How much wedding food per guest?

Cocktail hour appetizers

Plan 4–6 appetizer bites per guest for a 60-minute cocktail hour before dinner, or 8–10 pieces if apps replace a plated meal.

Plated dinner

Standard plated portions: 5–7 oz protein, 4 oz starch, 4 oz vegetable per guest. Offer at least one vegetarian entrée; expect 10–15% of guests to choose it.

Buffet dinner

Buffets require 15% more food than plated because guests self-serve. Plan 6–8 oz protein per guest across 2 options, 5 oz starch, 5 oz vegetables, plus salad and bread.

Cake and desserts

Order one agreed bakery serving per confirmed guest when cake is the only dessert. Cake dimensions, tier height and cutting style change the yield substantially, so use the baker's documented serving chart rather than assuming that one tier configuration always serves the same crowd.

Bar and coffee

Estimate 2 drinks per guest for the first hour and 1 per hour after. Coffee: 60–70% of guests will take a cup after dinner.

Method and responsibility

PortionPal Food Calculators maintains this planning guide. Confirm attendance, vendor meals, dietary requirements, serving sizes and venue rules with the caterer; the calculator is an estimate, not a catering contract. For buffets, follow FDA safe-buffet guidance.

Reviewed after the methodology and calculator consistency audit: 16 July 2026.