Wedding Food Budget: Practical Tips for a Delicious Day

Food can eat up a huge chunk of your wedding budget, but it doesn’t have to. By figuring out the real cost per guest and being smart about choices, you can serve a memorable meal without blowing your finances.

Calculate Your Per‑Guest Food Cost

Start with the number of guests you actually want to feed. Multiply that by the average cost of a plated dinner in Bristol – around £45‑£65 per plate in 2025. For a 100‑guest list, that’s roughly £4,500‑£6,500. If you’re tight on cash, consider a buffet or family‑style service; those can drop the per‑guest price by 15‑20%.

Don’t forget extra bites: starters, desserts, late‑night snacks, and drinks. A simple cocktail hour with a few canapés adds about £5‑£8 per head. Add that to your total and you’ll have a clearer picture of the full food spend.

Ways to Save Without Skimping on Taste

1. Seasonal, local produce – vendors in the South West love fresh, in‑season veggies. They’re cheaper and taste better, which means your menu can shine without pricey imports.
2. Limit the menu – offering two entrees instead of four simplifies the kitchen and reduces waste. Guests still get choice, and you keep prep costs down.
3. DIY stations – a taco bar or pizza oven lets you buy bulk ingredients and let guests assemble their meals. It’s fun, interactive, and often cheaper than a full sit‑down service.
4. Negotiate with caterers – ask for a detailed breakdown and see where you can trim. Many caterers will drop a few hundred pounds if you book early or give them a clear headcount.

Another tip: skip the expensive plated desserts and opt for a dessert table with a cake slice, cupcakes, and a few sweet bites. It looks abundant and lets you control portion sizes.

Don’t overlook drink costs either. A welcome drink and a limited bar (wine, beer, and a signature cocktail) cost less than an open‑bar. Estimate about £12‑£15 per guest for a modest alcohol package.

Finally, keep an eye on hidden fees – service charges, cutlery rental, and transport. Ask the caterer to include everything in one quote so you avoid surprise add‑ons.

Balancing taste and budget is all about being strategic with numbers and choices. With the per‑guest math in hand and a few creative saves, you can enjoy a delicious wedding feast that fits your wallet.