Wedding catering is not just another part of the planning: it’s one of the pillars that will shape your guests’ memories. The flavor, presentation, and quality of each dish can turn a wedding into an unforgettable experience… or the complete opposite. That’s why choosing well is just as important as doing it without overspending.
At UAUU, we’ve been organizing weddings for years with a very special touch: we started as a catering service, and today we still treat gastronomy as one of our greatest prides.
We have our own chefs, creative menus, and a cuisine that goes beyond the “typical wedding food.” And it’s not just us saying it: “Exquisite food, charming venue, and unmatched professionals,” as one of our brides recently wrote in her review.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to get catering right, what options exist, how to compare budgets, and some tricks to optimize costs without sacrificing quality. Because yes, you can enjoy a spectacular banquet without exceeding the budget you’ve set.
Catering: The Key Budget Item
When we talk about wedding catering, it usually represents between 40% and 60% of the total budget. This percentage can vary depending on the number of guests, the type of menu, and whether the venue includes other integrated services. To put it into context, here’s how the average wedding budget in Spain is typically distributed:
| Category | % of Total Budget (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Catering / Banquet | 40% – 60% |
| Venue and Decoration | 10% – 20% |
| Photography and Video | 5% – 10% |
| Music and Entertainment | 5% – 10% |
| Other Services | 10% – 25% |
These figures are estimates based on common practices in the Spanish wedding industry and may vary depending on the location, style of celebration, and each couple’s priorities.
Why Catering Represents So Much
The cost includes much more than the food: kitchen and service staff, setup and takedown, tableware, drinks, late-night snacks, and even transportation. In addition, every guest directly adds to the budget, since the price is calculated per head.
Average Prices per Person in Catalonia and Spain
The price per guest for quality catering usually ranges between €120 and €180 in Catalonia, depending on the menu, season, and included extras. For 100 guests, this can mean between €12,000 and €18,000 for this item alone.
How UAUU Fits the Market Average While Offering Higher Quality
At UAUU, we work with prices in line with the market average, but with a clear focus: to offer a banquet that surprises with both flavor and presentation.
Our in-house chefs design menus that break away from “typical wedding food,” using high-quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation. This way, the budget you allocate to catering translates into a memorable gastronomic experience for you and your guests.
Types of Wedding Catering and Their Advantages
One of the first steps when choosing wedding catering is deciding the banquet format. Not every style works the same for all couples: it depends on your budget, the type of guests, and the atmosphere you want to create. Here are the most common options and their advantages.
Traditional Banquet
This is the most classic option: a set menu with several courses served at the table. It usually includes a starter, a main dish (meat or fish), dessert, and drinks. It’s ideal for formal weddings and for those who prefer a slower dining pace.
It allows you to pay great attention to presentation and service, although it’s usually the most expensive option per guest.
Extended Cocktail + Themed Stations
Instead of a served menu, a wide cocktail is offered with live food stations (showcooking, sushi, cheese, seafood, etc.). It’s more dynamic and encourages guests to mingle. Also, since it doesn’t require a full table service, it can sometimes reduce costs.
Buffet and Hybrid Options
The buffet lets guests serve themselves as they like, combining different dishes and portions. It’s a great way to provide variety without multiplying service costs. The hybrid version (cocktail + main course served) balances dynamism and structure.
Special Menus: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Allergy-Friendly
More and more couples are requesting menus tailored to specific diets. A good catering service should be prepared to offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergen-free options without compromising on quality or creativity.
At UAUU, this commitment to culinary personalization is part of our daily work.
How to Choose Wedding Catering Without Going Over Budget
Choosing the perfect wedding catering doesn’t mean going for the most expensive option or cutting so much that quality suffers. The key is to compare options carefully, ask the right questions, and be clear about your priorities.
What to Ask to Know It All
- Is tableware, furniture, and staff included in the price?
- Do they offer menus adapted for allergies and intolerances?
- Does the price include transportation and setup?
- Is there an extra charge for last-minute changes in guest numbers?
How to Read and Compare Budgets
Always request a detailed budget broken down by categories. This way you’ll see exactly what’s included and spot any hidden costs. Comparing two proposals by final price alone is not enough: pay attention to ingredient quality, the team’s experience, and additional services.
The Importance of Tastings
A menu tasting is the best way to confirm if the catering matches your style and expectations. Pay attention not only to the flavor but also to presentation, service timing, and staff attitude. At UAUU, we organize tastings so you can experience everything before the big day.
Tips to Optimize the Budget While Maintaining Quality
It’s possible to enjoy high-quality wedding catering without blowing the budget. It all comes down to making smart decisions and prioritizing what really matters to you and your guests.
- Choose seasonal menus: fresh, seasonal ingredients are more affordable and taste better.
- Adjust the number of courses: a shorter but well-prepared menu usually leaves a better impression than an endless one.
- Reduce dessert variety: instead of an oversized dessert table, opt for one iconic dessert presented beautifully.
- Go for vendors with all-in-one service: venues like those at UAUU include catering, setup, decoration, and coordination, which saves costs and simplifies planning.
- Trust the chef’s expertise: a creative team can adapt their proposals to your budget without losing flavor or quality.
What Our Couples Say About the Catering
There’s no better way to talk about our wedding catering than through the words of the couples who have already enjoyed it. Here are some of the comments that have touched us the most:
- “Exquisite food, charming venue, and unmatched professionals. Everyone told us it was the best wedding they had ever attended.” – Berta
- “The menu and appetizers couldn’t have been better or tastier. Guests couldn’t even finish their menus because of the sheer amount of food served.” – Enrique
- “They pay maximum attention to detail and provide excellent service even for people with allergies or intolerances.” – Jéssica
Reviews like these confirm that the effort we put into every dish, the choice of ingredients, and the attention to detail translate into a gastronomic experience that guests remember for years.
Conclusion
Wedding catering is much more than a menu: it’s an experience that accompanies and enhances every moment of the day. Choosing well means finding the balance between budget, quality, and your personal style.
At UAUU, we offer unique venues in the province of Barcelona, all with all-in-one services that include catering, decoration, coordination, and much more. We started as a catering service, and today we still take pride in gastronomy as one of our greatest strengths. Our goal is for you to enjoy a banquet that delights with its flavor, presentation, and attention to detail.
If you’d like to discover our proposals and see how we can adapt to your budget, get in touch with us. We’ll be delighted to help you create an unforgettable day… starting with the very first bite.