[Benet]

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

[jjwoodhull]

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.

[Benet]

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.

[Benet]

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

[starbuck8]

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! ;)

[jjwoodhull]

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.