Expert: Teri Davis Newman - 3/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: Good morning, and thanks for providing this service to people!!  I am having 80 people at my wedding and have no idea how much to serve.  We are getting married at 7 p.m., so eating will begin around 8:00ish.  We are serving little croissant sandwiches, a veggie tray (carrots, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, black olives, green olives, pickles), and potato chips for the "main course."  We have a chocolate fountain with which we are serving 6 or 7 items (strawberries, pineapple, marshmallows, nutter butters, etc.).  We also will have wedding cake.  I may also do a spinach dip, but the jury is still out on that idea.  The sandwiches will be purchased on a platter that serves a certain number - how do I know whether the tray will serve 16 or 20 (if it says serves 16-20)?  How much veggies, chips, and chocolate fountain food am I going to need?  Also, I need help with drinks.  We are serving beer and some hard liquor (3 choices).  We also will have pop, coffee, iced tea, punch, and water.  Any information you can give me would be GREATLY appreciated!  Thankyouthankyouthankyou!  Victoria

ANSWER: A lot depends on what type of party and
what time of day. Share that with me and
I'll give you some quantities.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We are getting married at 7 p.m., so eating will begin around 8:00ish.

Answer
OK, that's late for dinner so you will probably want to have some substantial food as people will be REALLY hungry by then. You will need 1.5 sandwiches per person, a veggie tray from the deli that will serve 85-100, 3 oz of chips per person and 4 oz of dip per person. Get your wedding cake from Wal-mart--it will serve everyone for $110 and you will not believe how good it will be!  
When a platter says it will serve 16-20 it varies depending on if they are big eaters or not. Your guests will be HUNGRY since it will be late for dinner so assume the smaller amound.
If you need further assistance, I'm here for you!