Wedding food on a budget: Ideas and inspiration

Without a doubt, food is one of the most important aspects of any wedding. Having incredibly delicious food at your wedding will not only help set the tone for the reception, it will also create lasting memories for you and your guests. Fortunately, with a bit of creativity, there are plenty of ways to serve memorable meals without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re seeking a sizzling BBQ feast, a versatile buffet, or vibrant grazing boards, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to consider.

Deliciously affordable wedding food

Buffet-style catering

One of the most cost-effective ways to feed your wedding party is by opting for a buffet. This is a great way to reduce the need for additional waitstaff while offering guests a versatile variety of dishes. Buffet-style wedding catering also gives guests the flexibility to serve themselves and pick their favourite nibbles, ensuring everyone is catered for.

Olivia Brown, Client Manager at Cater Express, shares that “plated meals with multiple courses and premium ingredients can significantly increase the price per guest, while buffet or food stations tend to be more affordable.”

She goes on to say that, “opting for buffet or family-style service can reduce costs by requiring fewer staff than plated service.”

Whether you prefer an elaborate buffet boasting both local and global flavours or a casual finger food buffet with delectable hot and cold options, there are a plethora of impressive options to choose from.

Simple buffet food ideas

• Fresh salads
• Mini quiches
• Sliders
• Grilled vegetables
• Cold meats
• Bread rolls
• Assorted cheeses
• Pesto pasta
• Sausage rolls
• Crisps and dips
• Sandwiches
• Pastries
• New potatoes

BBQ catering

Another crowd-pleasing option that won’t break the bank is BBQ catering. BBQ-style food can be as simple or elaborate as desired, from mouth-watering grilled chicken skewers and juicy pulled pork rolls to classic corn on the cob. Perfect for summery outdoor weddings, BBQs offer a variety of delicious dishes for everyone to enjoy.

Mouth-watering BBQ ideas

• Beef burgers
• Halloumi burgers
• Chicken skewers
• Pork loins
• Sausages
• Pulled pork rolls
• Sticky BBQ ribs
• Stuffed peppers
• Corn on the cob

Family-style service

Family-style service is another affordable alternative to traditional structured courses. With family-style dining, delicious platters of food are placed at the centre of each table for guests to share. This means you won’t need as many serving staff, allowing you to save a little extra.

Family-style food inspiration

• Smoked salmon
• Slow-cooked beef
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Pasta
• Rice
• Coleslaw
• Warm breads and dips

Afternoon tea

For those seeking sophistication at an affordable price, afternoon tea has become a popular alternative to the traditional wedding breakfast. This elegant yet budget-friendly option offers a selection of lighter, bite-sized dishes designed to suit every taste and preference. Since afternoon tea often consists of smaller portions, consider evening snacks to keep guests satisfied.

Popular afternoon tea options

• Finger sandwiches
• Scones with clotted cream and jam
• Mini pastries
• Cupcakes
• Cookies
• Tea
• Coffee
• Hot chocolate

Vegetarian-only menu

Meat is often one of the most expensive components of a meal, so cutting it from the menu can significantly reduce overall costs. Choosing a vegetarian-only menu packed with hearty dishes is another innovative way to keep catering costs low while accommodating guests with dietary restrictions.

Vegetarian menu ideas

• Stuffed bell peppers
• Lentil shepherd’s pie
• Vegetable lasagne
• Fresh salad
• Pesto pasta
• Spinach and ricotta ravioli
• Halloumi burgers
• Vegetable skewers
• Grilled vegetable platters

Budget-friendly wedding food for the evening

With appetisers, canapés, and the main wedding breakfast to think about, having budget-friendly food options for the wedding reception can help keep overall costs low. From sliders to ice cream, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.

Food trucks and vans

For evening receptions, you can’t possibly go wrong with a food van! As an increasingly popular option for weddings, food trucks give guests the freedom to pick whatever savoury snack or sweet treat they fancy as they celebrate the night away.

Food van ideas

• Gourmet burgers
• Hot dogs
• Stonebaked pizzas
• Fish and chips
• Tacos
• Bao buns
• Ice cream
• Waffles
• Churros

Late-night grazing tables

Grazing tables are another budget-friendly way to keep guests fed and happy far into the night. These beautifully arranged tables feature an assortment of small bites for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

Grazing table inspiration

• Bite-sized sandwiches
• Cheese and crackers
• Crisps and dips
• Fresh fruit
• Olives
• Bread
• Pastries
• Cold meats

Hog roasts

For those craving a hearty meal that won’t break the bank, a wedding hog roast is an excellent option. A single hog can feed a large number of wedding guests, making it a cost-effective way to give your loved ones a substantial late-night snack while bringing a unique twist to the evening.

DIY food stations or themed walls

DIY food stations provide an excellent way to keep costs low while giving guests the freedom to craft their own meals or pick their favourite snacks. From casual crisp walls to DIY pizza stations, there are plenty of creative choices for your special day.

DIY food station inspiration

• Pizza
• Tacos
• Baked potatoes
• Pasta
• Popcorn
• Sweets
• Doughnuts
• Crisps
• Cookies

Potluck-style reception

For a truly unique and budget-friendly approach, a potluck-style reception invites guests to contribute their favourite home-cooked dishes for everyone to share. This creative style of catering keeps costs low while creating a sense of care and community, as loved ones come together to take part in your wedding day. To ensure a balanced selection of dishes, it is helpful to assign categories to each guest, such as main courses, sides, and desserts.

Expert tips for budget-friendly wedding catering

Olivia shares her advice for couples looking to find affordable wedding catering without compromising on quality:

“It's important to prioritise quality over quantity by focusing on a smaller, seasonal menu that highlights fresh ingredients. Limiting the number of courses to a two-course meal or offering a cocktail-style reception with appetisers and snacks can be both cost-effective and enjoyable.

“For beverages, offering beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar can help save money. Couples should also inquire about all-inclusive packages, which can offer better value by combining multiple services like appetisers, drinks, and desserts.

“It’s worth considering local or smaller caterers, as they may offer more affordable and personalised service. Lastly, negotiating with the caterer to customise the menu and adjust ingredients or portion sizes can help fit within the budget while still delivering a great experience.”

Find budget-friendly wedding caterers

A beautiful wedding with delicious food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. There are plenty of ways to save money on wedding catering while still enjoying a gorgeous wedding feast on your special day. To find trusted wedding caterers, simply fill in the form and receive tailored quotes within your budget.