How many plates should I get?

Question

I'm expecting to have 300 people at my wedding, but I dont know how many plates I should get. They always say you might invite a certain amount of people but everybody is not going to show up. Im going to have a buffet and I was thinking about getting 400 plates. But should I get more.

Answer 1

The general population is getting really bad at RSVPing.  If you think 300 at least go to 325. At least 10% do not show up.  As a former caterer I would never have had 400 plates for a 300 party.  If you are quite sure of the 300 you would be safe at 350, some people may take two plates.

Answer 2

Get 600 because if someone wants a sandwiich say and a pudding then the dont want crumbs in their maerangue!

Answer 3

In My Opinion You Can't Go Wrong With Going With Buying 400+, Better To Be On The Safe Side For Any Unexpected Guests etc.

But On The More Practical Side, Not Everyone Wants To Eat So 300 Should Be Enough

(Have  A Nice Wedding.)

^.^

Answer 4

When you say "Plates" do you mean different types of food dishes?  or are you speaking of actual plates for the people to eat out of?   if you send out 200 invitations that is actually 400 people including spouses... they say to expect half.  But you should make sure your initiation has an RSVP date to reply by - either by phone, fax, email or snail mail - to make it easy for everyone - then you will know exactly how many people are coming.  If they don't reply until after your deadline date you'll have to either call the caterer and add them or say I'm so sorry but we have already ordered the food and are unable to make changed after the deadline date.

Answer 5

usually less show up, if you got 300 i think it would be plenty.

Answer 6

better to have too much than not enough right.....

Answer 7

ask the caterer how many they will cook for and go rom there

Answer 8

If you are expecting 300 people, having at least 400 isn't a bad idea, just in case something unexpected comes up.