Wedding Catering Cost: What You Really Pay in Bristol

When you think about your wedding budget, wedding catering cost, the price of food and service for your reception. Also known as reception catering, it’s often the second-biggest expense after the venue—and it’s easy to overspend if you don’t know what’s normal. In Bristol, a basic plated meal for 100 guests can run from £1,500 to £4,000, depending on the menu, service style, and whether you hire a local caterer or a high-end company. Some couples spend even more on premium options like lobster tails, live cooking stations, or late-night snacks. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to break the bank to feed your guests well.

The caterer deposit, the upfront payment to secure your date. Also known as booking fee, it’s usually 20% to 50% of the total bill and is non-refundable if you cancel. Many couples don’t realize this fee is separate from the final payment due a week before the wedding. You also need to budget for extras like service charges (often 12.5%), VAT, corkage fees if you bring your own wine, and staffing costs for servers, bartenders, and cleanup crews. These can add another £500 to £1,500 to your final bill. And if you’re thinking of doing a buffet instead of plated? That might save you £300 to £800, but you’ll still need tableware, signage, and possibly extra staff to keep food stocked. wedding food budget, the amount you plan to spend on meals and drinks for your guests. Also known as reception food budget, it’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about timing, portion size, and how many people you’re feeding. A 100-guest wedding with a three-course meal and open bar can easily hit £7,000, but a simple finger-food reception with a limited bar might stay under £2,500. Location matters too. Caterers in central Bristol charge more than those in suburbs like Clifton or Totterdown. And seasonal ingredients? They can cut your cost by 15% if you choose spring or autumn over summer.

What you’ll find below are real stories from Bristol couples who nailed their catering without going over budget. Some hired a local pub’s kitchen. Others used a family recipe passed down for generations. A few even skipped the sit-down dinner entirely and went for a street food market vibe. You’ll see exactly how much they spent, what they cut, and what they refused to compromise on. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works in Bristol right now.