The most common question we get about catering is, 'How much food do I need?' Order too little and people go hungry. Order too much and you're eating leftovers for a week. Here's the simple guide we use.
Meat
- 1/3 pound of cooked meat per adult if you serve one meat
- 1/2 pound per adult if it's the main event, like a wedding
- Half as much for kids under 10
Sides
Plan on about 4 ounces of each side per person. Two sides is plenty for a lunch. Three sides works well for dinner or big appetites.
Don't forget
- Rolls or buns for sandwiches
- Extra sauce, because people always want more
- Sweet tea and water
- Dessert, like banana pudding
Time of day matters
People eat more at dinner than at lunch, and more at outdoor events than indoor ones. If you're not sure, round up a little.
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