How Many People Should You Cater For?
One of the most common questions when planning an event is “How many people should I cater for?” It’s crucial to get the numbers right, whether you’re hosting a small intimate gathering, a corporate event, or a large celebration. At Peppercorn Catering Tauranga, we specialize in helping you cater the perfect amount for your guests, ensuring everyone is satisfied without food waste or shortages.
Key Considerations for Catering:
Here are a few factors to consider when determining how much food to cater for your event:
1. Guest Count
The first step is to know how many people are attending. Make sure to collect RSVPs in advance, but always plan for a few extra guests. It’s better to have a little more food than to run short, especially for larger events.
2. Type of Event
Different events require different amounts of food:
- Cocktail Party: If your event focuses on mingling with light bites, plan for 4–6 finger foods per guest for each hour.
- Corporate Meetings or Luncheons: Guests may not eat as much but still expect variety. Opt for platters with a range of lighter, convenient options like sandwiches and wraps.
- Formal Events or Dinner Parties: Plan for a larger meal with a main dish, sides, and dessert. If a seated meal, more food is generally required than for casual events.
3. Duration of the Event
The longer your event, the more food you’ll need. For instance, if you’re hosting a three-hour event, aim for 8–10 bites per person. For half-day or full-day events, make sure you have enough food for multiple rounds of service.
4. Types of Eaters
Consider your guests’ eating habits. Do you expect a lot of small eaters or a group of hearty eaters? For mixed groups, you can balance lighter items with more filling dishes, making sure to accommodate a variety of appetites.
5. Dietary Preferences
Always account for special dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and keto options. This ensures that all guests, no matter their preferences, feel welcome and can enjoy the meal.
Basic Catering Guide:
Here’s a quick guide to help you determine how much food to order based on guest count and event type:
- Light Appetizers (Cocktail Party): 4–6 bites per person per hour.
- Moderate Appetizers (2–4 hour event): 8–10 bites per person.
- Full Meal (Buffet or Seated): Plan for a starter, main, and dessert for each guest.
- Dessert-Only Event: Offer 1–3 dessert items per person.
For finger food and platters, we recommend:
- Small Platter: Perfect for 10–12 people.
- Medium Platter: Serves 12–15 people.
- Large Platter: Ideal for 15–18 people.
For larger groups, simply add more platters or consider a mix of finger foods and larger meal options to ensure everyone is satisfied.
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re still unsure, we’re here to help! Our team at Peppercorn Catering Tauranga can guide you through the process, helping you select the right amount of food for your event. From intimate gatherings to large functions, we have experience in catering to all types of events, ensuring your guests are well-fed and happy.
Contact us today to discuss your catering needs or explore our Platter Size Calculator below for a quick and easy way to figure out how much food you’ll need.
Don't forget your vegetarians, vegans and gluten free guests. Check out our dietary Requirements menu