Page 2 | Cost of buffet

Allfurcoatandnoknickers · 2021-08-03T15:26:13+00:00

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

DoodleBelle · 03/08/2021 16:59

Crikey! I’ve just paid roughly £350 for just over 30 people for a buffet for a wedding! Granted it’s a small, modest wedding but that just seems an outrageous price! You should definitely shop around a little.

Fluffycloudland77 · 03/08/2021 17:04

That’s just ridiculous! For 30 people?

purplecorkheart · 03/08/2021 17:06

A family member of mine hires a company to do buffets for a similar numbers every years and pays pretty much the same. It includes tables, linen, glasses, cutlery, clean up and serving as well as the food. However the thing that really costs the earth is the canapes with drinks. The main meal and desserts tend to be ok but you could probably get as good from a good Supermarket. Desserts are normally ok but would be easily and cheaply made at home. Portions are find if you don't have a huge appetite and don't bank on many leftovers. Family member has more money than sense tbh but loves entertaining at home.

I would ask for a break down of what is included and not. I would not cover the canapes as they tend to be eyewatering expensive.

Original poster

Allfurcoatandnoknickers · 03/08/2021 17:06

If it were up to me I would be shopping around but they are a big family and I'm keeping out of it!!
I think my SIL is saving herself the work of buying it etc, and using naice crockery and glasses etc.,
Just re-read her message and there are servers - I'm sure that would push the price up too.
As she also pointed out when we queried how many people it was catering for, there's VAT of 20% included - is that right??!!?

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Sssloou · 03/08/2021 17:06

That’s ridiculous if it’s in her home - unless the caterer was supplying tables / chairs / linen / staff / flowers / crockery / cutlery ….. I suspect that most people will be elderly and not be drinking that much if it’s a party for 95 year old.

I wouldn’t just take that lying down. Ask some Qs - what’s the catering package? name of the caterer? Etc do you think your SIL is being fleeced?

FamishedAtAnAirport · 03/08/2021 17:09

Crikey.

I rarely pay anything like £50 per head at a restaurant. I certainly wouldn't pay anything close to that for a buffet!

BlueLobelia · 03/08/2021 17:09

@Allfurcoatandnoknickers

If it were up to me I would be shopping around but they are a big family and I'm keeping out of it!! I think my SIL is saving herself the work of buying it etc, and using naice crockery and glasses etc., Just re-read her message and there are servers - I'm sure that would push the price up too. As she also pointed out when we queried how many people it was catering for, there's VAT of 20% included - is that right??!!?

I think it is making more sense if there are canapes, drinks, servers, nice set up etc.

It sounds like it will be lovely. Expensive but lovely.

(No idea about the VAT query though)

lillylemons · 03/08/2021 17:11

The buffet for our wedding cost £400 for 50 people, which did not include alcohol. We did our own bar which cost £300 and we had loads of alcohol leftover.

Original poster

Allfurcoatandnoknickers · 03/08/2021 17:14

Yes I think the servers will definitely push the price up! It's starting to make some sense now - better be good!

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BlueLobelia · 03/08/2021 17:15

If you end up with mini scotch eggs arranged on a paper plate and cut into quarters I'd be asking your SIL what the story was and looking to see if she had a secret gambling habit though..... ;)

Seriously though, I hope it is wonderful- particularly if you are committed to it now!

DENMAN03 · 03/08/2021 17:17

I have just catered for my 50th family bbq for 30 inc wine, stretch tent, tables, chairs etc, two staff to help serve and clear up. Spent just under £2,000. So it depends if it includes all of that. Just the food and wine was £750. Staff another £300.

Original poster

Allfurcoatandnoknickers · 03/08/2021 17:29

@BlueLobelia

If you end up with mini scotch eggs arranged on a paper plate and cut into quarters I'd be asking your SIL what the story was and looking to see if she had a secret gambling habit though..... ;)

Seriously though, I hope it is wonderful- particularly if you are committed to it now!

Absolutely - although scotch eggs....

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Original poster

Allfurcoatandnoknickers · 03/08/2021 17:30

@DENMAN03

I have just catered for my 50th family bbq for 30 inc wine, stretch tent, tables, chairs etc, two staff to help serve and clear up. Spent just under £2,000. So it depends if it includes all of that. Just the food and wine was £750. Staff another £300.

Yep - I think with the rental of the crockery, glasses and servers, it's starting to look about right

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SunshineCake · 03/08/2021 17:34

No way it costs that.

MySecretHistory · 03/08/2021 17:43

Is it staffed ?
That adds a lot. Plates/cutlery/ glasses provided?

MySecretHistory · 03/08/2021 17:44

@MySecretHistory

Is it staffed ? That adds a lot. Plates/cutlery/ glasses provided?

Sorry missed previous post

memberofthewedding · 03/08/2021 17:46

Since its a relative why not go back and suggest a more reasonable cost for the buffet and cite the maximum you would be willing to pay. Then leave the ball in her court.

balancingfigure · 03/08/2021 17:53

I hope its a nice buffet! The VAT part would be correct: hotels, caterers, restaurants would all charge it as it is a service, not just food. But if you just bought food from Waitrose or wherever you wouldn’t pay any VAT.

MySecretHistory · 03/08/2021 17:55

I host lots of parties with food delivery. Prep making sure everyone has drinks and food and tidying up it is a total pain. Lucky if I get a drink

We now hire staff, may cost £1000 but worth every penny

MySecretHistory · 03/08/2021 17:56

@balancingfigure

I hope its a nice buffet! The VAT part would be correct: hotels, caterers, restaurants would all charge it as it is a service, not just food. But if you just bought food from Waitrose or wherever you wouldn’t pay any VAT.

But hours more work and nk fun during the party

KeyWorker · 03/08/2021 17:59

It’s £50/head. Does it include a drinks package? A marquee? Crockery and cutlery? Waiting on staff? An MC? Table and chair hire? All this makes a difference.

Merryoldgoat · 03/08/2021 18:00

I think the key is ‘served’ isn’t it? So you have staff serving and pouring drinks and tidying afterwards?

I had a stunning buffet for PIL about 3 years ago for 60 at around £800 but they dropped and ran.

Mindymomo · 03/08/2021 18:00

They may be providing seating and tables, if so I think that £50 per person is ok. Probably would have been cheaper to go to a nice restaurant, but understand why you’d want it in garden.

balancingfigure · 03/08/2021 18:00

Absolutely MySecretHistory I agree, just roughly explaining the VAT rules!

Nixandwotsit · 03/08/2021 18:02

That's extortionate over-catering but looks like you might be stuck with it. I'd buy a load of Waitrose platters - lovely food for a fraction of the price. They're bloody delicious. Worth getting more than you think you'll need because they are so nice. Compostable plates and cutlery very reasonably priced on-line.