Wedding Catering Calculator

Wedding catering quantities depend on the number of guests, meal style, event duration, and time of day. Running out of food is every host’s nightmare, but over-ordering wastes money.

Per-person food guidelines for a wedding reception:

Appetizers / Cocktail Hour (1 hour):

• 6-8 pieces per person if a full meal follows
• 12-15 pieces per person if appetizers are the main food (cocktail reception)

Entrees (plated dinner):

• 1 entree per person (6-8 oz protein, sides)
• Order 5% extra to cover mistakes and last-minute additions

Entrees (buffet):

• 1.25 servings per person (people tend to take more at buffets)
• Include 3-4 protein options if possible

Side dishes:

• 4-5 oz per person per side dish
• Offer 2-3 side dishes

Salad:

• 1 cup dressed salad per person
• Or 1.5 oz undressed greens per person

Bread/rolls:

• 1.5 rolls per person

Wedding cake:

• One 4-5 inch slice per person
• A 3-tier cake (6", 9", 12") serves approximately 70-80 guests
• A 4-tier cake (6", 8", 10", 12") serves approximately 100-120 guests
• Many couples also offer a dessert bar or additional sweets

Beverages:

• 1 drink per person per hour of the event
• A 4-hour reception = plan for 4 drinks per guest
• Non-alcoholic options: 2-3 servings per person

Seasonal and time-of-day adjustments:

• Evening weddings: full meals expected, guests eat more
• Afternoon weddings: lighter fare acceptable, 20% less food
• Summer: more beverages, lighter food
• Winter: heartier dishes, hot options