Expert: Patty Sachs - 4/19/2009

Question
my neice is inviting around 150 people to her wedding, what is the historic rate of attendance per invitations sent? the wedding is on halloween and we are planning on making the food ourselves.

Answer
Dear Saletta;

She might have a better than average turnout since it is on Halloween, a holiday that is festive and people are accustomed to going out on that night--plus the novelty of such an event.

A usual percentage would be about 80% but as I say, she may get more like 85%.  Then remember that a small percentage of those who say they will attend, do not, for one reason or another--illness, etc.

I am sending along a list of good sites for determining  food quantities to help you further.

Links for determining food quantities:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16274000.tip.html

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/Determining-Food-Quantities-When-...

http://entertaining.about.com/cs/recipesandmenus/a/foodquantity.htm

http://www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/quicklook.html

http://www.partyplansplus.com/quantities.htm

Best of luck to the bride and groom...for a Spooktacular Wedding! (couldn't resist)  Tell them to have fun.

Patty sachs
www.PartyPlansPlus.com