I need help estimating how much food to buy for my daughters wedding reception.
We want cake, fruit, cheese, finger sandwiches, dips, etc.

So many things factor into that decision... particularly the time of day. Will people arrive expecting snacks or a meal? Also, remember that it is better to have several really good choices than many OK foods. The more the menu varies the more you will need/spend. People will want to try everything so, for example, if you offer 4 types of sandwich instead of 2 types you will have to buy twice as many sandwiches.

Same goes with beverages - offer limited but popular options. If you are serving beer pick 2 very different brands. If you are serving wine, offer 1 white and 1 red - not various kinds of white and red.

Is you cake coming from a bakery? Is it a "wedding cake"? Most wedding cakes are ordered in tiers, but paid for by the slice. Most bakers estimate a slice to be 3 inches thick which is more than anyone would ever eat.

I have a catering/event planning business and have lots of experience with this. If you provide me with more info - time of day, time of year, indoor or outdoor, number of guests, age range of guests - I would be happy to help you.

The wedding is a 2p.m. A friend is making the cake. We will have a small cake with a number of sheet cakes in the kitchen that will be brought out to the table several at a time after the bride and groom cut the show cake. We want to have a sherbert punch, mixed nuts, cream cheese mints (also made by a friend), finger sandwiches (I heard that Walmart makes these, I would like to have fresh fruit and cheese, etc. I just don't know how to buy for 300.

We expect around 300 guest to a wedding reception. We plan to serve a sherbert punch
Cake ( being made by a friend ) cream cheese mints ( also being made by a friend ), nuts
Fruit, cheese and crackers, finger sandwiches ( Wal-mart, I was told cateres these) but I do not know how to estimate the amount to buy. Can you help with this? Wedding is 9/13/08 @ 2:00p Thanks

Wow! 300 people. You are going to be exhausted! ;)

I would suggest calling catering companies, and ask if they have any suggestions for such a large crowd. Most, if they want to give good customer service, will give you some tips on this.

Check out this link I found.



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Good Luck, and get lots of rest... you'll need it! ;)

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you - I'm having a crazy week. I will get back to you with some suggestions in the next few days.