Planning a wedding is an exercise in meticulous attention to detail. Every element, from the colour scheme to the seating arrangements, must be carefully considered to ensure a seamless experience. Among these essential components, the food stands out as a pivotal factor that can significantly impact the overall success of the event.
Ensuring the right quantity of food is crucial—not only to prevent wastage and excess costs but also to avoid the catastrophe of not having enough to feed your guests. This is where engaging a professional wedding caterer can prove invaluable for a stress-free celebration. Although there isn’t a universal formula for determining food quantities, the following guide offers valuable insights to help with your planning.
Determining the Number of Wedding Guests
The cornerstone of all wedding planning is your guest list. This initial step influences every other detail, especially catering. Food quantities need to be calculated on a per-person basis and then extrapolated to fit the total number of guests. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
Entrées
Guests typically consume about four canapés per hour, though this can vary based on the size of the appetizers. Additionally, incorporating grazing tables where guests can help themselves to light snacks while the bridal party is having photos taken can be an excellent way to keep them satiated.
Read more: Entrée Ideas for Your Authentic Australian Wedding
Main Dishes & Meats
An average guest will consume between 170 to 226 grams of the main dish. If multiple dishes are offered, reduce this to 113 to 170 grams per person. It’s also worth considering the preferences of your guests—analyzing their origins and dietary habits can provide insight into which dishes might be more popular.
It’s imperative to account for dietary restrictions and preferences. For example, knowing the number of vegetarian guests will help you balance your menu by reducing the meat count in favour of more vegetables.
Side Dishes
Opting for three side dishes is generally recommended. Each guest will require a serving between 113 and 170 grams per side dish. This quantity can be adjusted if the main course offerings are extensive, or conversely increased if the main options are limited.
Fruits & Salads
Offering about one cup of fruits and salads per person is usually sufficient. Pay attention to fruit selection; avoid those that spoil quickly, like bananas. White fruits can be rinsed in acidic juices to prevent browning. Ensure you know which fruits to prepare the night before and which to cut the morning of the event.
Rolls, Bread, & Dessert
Plan for one slice of wedding cake per guest, with one to two pieces of rolls or bread each being sufficient. If a variety of dessert options are available, you can decrease the serving size per dessert to manage costs more efficiently. A dessert buffet can also help in reducing the expenses associated with a traditional wedding cake.
Additional Considerations
Don’t forget to tailor your offerings to special guest categories like children, who may prefer separate beverages. Estimate that an adult guest will consume approximately 453 grams of beverages. Also, include your vendors, such as the DJ and photographer, in your calculations to ensure everyone is adequately fed.
At Impressions Catering, we specialise in transforming your wedding into an unforgettable experience by meticulously managing every detail of your catering needs. Our expert team ensures that your menu is perfectly tailored and accurately portioned, leaving no room for stress or wastage. Contact us today to start planning the culinary aspect of your flawless wedding.
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