Whether it’s a weekly team meeting or a big client pitch, the food on the table says a lot about how much care has gone into the day. We supply business lunch catering to offices across Bolton and Bury on a regular basis, and we’re often asked the same question: what should we actually order? Here’s our guide, built from years of feeding meeting rooms across both towns.
Business Lunches in Bolton
Bolton’s business district covers everything from small independent offices to large corporate headquarters, and our business lunch catering in Bolton service is designed to flex with both. For a quick internal meeting, our Classic Lunch of sandwiches, wraps and rolls keeps things simple. For client visits or all-day training sessions, the Deluxe or Elite tiers add classic and elite savouries, salads and a proper dessert selection, so the meeting doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Business Lunches in Bury
Bury businesses tend to book us for a mix of recurring office lunches and one-off events — board meetings, training days, and end-of-quarter get-togethers. Our business lunch catering in Bury service covers the same five-tier range, from the Classic Lunch through to the Superior Lunch, plus cold buffet and hot food options if you want something more substantial than sandwiches.
What to Order for Your Meeting
Quick internal meetings: Classic or Super Lunch — sandwiches, wraps, crisps and a sweet treat.
Client visits or pitches: Deluxe or Elite Lunch — a wider range of savouries, salads and a proper dessert.
All-day training or conferences: Superior Lunch or a hot food menu, so energy doesn’t dip after lunch.
Working breakfasts: pastries, fruit and a full English option for early starts.
All our business lunch menus list full per-person pricing on our Business Lunches page, and every order can be adapted for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or Halal guests.
Booking Your Office Catering
Orders need at least 24 hours’ notice, and we deliver straight to your office across Bolton, Bury and the wider Greater Manchester area. Call us on 0161 723 1990 or email enquiry@manchestercateringcompany.com to book your next business lunch.
Manchester’s wedding season keeps us busy across the whole region, and three areas in particular have become real hotspots for the weddings we cater: Bury, Salford and Hale. Each has its own mix of venues, from historic halls to modern waterside spaces, and each comes with its own catering considerations. Here’s our local guide to planning wedding catering in each area, drawn from years of serving couples across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Wedding Catering in Bury
Bury’s mix of countryside estates and town-centre venues means we see everything from relaxed marquee weddings to formal sit-down receptions. Couples here often ask for a blend of traditional and modern menus — think a classic wedding breakfast followed by a late-night street food station to keep guests going. Our wedding catering in Bury service covers full-service planning, so venue logistics never become your problem on the day.
Wedding Catering in Salford
Salford’s venues range from contemporary Quays-side spaces to industrial-chic warehouses, and the food tends to follow suit — sharing platters, grazing tables and interactive food stations are especially popular here. If you’re planning a wedding near MediaCityUK or the Quays, our wedding catering in Salford team can talk you through menu options that suit both formal and relaxed reception styles.
Wedding Catering in Hale
Hale and the surrounding Bowdon and Altrincham area are home to some of the region’s most elegant private venues and marquee gardens. Weddings here tend to lean towards luxury sit-down dining, with an emphasis on beautifully presented, locally sourced dishes. Our wedding catering in Hale service includes menu tastings so you can refine every course before the big day.
What to Consider Wherever You’re Getting Married
Guest numbers and dietary requirements — we cater for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and Halal guests as standard.
Service style — a formal plated wedding breakfast, relaxed sharing platters, or a late-night street food station (or all three).
Venue type — marquees and outdoor weddings need mobile kitchen setups, which we provide as standard.
Drinks service — arrival drinks, table wine and toasts can all be arranged alongside your food.
Get in Touch
Whether your wedding is in Bury, Salford, Hale, or anywhere else across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, our team can put together a bespoke menu and quote. See our full wedding catering Manchester page for more on our packages, or call us on 0161 723 1990 to book a tasting.
Whether you’re organising an office party, a birthday celebration or a corporate buffet, working out how much food to order is one of the trickiest parts of planning. Order too little and your guests go home hungry; order too much and you’re left with food nobody eats. This guide breaks down roughly how much you’ll need at each stage of a buffet-style event, for gatherings of 25, 50, 75 and 100 guests.
As a general rule of thumb for a buffet or platter-style spread, plan for around 3-4 sandwich quarters or finger food items per person, plus a side of salad or fruit. Our Sandwich Platters serve 10 people each, so for 25 guests you’d need around 2-3 platters, scaling up to 5 platters for 50 guests, 7-8 for 75 guests, and 10 platters for 100 guests.
If you’re offering a wider spread rather than sandwiches alone, sharing platters are an easy way to build variety without over-ordering. A Mezze Platter serves 6-8, while a Ploughman’s Platter or Fish Platter each serve 6, so for a group of 25 you might choose 3-4 platters across different styles, doubling roughly in line with guest numbers as the event grows to 50, 75 or 100.
Don’t forget the extras. A Fruit Platter serves 10, so budget one platter per 10 guests if you want fresh fruit on offer, and a Homemade Cake Platter (serving 10 slices) works well as a sweet finish, again scaling at roughly one platter per 10 guests.
For hot food options, such as our curry, chilli or lasagne trays, portion sizes are more predictable since each tray is designed to serve a set number of people. As a rough guide, allow one standard hot food tray for every 8-10 guests, increasing slightly if hot food is the main event rather than one option among several.
Drinks are easy to underestimate. For a few hours of mingling, plan for at least 2 drinks per person, more if it’s a longer event or the weather’s warm. A 1.5ltr bottle of water typically covers 6-8 people, so for 25 guests you’d want around 3-4 bottles, scaling up to 12-15 bottles for 100 guests, alongside soft drinks and juice depending on your group.
These figures are a helpful starting point, but every event is different; a group of hungry teenagers eats differently to a corporate lunch crowd. If you’re not sure what you need, it’s always worth talking it through with your caterer rather than guessing. Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you put together the right quantities for your guest list, whatever the size of your event.
Getting your catering quantities right is one of the most important parts of wedding planning. Too little food and your guests go home hungry; too much and you’re paying for waste. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding breakfast for 50 or a large celebration for 200, this guide breaks down exactly how much food you’ll need for every stage of the day.
Canapés and Drinks Reception
As a general rule, guests will eat around 4-6 canapé pieces per person during a standard hour-long drinks reception. If the reception runs longer, or if canapés are replacing a starter course, aim for 6-8 pieces per person.
For drinks, budget roughly 1 glass of fizz per person for the toast, plus 2-3 drinks per person during the reception hour if you’re offering a full bar or wine service.
Wedding Breakfast (Main Meal)
For a formal sit-down meal, quantities are more predictable since each guest receives one plate. The key variable is portion size and whether you’re serving a plated meal or a buffet, where guests tend to take slightly more.
50 guests: 50 main courses, plus 10% extra (5-6) for late RSVPs, dietary swaps, or vendor meals
100 guests: 100 main courses, plus 8-10% extra (8-10 portions)
200 guests: 200 main courses, plus 5-8% extra (10-16 portions), since larger numbers need proportionally less buffer
If you’re serving a buffet rather than a plated meal, increase quantities by around 15%, as guests naturally serve themselves more generously than a plated portion.
Sides and Accompaniments
A good rule of thumb is 2-3 side dishes per guest, with roughly 150-200g of sides per person in total.
50 guests: 7.5-10kg of sides total
100 guests: 15-20kg of sides total
200 guests: 30-40kg of sides total
Wedding Cake and Desserts
For cake, plan on one standard slice (roughly 100-120g) per guest. If you’re also serving a separate dessert course, the cake can be cut into smaller “favour” slices instead.
50 guests: 5-6kg of cake, or a 3-tier cake serving 60-70 slices
100 guests: 10-12kg of cake, or a 4-tier cake serving 120-140 slices
200 guests: 20-24kg of cake, often supplemented with a sheet cake to keep costs down
Evening Buffet or Late-Night Snacks
Many couples add an evening food station for guests who’ve been dancing for hours. Portion sizes here tend to be smaller since guests have already eaten a full meal.
50 guests: 60-70 portions (allowing for second helpings)
100 guests: 120-140 portions
200 guests: 240-280 portions
Don’t Forget Dietary Requirements
Always ask guests to confirm dietary needs on your RSVP cards. As a safety margin, most caterers recommend preparing 5-10% of your total meals as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, even if fewer guests have specified this in advance, since preferences can change on the day.
Why Working with a Professional Caterer Matters
These figures are a helpful starting point, but every wedding is different. Factors like the time of day, season, guest demographics, and whether alcohol is flowing freely can all shift how much your guests eat. An experienced catering team will also factor in realistic wastage, kitchen logistics, and staffing ratios that a simple per-head calculation can’t capture.
At Manchester Catering Company, we work closely with couples to plan exact quantities for their guest count, menu style, and venue, so you never have to worry about running short or overspending on food that goes to waste.
Planning a wedding in Manchester or the surrounding area? Get in touch with our team for a tailored catering quote based on your exact guest numbers and menu preferences.
Planning your wedding starts with finding the perfect venue, and Manchester offers an incredible selection of locations to suit every style, budget and guest list. From elegant historic buildings and luxury hotels to rustic countryside barns and unique industrial spaces, couples are spoiled for choice when searching for wedding venues in and near Manchester. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand city-centre celebration or a relaxed rural wedding surrounded by stunning scenery, Greater Manchester and the surrounding counties offer some of the UK’s most sought-after wedding settings.
One of the biggest advantages of getting married in Manchester is the variety available. The city combines rich industrial heritage with modern sophistication, creating a backdrop that can suit traditional weddings, contemporary celebrations and multicultural events alike. Many venues are conveniently located near major transport links, making them easily accessible for guests travelling from across the UK.
For couples looking for a distinctive urban wedding venue, Victoria Warehouse has become one of Manchester’s most recognisable wedding destinations. Its exposed brickwork, industrial architecture and versatile event spaces provide a unique setting that can be transformed to match almost any wedding theme. The venue’s raw character and flexible layout make it particularly popular with couples seeking something different from a traditional hotel wedding. The historic warehouse buildings have been carefully restored while retaining their original industrial charm, creating a memorable atmosphere for both ceremonies and receptions.
Manchester city centre is home to numerous elegant venues that blend heritage and contemporary style. Historic halls, converted warehouses, art galleries and luxury hotels provide a wide range of options for couples wanting a sophisticated city wedding. These venues often offer excellent photography opportunities, with Manchester’s iconic architecture and vibrant streets creating stunning backdrops for wedding portraits.
For couples who prefer a countryside setting without travelling too far from the city, the surrounding areas of Cheshire, Stockport and Greater Manchester offer beautiful rural venues. Barn weddings continue to be one of the most popular choices, combining rustic charm with modern facilities. These venues often feature exposed timber beams, landscaped gardens and panoramic views, creating a romantic atmosphere throughout the day.
Heaton House Farm is one of the region’s most celebrated countryside wedding venues. Located within easy reach of Manchester, it offers breathtaking views, beautifully designed ceremony spaces and extensive facilities for both intimate and large-scale celebrations. Couples can choose from several licensed ceremony areas, including indoor and outdoor settings, while guests can enjoy the picturesque countryside surroundings. The venue’s flexibility, stunning landscapes and dedicated wedding facilities have made it a favourite among couples looking for a luxurious rural wedding experience.
Another popular option for couples seeking elegance and grandeur is Heaton Hall. Set within one of Manchester’s most impressive historic estates, it offers a magnificent backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The hall’s beautiful architecture, landscaped grounds and impressive interiors create a timeless setting that appeals to couples looking for a classic and sophisticated wedding venue.
Intimate weddings are also increasingly popular, and Manchester offers plenty of venues suited to smaller guest lists. Boutique venues, private dining spaces and exclusive-use properties allow couples to create a more personal experience while still enjoying exceptional surroundings. These venues often provide greater flexibility for bespoke catering, unique entertainment and personalised décor.
For couples wanting something a little unconventional, Manchester has no shortage of unique wedding venues. Converted theatres, museums, historic libraries and industrial spaces offer memorable alternatives to traditional wedding settings. These venues allow couples to create a wedding that reflects their personalities while providing guests with a truly unforgettable experience. Recent trends have also seen growing interest in venues that allow more flexible catering options, street food concepts and informal celebrations, giving couples greater freedom when planning their day.
Choosing the right wedding venue is only part of creating an unforgettable celebration. Once the perfect location has been secured, exceptional catering becomes one of the most important elements of the day. Great food brings people together, creates lasting memories and plays a significant role in the overall guest experience. Whether you’re planning a formal wedding breakfast, a relaxed sharing feast, street food stations or a multicultural menu, professional catering helps bring your vision to life.
At Manchester Catering Company, we work with couples across Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and the North West to deliver outstanding wedding catering tailored to every style of venue. From elegant manor houses and luxury hotels to rustic barns and industrial warehouses, our experienced team creates bespoke menus designed around your tastes, dietary requirements and wedding theme. We understand that every wedding is unique, which is why we offer flexible catering solutions that complement both your venue and your vision for the day.
If you’re searching for wedding venues in and near Manchester, take the time to explore the incredible variety available across the region. Whether you choose a historic city-centre landmark, a charming countryside barn or a contemporary industrial venue, pairing the perfect setting with exceptional catering will ensure your wedding is remembered for all the right reasons.
Our mouth-watering menus are freshly prepared on the
premises and we offer a bespoke service to cater for any
individual requirements; making sure all your favourites
are on the menu, no matter the scale of the event, the
number of guests or the dining preferences.
National & Regional Caterer Of The Year
