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Beginner October 2023 West Sussex

Field Kitchen - Cost?

Louisa, 14 November, 2022 at 18:32 Posted on Planning 0 10

OK so we made a SLIGHT oversight when booking our dream venue and didn't realise that they completely don't have a kitchen. Not necessarily an issue, because lots of the caterers we have spoken to have said that they will hire in a field kitchen in a tent. We are waiting on quotes back but I wondered if anyone else had experience of hiring a field kitchen and how much this cost? We are trying to work out how much to factor into our budget for this, and if it's affordable.

Would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences! Hopefully it's not completely out of our reach, otherwise we will have to go for a BBQ/hog roast type affair instead. Smiley heart

10 replies

Latest activity by Zonash, 3 August, 2026 at 12:06
  • C
    VIP April 2022 Wiltshire
    Charlotte ·
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    We live and learn! My friend had a similar situation so she ended up having catering trucks who had all their kitchen in their van, they had a couple so was nice to have choices! Hope it is not much and you can get what you want but I would start researching alternative options just in case x
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  • Halex
    Beginner September 2025 Pakistan
    Halex ·
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    Hiring a field kitchen can vary quite a bit in cost depending on the size of your guest list, the caterer’s requirements, and the type of equipment needed, but many couples report paying anywhere between £800–£2,000 for a proper setup including ovens, prep stations, refrigeration, and sometimes even extras like an outdoor sink for washing up; it’s definitely worth factoring this into your budget early so there are no surprises, and asking your caterer if they can provide a package deal that includes both staff and equipment can help keep things more affordable compared to sourcing everything separately.

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  • C
    Beginner June 2028 North Carolina
    Charlesgraham ·
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    We had a similar issue when planning an outdoor event with no on-site kitchen, and the costs really depend on what the caterer needs to prepare and serve efficiently. For a guest list of around 100, the field kitchen setup ended up costing roughly £1,200, which included basic equipment such as ovens, prep tables, refrigeration units, and a small washing area. One thing that helped us save money was renting modular kitchen gear instead of a full pre-set package.

    If you’re still exploring options, it’s worth checking out suppliers that offer flexible setups for outdoor events, some even provide bundled solutions with catering support. RHQ Store has a range of high-quality field and event kitchen essentials that can be hired or purchased depending on your budget and setup needs. You can click here to explore practical options that might fit your venue situation without stretching your budget too far.

    It’s definitely doable with the right planning, just make sure to confirm power and water access at the venue ahead of time, since that can affect what equipment you’ll be able to use efficiently.

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  • Sopra
    Beginner August 2026 Umbria
    Sopra ·
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    If you mean a catering service called Field Kitchen (a boutique, English-run company that caters events), their pricing is usually charged per person. For example, on-location lunches are listed at around 400 MAD per head, with private dinners starting at about 450 MAD per person (minimum guest numbers apply), although exact costs can vary based on menu choices, guest count, and services kitchen renovation qatar included like delivery or service staff.

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  • James
    Hampshire
    James ·
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    That’s actually more common than you’d think with outdoor or unique venues, so you’re not alone. A field kitchen setup can work really well, but the cost can vary quite a bit depending on guest count, menu complexity, and how much equipment the caterer needs to bring in.

    On average, couples report anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000+ for a temporary kitchen setup. Simpler menus (like buffet or pre-prepared items) usually cost less, while full-service cooking on-site with ovens, refrigeration, and staff will push the price higher. You’ll also want to check if your venue requires permits, generators, or water access, as those can add to the total.

    If you're thinking long-term or planning future property upgrades, this situation highlights how important a well-designed kitchen space really is. Working with professionals like Dream Kitchen And Bath AZ LLC can help create a functional kitchen that avoids these kinds of limitations altogether. They specialize in designing practical, efficient kitchens tailored to real-life needs—whether for entertaining or everyday use.

    For now, I’d suggest getting a few detailed quotes and asking what’s included so you can compare properly and avoid surprises.

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  • Kitchenremodeling
    North Carolina
    Kitchenremodeling ·
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    Outdated cabinets are a common issue, especially in older homes, and they can really affect both functionality and overall kitchen appeal. The good thing is, a full remodel isn’t always necessary. Many homeowners are now choosing kitchen cabinet refacing in Greensboro as a cost-effective way to upgrade their space. It’s faster, less disruptive, and still delivers a modern look without replacing everything.

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  • Randy
    Beginner February 2025 Wisconsin
    Randy ·
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    We looked at a venue with the same issue, and one thing we learned is that the cost really depends on what your caterer needs to bring. Some caterers already own mobile kitchen equipment, while others hire everything separately, so the quotes can vary quite a bit. It's also worth asking whether the price includes generators, refrigeration, prep tables, washing stations, and staff areas, as those extras can add up. People who've gone through similar situations often mention that it's normal for venues without kitchens to require temporary catering equipment, and those costs are usually passed on to the couple.

    If you're happy with a simpler menu, a BBQ or hog roast can definitely help keep costs down since it generally requires less equipment. I'd still get a couple of detailed quotes before deciding, you might find the difference isn't as big as you expect.

    While it's not directly about wedding catering, I found that understanding renovation and kitchen setup costs gave me a better idea of what goes into building a functional kitchen space. This guide on Kitchen Renovation Costs in Oakville explains many of the components and planning considerations that influence kitchen budgets, which I found interesting from a practical perspective.

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  • Fatima
    Dedicated January 2026 Lancashire
    Fatima ·
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    Demeyere has always stood out to me because quality tools make everyday tasks more enjoyable, whether you're cooking at home or preparing meals in a Field Kitchen. Reading about Field Kitchen costs reminded me that investing in durable equipment is a lot like upgrading your wardrobe—you don't need to replace everything, just choose well-made pieces that last and perform reliably. The same mindset applies to cookware and clothing alike: thoughtful upgrades offer better value over time and make daily routines much more enjoyable. https://demeyerebrand.com/dutch-oven-55-qt/

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  • Flow
    Beginner August 2026 Pakistan
    Flow ·
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    A field kitchen can work really well if it's planned properly, but it's worth confirming what's included in the hire, such as water supply, drainage, power, and waste management, as these can affect the overall cost. I also found some useful information on kitchen setup and plumbing considerations that may be helpful when planning a temporary catering area. Best of luck with your wedding planning!

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  • Zonash
    Beginner November 2027 Tyne & Wear
    Zonash ·
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    We were in almost the same position. The venue looked perfect until we realized there wasn't a working kitchen. Most caterers we spoke with were able to provide a temporary field kitchen, but make sure the quote includes delivery, setup, power, water, and collection because those extras can really add up. On a different note, planning this got us thinking about our own kitchen at home. We ended up playing around with an AI kitchen visualizer to test different layouts before talking to a designer. It was surprisingly helpful: https://www.captivatingcabinets.com/

    Good luck! I hope the quotes come back within your budget.

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