How much can I expect to pay for wedding catering?
The cost of wedding catering depends on several factors, including the number of guests, menu complexity, service style (plated, buffet, or family-style), and location. Here’s a general pricing guide for wedding catering in the UK:
Per Person Cost Estimates:
• Basic buffet: £20–£50 per person
• Mid-range plated meal: £60–£100 per person
• High-end/michelin-level dining: £100–£250+ per person
Additional Costs to Consider:
• Staffing: Waitstaff, bartenders, and chefs (£15–£35 per hour per staff member)
• Rentals: Tables, chairs, linens, glassware, and crockery (£5–£30 per person)
• Beverages: Open bar or drinks package (£15–£50 per person)
• Tastings: Some caterers charge £50–£200 for menu tastings
• Travel Fees: If outside the caterer’s usual area
If you’re considering Michelin-background private chefs, like those Yuzu Private Dining specializes in, expect formal meal pricing at the higher end, particularly for bespoke menus with premium ingredients.
However our buffets & family style meals are quite competitive and are delivered with the same premium ingredients & level of chefs.
Let me know if you’d like tailored estimates based on your needs!
Does wedding catering have to be formal?
Not at all! Wedding catering can be as formal or relaxed as you like, depending on your vision, venue, and guest experience. Here are some alternative catering styles if you want something less traditional:
Casual & Interactive Options
Sharing Platters – Large, beautifully presented dishes for guests to serve themselves, creating a communal feel.
Grazing Tables – A spread of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, breads, and dips for a relaxed, social vibe.
BBQ, Hog Roasts or Firepit Dining – Live cooking over open flames, perfect for outdoor or rustic weddings.
Food Trucks or Street Food Stalls – A fun way to offer multiple cuisines and a festival-style atmosphere.
Bowl Food or Canapés – Small, flavorful dishes that allow guests to mingle while eating.
Formal Yet Relaxed
Family-Style Dining – Like a traditional meal but served on large platters for guests to share.
Tasting Menus – A refined but interactive way to offer multiple courses in smaller portions.
Michelin-trained private chefs can create both high-end formal dining or relaxed yet gourmet experiences. If you’re considering a non-traditional approach for a wedding, I can suggest menu ideas that fit your style!
Can I have a buffet style wedding?
Absolutely! A buffet-style wedding is a great choice if you want a more relaxed, interactive dining experience. It allows guests to choose what they like, encourages mingling, and can offer a wider variety of dishes compared to a plated meal.
Pros of a Buffet-Style Wedding:
✔ More variety – Guests can try different dishes.
✔ Flexible for dietary needs – Easier to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and allergies.
✔ Casual & social – Encourages movement and conversation.
✔ Potentially cost-effective – Fewer staff needed compared to plated service.
Considerations:
• Guest flow & timing – Avoid long queues by having multiple serving stations.
• Presentation – High-end buffet setups can still look elegant with chef stations, garnished platters, and refined serving ware.
• Staffing – You may still need staff to assist with replenishing food and keeping the service smooth.
• Portion control – Guests might serve themselves generously, so plan accordingly.
If you’re looking for a Michelin-standard buffet experience, Yuzu Private Dining could curate a luxury buffet with high-end ingredients and chef-led stations for a refined yet informal feel. Would you like suggestions on menus or themes?
Can I have a hog roast at my wedding?
✔ Sociable & Interactive – The visual appeal of a whole roasted hog adds to the experience.
✔ Delicious & Crowd-Pleasing – Succulent, slow-cooked pork with crispy crackling is a favorite for many.
✔ Flexible Serving Options – Can be served as pulled pork in buns, plated with sides, or part of a buffet.
✔ Works Well for Large Groups – A single hog can typically feed 100–150 guests.
✔ Pairs Well with Various Side Dishes – From fresh salads to roasted potatoes or artisan breads.
Things to Consider:
Venue Rules – Check if your venue allows live fire cooking.
Weather Planning – Ideal for outdoor or marquee weddings but may need cover if rain is possible.
Dietary Alternatives – Ensure there are vegetarian/vegan options for non-meat eaters.
Service Style – Can be self-serve, chef-carved at a buffet station, or plated with sides.
For a luxury hog roast experience, Michelin-trained private chefs (like those from Yuzu Private Dining) can elevate the concept with premium marinades, gourmet side pairings, and refined presentation. Would you like help crafting a high-end hog roast menu?
How many people can you cater for?
We can take groups of up to 200 guests at this time with the help of some of our partner businesses.
Can I have a customised menu?
Yes! A customised wedding catering menu is a great way to make your wedding food truly personal and unique. Whether you have specific dishes in mind, want to incorporate cultural influences, or need to cater to dietary preferences, a bespoke menu can be tailored to your vision.
What Can Be Customised?
✔ Cuisine & Theme – From Michelin-style tasting menus to rustic sharing platters, BBQs, or fusion cuisine.
✔ Signature Dishes – Include your favorite meals or family recipes.
✔ Dietary Requirements – Vegan, gluten-free, halal, or any other specific needs can be accommodated.
✔ Seasonal & Local Ingredients – A menu built around fresh, high-quality produce.
✔ Presentation & Service Style – From plated fine dining to interactive food stations.
How to Create a Custom Menu:
1. Consult with a Private Chef or Caterer – Share your ideas, must-have dishes, and any themes.
2. Tasting Session – Many chefs offer a tasting to refine the menu before the big day.
3. Pairing Options – Consider drinks, wines, or cocktails that complement your menu.
4. Guest Experience – Balance variety and portion sizes to ensure all guests are satisfied.
Since Yuzu Private Dining specializes in Michelin-background private chefs, a customised menu could feature elegant, high-end dishes tailored to your preferences.
Can I have a bespoke menu for my wedding catering?
Here are some wedding catering menu ideas, ranging from elegant fine dining to relaxed and interactive experiences. Each can be customised to fit your wedding style and dietary needs.
1. Michelin-Style Fine Dining (Plated Menu)
Starter:
• Hand-dived scallops, celeriac purée, pancetta crisp, truffle dressing
• Burrata with heirloom tomatoes, basil oil & aged balsamic (V)
Main Course:
• Beef fillet, fondant potato, wild mushrooms, red wine jus
• Miso-glazed black cod, yuzu beurre blanc, samphire
• Truffle & ricotta agnolotti, sage butter, toasted hazelnuts (V)
Dessert:
• Valrhona chocolate fondant, vanilla bean ice cream
• Lemon tart, yuzu curd, meringue shards
Optional: Wine pairings, petit fours, cheese course
2. Sharing Feast (Family-Style Dining)
Starters to Share:
• Antipasti boards: Prosciutto, burrata, roasted peppers, focaccia
• Mezze platters: Hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, flatbreads
Mains to Share:
• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder, rosemary & garlic jus
• Herb-roasted sea bass, salsa verde
• Seasonal vegetable tagine, saffron couscous (V)
Sides:
• Dauphinoise potatoes / Grilled asparagus / Heritage tomato salad
Dessert Platters:
• Mini crème brûlées, macarons, fruit tarts
3. Luxury Hog Roast & BBQ Buffet
Carved Meats:
• Slow-roasted hog with crispy crackling & apple chutney
• Chargrilled spatchcock chicken with lemon & thyme
• Grilled halloumi & vegetable skewers (V)
Sides & Salads:
• Roasted sweet potatoes, rosemary salt
• Summer slaw with citrus dressing
• Tomato & burrata salad, basil oil
Desserts:
• Sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream
• Eton mess with seasonal berries
4. Global Flavours Tasting Menu
Course 1: Tuna tartare, ponzu, avocado mousse
Course 2: Thai-spiced lobster bisque, lemongrass foam
Course 3: Wagyu beef with miso glaze, crispy shallots
Course 4: Mango & coconut panna cotta, passion fruit coulis
5. Festival-Style Food Stalls
• Gourmet Burger Bar – Wagyu beef, pulled pork, truffle fries
• Sushi & Seafood Station – Fresh oysters, sashimi, sushi rolls
• Taco & Burrito Stand – Slow-cooked brisket, spicy jackfruit, guacamole
• Dessert Bar – Churros with chocolate sauce, mini cheesecakes
Would you like a fully bespoke menu designed for your wedding? Yuzu Private Dining can create a Michelin-level, personalised experience to fit your theme. Let me know what style or cuisine you’re leaning toward!
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