Event Planning Guide: Optimal Food and Beverage Quantities

Determining the right amount of food and drink is essential to eliminating the guesswork from planning an event. Here’s a guide with clear measures, focusing on the basics.

If your event overlaps meal times and lasts over two hours, aim for 10–15 plates of appetizers or dishes per person. This applies to both appetizers and main dishes.

When meal times have passed and the event is held during reception or cocktail hours, plan for five to seven bites per person per hour. This guideline is suitable for both shorter and longer gatherings.

For drinks, plan on two per person in the first hour and one drink for each succeeding hour. This applies to both alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Always ensure you have a good mix of both, especially non-alcoholic options like water, juice, or soda.

Adding an extra 10% to your provisions will prepare you for unexpected guests or higher consumption—no matter what. You can also adjust this figure based on what you know about your guests and their past behavior at events, thus enhancing both guest satisfaction and cost management.

And remember, If you need help with event catering services and corporate meal plans in South Florida, we’ve got you covered.

For any assistance required regarding Catering services, feel free to reach out to our specialized team at VNV Events

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