Wedding Catering Calculator

The style of meal you choose sets the tone for your reception. A formal sit-down meal is traditional and structured, while a buffet offers more variety and encourages mingling. For a more relaxed, modern feel, a canapé reception is an excellent choice, perfect for shorter celebrations or as a prelude to the main meal.

Consider your venue, guest count, and overall wedding vibe. A sit-down meal requires precise timings and a larger staff, whereas a buffet can be more cost-effective for a large number of guests. Our wedding budget calculator can help you see how these choices impact your overall spending.

It is essential to cater for all your guests' dietary requirements. The most common are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. It is a good idea to ask for dietary information on your wedding invitations. Over-cater slightly on special dietary meals to be safe.

Communicating these numbers clearly to your caterer is crucial. This calculator helps you estimate the portions, but always confirm final numbers with your provider. Good communication ensures every guest enjoys a delicious and safe meal.

Catering is not just about food. Drinks are a huge part of the celebration. From the welcome drinks and toasts to the wine with the meal and the evening bar, the options are plentiful. You will need to decide whether to provide all the drinks, have a cash bar, or a combination.

To get a better idea of quantities for wine, beer, and soft drinks, use our specialised wedding drink calculator. It will help you ensure the bubbly keeps flowing throughout your special day.

When budgeting for catering, remember to ask about additional charges. These can include VAT, staff costs (chefs, waiting staff, bar staff), equipment hire (crockery, glassware, linens), and sometimes even a cake-cutting fee. Always request a fully itemised quote.

Also consider logistics like the venue's kitchen facilities, access for the caterers, and waste disposal. A well-prepared plan will prevent stressful surprises on the day.