How much does catering cost in the UK?
Most catering jobs in the UK cost between £150 and £1,200. The median is £675.
Typical prices for catering in the UK, from current UK market rates. Post your task to get exact fixed-price offers.
What you get for that
Food for parties, events and gatherings, dropped off or cooked and served.
Typical jobs and what they go for
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Sandwich and finger-food buffet for 20, dropped off | £150 to £300 |
| Private chef, three-course dinner for 6 | £300 to £600 |
| Canapés for 50, with staff to serve | £800 to £1,200 |
What changes the price for catering
- Guest numbers. Most caterers price per head with a minimum order. Below about 15 guests, the minimum sets the price rather than the headcount.
- Served or dropped off. Staff on the day to cook, serve and clear away are often the biggest line after the food itself.
- Menu. Sandwiches and finger food cost a fraction of hot dishes, canapés or a plated meal. Dietary needs add work but rarely much cost when they are given up front.
- Kit and venue. Plates, cutlery, serving dishes, and whether the venue has a kitchen. If the caterer has to bring all of it, it is in the price.
What is usually included
- The food, prepared and delivered
- Serving dishes, disposable or on hire, as quoted
- Setting the food out
And what is usually not
- Drinks and bar service, unless quoted
- Staff to serve and clear, unless quoted
- Crockery and glassware hire
- Venue hire
The one thing that saves the most money
Ask for the caterer's food hygiene rating and check they are registered with their council as a food business, which anyone running one has to be. Then give final numbers and every allergy in writing a week ahead.
Get real prices for your job
Post it free and get fixed-price offers from verified catering taskers in the UK. You only pay when the work is done.
Post a catering taskBrowse catering taskers in the UKWhat this costs on Taskerama
| On a £675 task | Through the marketplace | Your own client |
|---|---|---|
| Poster pays | £714.95 | £675 |
| Tasker receives | £513 | £655.22 |
| Platform fees | £201.95 | £19.78 |
Every fee is shown on the offer before you accept it, so the total above is the total you pay. All fees.
Common questions
How much does catering cost in the UK?
£150 to £1,200 for most jobs, with a median of £675. Typical prices for catering in the UK, from current UK market rates. Post your task to get exact fixed-price offers.
What makes catering more expensive?
Size and access are the two biggest factors, followed by urgency. Same-day and weekend work carries a premium, and anything above ground-floor level or requiring specialist equipment costs more. Materials, waste disposal and parking are often quoted separately, so check what is included.
How do I get an accurate price?
Post the job with photos, measurements and access details, and you will get fixed-price offers rather than estimates. Posting is free and there is no booking fee, so comparing three or four offers costs you nothing.
Should I pay per hour or a fixed price?
A fixed price for the whole job puts the risk of it overrunning on the tasker rather than on you. That is why every offer on Taskerama is a fixed total.