How much wedding food per guest?
Wedding portions differ from a regular dinner: guests graze during cocktail hour, buffets encourage larger plates, and late-night snacks are increasingly expected. Here's how to plan by service style.
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
One 1×2×4 inch slice per guest. For 150 guests, a three-tier 10\"/8\"/6\" cake serves the room; add a small display cake for photos.
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.
Plan your reception
Use the Wedding Food Calculator for a full appetizer + meal + cake breakdown.
Open wedding calculator