How much should we spend on food?

Question

We are just having a buffet because we cannot afford a sit down meal, and if everyone we invite comes we are looking at around 100 people. We have not got a very large budget and the venue we are having the reception in has a list of about 8 approved caterers we must choose one of. We know it is best to get food for less people then there are coming because there is always some wastage at the end of weddings. Most buffets range from a minimum of £10 per head up to £15 per head. To work it out, roughly for how many people should we order food for? Thank you

Answer 1

I hate to say this, but I've always heard to count for an overage for food.  So if you are anticipating 100 guest, plan for 110.  You still feed the DJ, Minister/Priest/Reverend/etc., photographer, and account for people taking more of certain buffet items.  

The worst possible thing to do at a wedding is run out of food.

If possible,  find another item to save money on.  Weddings are often remembered by the food.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You should be able to give them a final number 2-4 weeks before, you shouldn't have to estimate now.

Answer 3

You should ALWAYS err. on the generous side,....not the careful side..if you under order you'll be embarrased....you ought to order a buffet for 100 people at £10.00 per head. They wont go over the top and have a lot of wastage.

Answer 4

Tell them to bring thier own. Its not only cheaper that way,and if it runs out it isn't your fault.

Answer 5

We have invited 100 people to our reception it is a finger buffet with 10 items on the menu and it's £14 a head.... (it better be good food for that price !!!!!) any way we are catering for 100 too, i think it's better to have to much food rather than not enough. To keep costs down we are using the wedding cake as pudding because that was an extra £2 per person too. If there is food left over people can take it home in doggy bags if they wish.

Good luck on your big day x  

Answer 6

I've always heard that buffets are more expensive than a sit down dinner.  You might want to price it both ways.  It makes sense to me that a pre-portioned and put on a plate in front of you dinner would cost less than people serving themselves huge portions from a buffet causing you to need much more food.  And I'd be sure to order some extra either which way you go because to run out of food would be terribly embarassing!

Answer 7

well we are having 100 people so we are paying £12 per head for 100 people.  we are not having deserts as we have ordered a chocolate fountain and we will also have the wedding cake and a candy buffet so there will be enough sweets there.