Cost of buffet

[Allfurcoatandnoknickers]

Is £1,500 a lot for a served buffet for 30 people? My SIL has asked for a contribution - Oop North we wouldn't (well I wouldn't pay) that much for a 90th birthday party - or maybe I'm just a tight arse....
We did my mum's in the local pub and paid about £300 - lol

It sounds a lot and is £50 per person - is it a very good buffet?

A quick google came up with: Buffet event catering in the UK costs an average of £500 to £1175.

So yes, it's a lot

£50 per head seems steep for a buffet with no drinks. Or does that include alcohol? I'd expect £20-30 per head for a hot fork buffet, lower end of that really if it's a venue where you'll be spending £££ on drinks. I'm from Home Counties.

It would have to be a good buffet and possibly include a half bottle of wine per person.

It does sound a lot.

Why does she want a contribution?

I'm down south and sometimes attend a function that does an excellent buffet with half bottle. That's usually about £38.50 and would include things like smoked salmon, roast beef and turkey, loads of sides plus a decent pudding. £50 does seem alot to me.

It will include alcohol but I imagine that not many people will be drinking- I'd expected more in the region of £500-£1,000 to be honest.
I'm going to make sure I get lots of doggy bags and get trousered

That’s extortionate - does it include alcohol?

OP has she engaged a certain party planner through an Australian contact, by any chance (www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnet_classics/1778454-To-be-miffed-at-Gift-list-for-mother-of-the-baby-enclosed-in-Baby-naming-ceremony-invitation ?)

with alcohol more reasonable unless it is half a spritzer per person.

What’s the venue?

If it’s in a nice hotel or taking over a pub/restaurant then the cost would reflect this. Assuming staff etc?

If church hall and she is assembling it all from Costco - then no it’s ridiculous.

@M4J4

It does sound a lot.

Why does she want a contribution?

I don't mind making a contribution - it's a gift from the family to my MIL - just thought it sounded a lot of money for a buffet - looks like most people think the same!

Should also add that it's in her home as she's not mobile so no venue costs.

That’s a ridiculous amount imo. What foods being served? I’ve just paid £1200 for a gourmet buffet to feed 100 people!

I’d go to a restaurant rather than £50 a head for a buffet personally.

In that case, sounds really pricey to me. For £20 each you could have cracking catering from a small local caterer (or a really nice takeaway for less) and £300 would get 30 bottles of decent wine (which would be way too much if you're not all likely to drink/lots are driving).

50 quid per person including alcohol doesn't necessarily sound outrageous. Just because you don't think a lot of people will drink, doesn't mean they're going to charge less.

The most expensive I’ve ever come across was £22 a head

@IceCreamAndCandyfloss

I’d go to a restaurant rather than £50 a head for a buffet personally.

We can't - she's not long since been out of hospital so it's easier to have it at home and she wouldn't want to go away from home anyway even if she could

@Essentialironingwater

In that case, sounds really pricey to me. For £20 each you could have cracking catering from a small local caterer (or a really nice takeaway for less) and £300 would get 30 bottles of decent wine (which would be way too much if you're not all likely to drink/lots are driving).

I completely agree!! We've done that before and it was absolutely fine - most people just like to get together and have a chat and a few nibbles or even an afternoon tea - I'm not bothered about it being restaurant standard and I suspect most of the guests won't expect that either.

Could you ask her to get a second quote? Or get one yourself?

If it's not top-end caviare and smoked salmon canapés with a hell of a lot of champagne, that's a really high price.

Many Chinese and Indian restaurants offer a buffet service a your home. Would that be an option? Also, the house must be massive to put 30 in for a meal!!!

@Elouera

Many Chinese and Indian restaurants offer a buffet service a your home. Would that be an option? Also, the house must be massive to put 30 in for a meal!!!

That's a really good point unless they are planning to have it in the garden - which is mahoosive. The idea of the Chinese restaurant is great as she loves that so much - I'll see if I can do some more digging but otherwise will let her get on with it and pay our share - some things just ain't worth the hassle trust me :)

That's really expensive, can you do it yourself from a supermarket, I would get party food.

@DogsSausages

That's really expensive, can you do it yourself from a supermarket, I would get party food.

Oh yes. i would be tempted to go a little nuts at waitrose.

(I am always tempted thus)