering: Where To Hire, Custom Menus And Costs

A great place to kick things off is by asking friends, family, or colleagues who’ve hosted similar events. Recommendations give you valuable insights into the food quality and service, making this a great starting point.

If that doesn’t yield enough options, online platforms like Hitched and Bridebook are a great fallback. They let you filter by location, budget, and cuisine, helping you find hen do catering companies that match your party’s vibe. Reviews on Trustpilot or Google will also help you assess their reliability.

And if you’re after an even easier option, platforms like Yhangry make the whole process feel like a breeze. Yhangry connects you directly with over a thousand private caterers across the UK, specialising in catering for hen party. (It’s like having a matchmaker for your party menu!)

All you need to do is provide some key details—like your location, the type of event, catering preferences, and budget—and voilà! Private chefs in your area will contact you within minutes with their quotes and personalised menu ideas tailored to your hen party. 

Once the quotes start rolling in, take your time. Research the chefs, read up on their reviews, and compare their proposals before making your decision.

Once you’ve locked in your caterer, the real fun begins—crafting a menu that’s as unique as the bride herself. Start by chatting with your caterer about the bride’s favourite foods and the vibe you’re aiming for. Whether it’s a relaxed afternoon tea or a chic cocktail soirée, the menu should set the perfect tone. Think about the bride’s go-to cuisines—Mediterranean, Asian fusion, or maybe a British classic—and work together to weave these flavours into the meal.

Next, make sure you’re catering to your guests’ needs. A good caterer will be able to offer creative options for gluten-free, vegan, or other dietary preferences, so no one feels left out. Don’t be shy about asking for customisable dishes or alternatives.

And of course, the cake! Whether you’re going for a towering masterpiece or cute, individual cupcakes, it should reflect the bride’s personality. Work with your caterer on flavours, design, and those little details that tie into her personality.

Finally, why not add a personal touch—like a dish named after the bride? Your caterer can help bring these ideas to life, ensuring the hen party food is not only delicious but unforgettable.

The total cost of catering for a hen party in the UK depends on a variety of factors, such as the hen party chef’s experience, cuisine type, type of service, the number of guests, and the complexity of the menu. For example, a buffet-style setup tends to be more budget-friendly compared to a formal sit-down meal. 

If you’re opting for premium ingredients or a multi-course menu, expect the price to increase accordingly. Special dishes like seafood or high-end meats will naturally cost more than vegetarian or simpler options. And of course, if you’re hiring Michelin-trained chefs or those with a stellar reputation, you’re going to pay a premium for their expertise.

Location plays a big role too. For example, hen do catering in Cheltenham or larger cities tends to be priced higher due to increased demand and labour costs. In contrast, hen party catering in Weymouth or other rural areas may be slightly cheaper but don’t forget to account for potential transportation fees.

Additional services, such as staffing, equipment rental, and special dietary requests (like vegan or gluten-free menus), can also influence the final cost.

To make sure your hen party catering goes off without a hitch, a bit of advance planning is key. Here are some essential tips to help everything run smoothly:

1. Check Venue Logistics for Catering: Make sure the venue has all the facilities your hen party chef needs to work efficiently. This includes access to kitchen equipment, power supply, and enough space for food prep. If the venue doesn’t have a fully equipped kitchen, discuss alternatives like bringing portable cooking equipment or setting up a serving station. 

2. Discuss Staffing and Service Style: The type of service you choose will affect both the cost and the atmosphere of the event. For example, a buffet-style service requires fewer staff and is more casual, while a sit-down meal may need more servers to manage plating and table service, adding to the overall budget. Be sure to discuss these details with your caterer so they can ensure smooth, timely service. 

3. Arrange Tastings and Finalise the Menu: It’s important to arrange tastings early on, so both you and the caterer can make any necessary tweaks, whether it’s adjusting portion sizes, swapping out dishes, or modifying flavours to suit the bride’s preferences. 

4. Clarify Setup, Cleanup, and Equipment: Make sure to have a clear discussion about who is responsible for setting up and breaking down the catering setup. Some caterers provide full-service options, including bringing their own equipment, handling the setup, and even the cleanup afterward. Confirming these details ahead of time will ensure there are no unexpected tasks left for you to manage on the day of the event. 

Also, verify if the caterer provides items like plates, cutlery, and glassware, or if you’ll need to arrange rentals separately.

Traditional catering services often lock you into fixed menus, which don’t always cater to dietary needs or offer the variety you want for a hen do. Plus, you’re usually dealing with food prepared off-site, which can affect freshness and presentation—definitely not ideal for an intimate celebration. And let’s not forget those sneaky extras like service fees, delivery charges, and gratuities that can make your final bill a shocker.

With yhangry, it’s a whole different story. Our chefs prepare everything on-site, ensuring your food is fresh and Instagram-ready. You also get clear, upfront pricing per head, so no nasty surprises. Plus, with on-demand access to incredible hen do catering talents like Chef Fouad, MasterChef finalist Chef Abhilasha, and MasterChef: The Professionals 2020 winner Chef Alex, your hen party menu is in expert hands.

Whether you’re looking for hen party catering in Bath, Edinburgh, or any other UK location, you can browse a diverse pool of local hen party caterers tailored to any budget and cuisine preference. Plus, with a full refund for cancellations up to seven days in advance, planning is stress-free!