Hiring a Private Chef for a Wedding or Special Occasion in London

At Tallow and Shun, we believe that food should be one of the highlights of any significant occasion, not an afterthought, and it is why private chef services for weddings and special events form a core part of what we offer across London, Bromley and the South East.

1. Why a Private Chef Is Worth Considering for Your Event

Traditional wedding catering is familiar and scales well — but it is designed around average expectations rather than yours. A private chef brings a fundamentally different proposition. The menu is built around you: your taste, your guests, the feel of the occasion and the story you want the food to tell.

2. What Is Typically Included

Menu Consultation and Development

Before the event, you will work through a detailed conversation about what you want the food to feel like, any dietary requirements across the guest list, and any ingredients or cuisines that are particularly meaningful to you.

Sourcing and Shopping

A private chef takes responsibility for sourcing the ingredients required to deliver the agreed menu — building relationships with fishmongers, butchers and specialist produce suppliers as needed.

Preparation, Service and Clear-Up

On the day, the chef will arrive in advance to set up, complete all preparation and cook. Clear-up and leaving the kitchen in the condition it was found are standard parts of the service.

3. What to Think About When Planning Your Event

Guest Numbers and Scale

Private chef services work across a wide range of scales — from an intimate dinner for twelve to a wedding or garden party for a hundred or more. Guest count affects menu complexity, service style and overall cost.

Dietary Requirements

Be explicit about every requirement across your guest list. It is far easier to plan for them upfront than to manage them on the day.

Venue and Kitchen Facilities

Not every venue is equipped with a professional kitchen. When enquiring, be prepared to share details of the venue and its facilities — a site visit is often worthwhile for larger events.

4. Costs and What Affects Them

Private chef hire for weddings and special occasions in London typically ranges from around £150 to £350 per head, depending on the scale of the event, the complexity of the menu, the number of courses and the level of service included. The most transparent way to get an accurate figure is to have a direct conversation about the specifics of your event.

5. How Far in Advance Should You Book?

For weddings, we would encourage enquiries at least six to twelve months in advance wherever possible. For milestone birthdays and anniversaries, two to three months is a reasonable lead time for most events.

If you are considering a private chef for a wedding, milestone birthday or special anniversary in London, Bromley or the South East, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch today to begin the conversation.