When you start planning your wedding, one of the first items you’ll scrutinise is the catering. And that’s when the big question arises: what is the normal wedding catering cost per head? Having clear references is essential to balance your budget and know what to expect from each supplier.
At UAUU we’ve spent years organising weddings in Barcelona and we’ve seen budgets of every kind. We know that talking about money can be uncomfortable, but it’s the first step to planning the wedding you really want without last-minute surprises. Let’s break down what the per-head price includes and what figures are being quoted right now.
What does the wedding catering cost per head actually include?
Before comparing prices, it’s vital to understand what you’re paying for. The wedding catering cost per head is not just the food served on the plate. In most cases, especially if you hire an all-inclusive catering service or a venue with its own kitchen, the per-head price includes:
- The welcome aperitif or cocktail hour: food stations, buffets, canapés passed on trays and drinks.
- The main menu: starter, main course (or two), dessert and wedding cake.
- The wine cellar: wines, cavas, water and soft drinks throughout the meal.
- The service: waiters, chefs, maître d’ and cleaning staff.
- Tableware and furniture: tables, standard chairs, tablecloths, cutlery and glassware.
- The open bar: usually 2 to 3 hours of open bar after the meal.
Some venues or caterers also include in this price the hire of the space, basic floral table decoration or the menu tasting. So when you ask for a quote, the key question is not just “how much does it cost?” but “what does this price include?”.
Wedding catering cost per head references in Spain
Prices vary enormously depending on the region, the exclusivity of the venue and the quality of the produce. To give you clear references for 2025-2026, we can divide prices into three broad bands:
Simple or budget-friendly weddings
In this band, the wedding catering cost per head typically falls between €70 and €90 per person.
These are usually shorter menus (a brief aperitif and two courses), with standard drinks and often no open bar included (paid separately by the hour or per consumption). This is common at restaurants that also host weddings or traditional banquet halls.
Mid-range weddings
This is the most common band in Spain. The price ranges between €100 and €140 per person.
Here you’ll find longer, more elaborate aperitifs (with stations such as cheeses or rice dishes), high-quality menus, a carefully selected wine list and, almost always, an open bar included. This is the reference price for most country estates, farmhouses and specialist caterers.
Exclusive or high-end weddings
If you’re looking for very exclusive venues, renowned caterers or menus with premium produce (seafood, beef tenderloin, elaborate stations), prices will start from €150 and can easily exceed €200 per person.
In this band, the service is impeccable, the tableware tends to be designer and personalisation is total.
What factors push up the wedding catering cost per head?
If your budget is tight and you need to reduce the wedding catering cost per head, it’s important to know which elements drive the price up so you can consider leaving them out:
- The number of guests: many caterers have a minimum order. If you don’t reach it, they’ll charge a supplement or the per-head price will be higher.
- The day of the week and the season: getting married on a Saturday in June or September will always cost more than a Friday, a Sunday or in low season (November to March).
- Aperitif extras: carved ham stations, oysters, sushi or premium cocktail bars push the price up quickly.
- The main course produce: choosing beef tenderloin or lobster will cost more than options such as Iberian pork, duck or seasonal fish.
- Extra open bar hours: each additional hour of open bar and music represents a significant extra cost.
- The late-night snack: midnight food (mini burgers, churros, pizza) is usually charged separately.
How to compare catering quotes without making mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes when planning a wedding is comparing only the final per-head price without breaking down what each proposal includes. To compare fairly, ask all suppliers these questions:
1. Does the price include VAT (10%)?
2. Is the open bar included? How many hours? What alcohol brands do they serve?
3. How many people is the menu tasting included for?
4. Are the furniture and tableware included or do they need to be hired separately?
5. Are there any hidden costs such as a kitchen fee, music licensing fee or a supplement for not reaching a minimum guest number?
6. Do special menus (children’s, vegetarian, allergies) have a different price?
Only when you have all these answers will you be able to know the true wedding catering cost per head in each case.
Frequently asked questions about the catering cost per head
A children’s menu usually costs between 30% and 50% of the adult menu price. It typically ranges from €30 to €50 per child and includes simple dishes (pasta, croquettes, schnitzel, ice cream) and non-alcoholic drinks.
Do wedding professionals (photographer, DJ) pay the same per-head price?
No. Most caterers offer a “staff menu” for the professionals working on the wedding day. It’s usually a simple, quick meal and its price is around €30-40.
When is the wedding banquet paid for?
The usual payment structure is: a deposit when booking the date (between €1,000 and €3,000), a second payment a few months before the wedding, and the final settlement in the week before the event, once the exact number of guests is confirmed.
The importance of investing in good catering
The banquet is the largest item in the budget, but it’s also the one your guests will remember most. Good catering doesn’t just serve great food; it ensures the food arrives hot, there are no queues at the aperitif, glasses are never empty and the pace of the event is perfect.
If you want to know more about how much a wedding costs or you’re looking for venues to celebrate your day, at UAUU we advise you with complete transparency. At venues like Can Macià or Ca n’Alzina we work with trusted caterers to make the wedding menu an outstanding success.