What to look for
Caterers cover wedding catering, corporate events, private dinner parties, funerals and wakes, and bespoke event work. The category divides between buffet-led caterers, full plated-service operators, food-truck and street-food caterers, and dietary-specialist providers (vegan, kosher, halal, free-from). Insurance and food-safety standards are non-negotiable.
- Food Hygiene Rating 5 from Local Authority
- Public liability and product liability insurance
- Tasting session before final commitment
- Allergen and dietary handling explicit in writing
- Quote includes service, cutlery, glassware, linen as itemised
- Realistic numbers limit and back-up plan disclosed
Typical pricing: £18-£45 per head buffet, £45-£90 per head plated, £80-£180 per head fine-dining wedding (UK 2026)
Regulator / certification to look for: Food Standards Agency Hygiene Rating, Local Authority registration