Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and deciding how much food to order can be a tricky part of the process. While some people recommend ordering a few extra meals to be safe, others suggest that this is unnecessary, as caterers are professionals who plan for a little extra food and will have a good idea of how much food is needed. The type of meal you choose to serve at your wedding will also impact how much food you need to order. For example, a buffet may require more food than a plated dinner, as guests are more likely to overserve themselves. Ultimately, the decision of how much food to order for a wedding depends on various factors, including the number of guests, the type of food being served, and the expertise of the caterer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of extra meals to order | 5-8 extra meals, depending on the cost per plate |
| Ordering extra meals for vendors | Yes, vendors should be fed a hot meal, especially if they are working for the majority of the day |
| Caterers' preparation of extra meals | Most caterers prepare a small cushion of extra meals, ranging from 5-10% more than the final headcount |
| Portion sizes | 3-6 ounces for side dishes; 4-6 ounces for main dishes; 1 slice per person for dessert cakes |
| Alcohol | 1 bottle of wine per 2 people per hour; 2 bottles of beer per person per hour |
| Appetizers | 3-8 pieces per person per hour |
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What You'll Learn
Ordering extra meals depends on the type of food being served
Ordering extra meals for a wedding can be a tricky task, and it largely depends on the type of food being served. If you're planning a buffet, it's important to consider that people will likely serve themselves larger portions than they would at a plated dinner. In this case, it might be wise to order slightly more food to account for this. However, some caterers may already plan for this by providing larger portions per person.
If you're offering multiple cuisines or a variety of dishes at your buffet, it's likely that guests will want to sample a little of everything. In this case, you may need to order more food overall to ensure there is enough of each dish. On the other hand, if you're serving a plated dinner, the portions are predetermined, and your caterer should be able to ensure there is enough food without needing to order extra.
The time of day can also impact how much extra food you need to order. For a daytime wedding, you may be able to serve lighter foods and smaller portions. Appetizers may not be necessary, but if you do offer them, consider providing three to six pieces per person per hour, depending on the length of the reception before the main meal. For an evening wedding, you may need to serve heartier dishes and account for alcohol consumption, which can affect how much food is consumed.
It's also important to consider the vendors who will be working at your wedding for the majority of the day. They should be provided with a meal, and this will add to the overall headcount for catering. Some caterers may include vendor meals as part of their service, but it's important to confirm this in advance.
Lastly, don't forget to account for dietary restrictions and allergies. If you know that some of your guests have specific dietary needs, you may need to order extra of those specialised meals to ensure there is enough for everyone.
In summary, the decision to order extra meals depends on various factors, including the type of food, time of day, number of guests, and the presence of vendors. It's always better to have a little too much food than not enough, but with careful planning and communication with your caterer, you can ensure a delightful dining experience for all.
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Buffets may require extra meals to be ordered
When it comes to wedding buffets, it's important to consider that guests will likely serve themselves, which can lead to uneven portion sizes and even food running out. Therefore, it is generally recommended to order extra meals or account for a certain percentage of extras.
Some venues and caterers automatically make a small percentage of extra food, typically around 5% to 10% above the final guest count. This helps to ensure that there is enough food for everyone, even if some guests go back for seconds. It's a good idea to confirm this with your caterer and understand their policies regarding extras.
If your caterer does not automatically include extras, it is generally advisable to order some additional meals. The number of extras can vary depending on your guest list and budget. A common recommendation is to order 15% above your guest count to ensure there is enough food. For example, if you have 50 guests, ordering 65 meals would likely be sufficient.
It's worth noting that some people may not show up even if they have RSVP'd, so you may not need to order a full extra meal for each potential guest. Additionally, consider other factors such as the time of day and whether you are serving appetizers and side dishes, as these can impact how much food your guests will consume.
Lastly, don't forget to account for vendor meals! Wedding professionals who are onsite for the duration of the event, such as photographers, should be provided with a meal. This can be the same meal as the guests, or some caterers may have a standard vendor meal option.
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Caterers often account for a small cushion
It is a well-known fact that caterers often account for a small cushion when preparing food for events such as weddings. This means that they will prepare slightly more food than the exact number of confirmed guests, usually around 5-10% extra. This cushion serves as a buffer in case of last-minute cancellations, no-shows, or unexpected guests. It also allows for potential errors, such as dropped plates or incorrect sauce on a dish.
While it is not necessary to order extra meals specifically, it is a good idea to provide your caterer with an accurate headcount, including confirmed guests and vendors who will be on-site for the duration of the event. This will help them determine the appropriate amount of food to prepare, taking into account their standard cushion.
In terms of specific numbers, it is recommended to order around 5-8 extra meals, especially if the cost per plate is not excessively high. This provides peace of mind and covers any potential additional attendees or unexpected errors. However, it is generally not advisable to double the headcount when ordering food, as this often results in a significant amount of waste.
When planning the menu, it's essential to consider the type of service, time of day, and the preferences of your guests. For example, a daytime reception may require lighter foods and fewer appetizers, while a buffet-style service may need larger portions to accommodate guests' tendencies to overserve themselves. It's also important to remember that not everyone will eat cake, so ordering extra cake servings is usually unnecessary.
Ultimately, caterers are professionals who have extensive experience in managing food quantities for weddings and other events. They will work with you to ensure there is enough food for your guest count, including any required cushion. Communicate your expectations clearly, and trust their expertise to make your wedding a success.
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Don't forget to feed your vendors
When planning a wedding, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of deciding on a menu for your guests and forget about meals for your vendors. But don't worry; this is a common oversight, and there are simple ways to ensure your vendors are well-fed without causing yourself unnecessary stress.
First, it's important to identify which vendors will require meals. Any vendor who will be onsite for the majority of the event should be included. This typically encompasses a range of professionals, from bakers and bartenders to photographers and event coordinators. Vendors who are only present for a short time, such as musicians or officiants, are usually not expected to be provided with a meal. Your wedding planner or coordinator can help you navigate this and ensure that everyone who needs to be has been included in the headcount for vendor meals.
When deciding what food to provide for your vendors, you have a few options. Many catering companies offer a standard vendor meal, or they may simply serve the same food as your guests, as they often have extra portions available. It's a good idea to check with your caterer about their standard practice so that you can plan accordingly. If you wish to provide your vendors with the same meal as your guests, keep in mind that this may not always be possible, especially if you're serving expensive dishes like lobster or steak. In such cases, a separate vendor meal buffet can be arranged. Regardless of the meal chosen, it's essential to account for any dietary restrictions and preferences, such as hot or cold meals, and ensure that your vendors are well-nourished, especially if they've been working since early morning.
In terms of quantities, it's a good idea to order slightly more than your confirmed guest count to accommodate potential no-shows or last-minute cancellations. This buffer can also help feed any additional vendors you may have overlooked in your initial headcount. Most caterers will plan for a small cushion, typically around 5-10% extra, to account for these scenarios. However, if you're concerned about having too many leftovers, you can opt to contact guests who haven't RSVP'd to get a more precise number for your caterer.
Lastly, remember that vendor meals are an important part of your wedding's catering order and should be included in your wedding budget. Feeding your vendors is not only a kind gesture but also a practical one, ensuring they have the energy to deliver their best work throughout your special day.
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Ordering extra meals depends on the cost per plate
Ordering extra meals for your wedding can be a tricky decision, especially when considering the cost per plate. While you want to ensure there is enough food for your guests, you also don't want to incur unnecessary expenses. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to order extra meals:
Cost per plate
The cost of each meal plays a significant role in your decision. If the cost per plate is relatively low, you may feel more comfortable ordering a few extra meals as a precaution. On the other hand, if the cost per plate is high, you may need to be more conservative with your ordering. For example, if the cost per plate is upwards of $50, ordering 4-5 extra meals might be more reasonable than ordering 8.
Number of confirmed guests
Consider the number of guests who have confirmed their attendance. If you have a large number of confirmed guests, the likelihood of a few no-shows is higher, and you may not need to order many extra meals. However, if your guest list is smaller, the impact of a few unexpected attendees could be more significant, and ordering a few extra meals might be a good idea.
Type of catering
The type of catering you choose can also influence your decision. If you opt for a plated dinner, your caterers will prepare a specific number of plates, and it may be more challenging to accommodate unexpected guests. On the other hand, a buffet-style dinner might offer more flexibility, as guests can serve themselves, and it may be easier to manage portions.
Caterer's policy
Different caterers may have different policies regarding extra meals. Some caterers may automatically include a small buffer, such as 5-10% extra meals, to account for any unexpected guests or last-minute cancellations. Others may charge per head but only prepare enough for the exact number of guests provided, leaving you to decide whether to order extra meals. Be sure to clarify this with your caterer to understand their approach.
Leftovers and take-home options
Consider whether you or your guests would like to keep any leftovers after the wedding. Some caterers may not allow this for health and safety reasons, while others may be more flexible. If you can keep leftovers, you may be more inclined to order extra meals, knowing that any unused food won't go to waste.
Other food options
Remember to factor in other food options at your wedding, such as appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. These can help fill your guests and may reduce the need to order a substantial number of extra meals. Additionally, consider whether you will be serving any late-night snacks or breakfast the next day, especially if your wedding continues into the early morning hours.
In conclusion, when deciding whether to order extra meals for your wedding, carefully consider the cost per plate, the number of confirmed guests, the type of catering, your caterer's policies, and your preferences regarding leftovers. While you want to ensure there is enough food, ordering extra meals should be a thoughtful decision that takes into account various factors to strike a balance between hospitality and financial prudence.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not necessary to order extra meals for your wedding. Most caterers will automatically make a little extra food to account for any breakages or last-minute cancellations. If you are concerned, it is worth checking with your caterer to see what their policy is.
The amount of food you order will depend on the number of guests you have, the time of day of your wedding, and the type of food you are serving. For a daytime wedding, you can serve lighter foods and smaller portions. For an evening wedding, you may need to order more food and account for alcohol consumption.
Yes, it is standard to provide meals for any vendors who will be onsite for the duration of the event. This includes vendors such as bakers, bartenders, photographers, and musicians. The type of meal you provide will depend on the time of day and your budget.
There are several ways to serve food at your wedding, including a seated dinner, a buffet, or food stations. A seated dinner is typically provided by the venue and can be a cost-effective option for large guest lists. Buffets and food stations give guests more choices but may result in people overserving themselves.
As a general rule of thumb, you can plan for one bottle of wine per two people per hour and two bottles of beer per person per hour. However, this may vary depending on your guest list, so it is important to consider how many of your guests drink beer, wine, or other beverages.
