When planning to feed a large crowd, whether a family reunion or a wedding, one of the most common mistakes people make is misreading the amount of food required for all attending guests. Sometimes people order too much food, while others not enough; and both situations are a disaster for any event host. Ordering too much food blows your budget, and wastes money that could have been spent on other event-planning needs, like music, linens, flowers, and china. Ordering too little food can leave your guests hungry, agitated, and eager to leave. Furthermore, it can make your event appear poorly-planned.

So how does one know the appropriate amount of food to order for their event? Fortunately, there are many methods you can use to ensure your event has just the right amount of food for your guests. Continue reading to learn some tips for your next catered event!

In order to plan the right amount of food for your party, you need to start by consulting with your Georgia catering company. Their professional catering coordinators will sit down with you to fully define your event in detail and ensure they are well-versed in your vision.

To plan for the right amount of food, together you will take 3 important factors into consideration:

❶ Number of Guests
❷ Length of Event
❸ Type of Event

These factors will guide you and your catering director in the right direction to figure out just how much food your guests will need. For example, if you are hosting a casual cocktail party that is meant to last a few hours, you will not need much food. In contrast, if you are planning a family reunion, you will likely need to prepare to feed a lot of people for several hours. In another example, if you are hosting a late-night cocktail party, you likely will not need more than a series of Hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, while a work picnic may require a full course of food and beverage items.

Your caterer will have all the information and knowledge needed to prepare the perfect amount of food for your event. If you are planning to cook all the food yourself, just be sure that each person receives enough food to keep them satiated for the duration of your event. Here is a quick reference guide you can refer to:

Mid-Day Lunch Events:

2 to 4 Appetizers per Person
5 oz. Main Entree per Person
2 to 3 Sides per Person (at least one starch and one vegetable)
1 to 2 beverages per Person

Dinner Events:

3 to 5 Appetizers/Hors D’oeuvres per Person
1 Soup or Salad per Person
7 oz. Main Entree per Person
3 Sides per Person (at least one starch and one vegetable)
2 to 3 Beverages per Person (alcohol, tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, etc.)
2 Servings of Dessert per Person

Georgia Event Catering

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional event catering in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding areas, including Peach Tree City, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and more. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, and events. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a free estimate, today!