How to Calculate Food Portions
There are lots to think about when hosting an event that involves serving food, whether it is a barbeque, corporate party, wedding or just an office lunch.
One of the most common, and most challenging things to think about is ensuring there is enough food for the entire party to enjoy.
As a host, it is your job to organise the food, order the correct portions and ensure there is enough to keep the entire party satisfied and you are not wasting too much food (or money).
Guessing the correct portion poses a huge risk for your event, and just doesn’t cut it. This guide will provide you with the top tips for calculating food portions that will ensure your success at your next event.
Catering Portion Size Guide
There are different factors you must consider when calculating portion sizes, including the size of the event, the type of event, the length of the event, the budget, the type of cuisine required and dietary requirements. These factors must be requested and fully understood before ordering any food.
No one formula will calculate the food portions needed for an event, however, there are some general rules and guidelines that once you are familiar with, can help you serve the best food. The more events you host, the more you will become familiar with how to order enough food.
The type of event is vital – as the quantity will vary greatly, for example, from a corporate buffet to a sit-down meal at a wedding. Buffets require more food as people will pick and choose as they like, whereas a sit-down meal will require one meal per person.
As a rule of thumb, there should always be:
- More main dishes than side dishes
- Always round up your numbers, never round them down
- People tend you eat a lot more at buffets
- Always prepare for last-minute changes or unexpected attendees
For example, if you take an event with 50 guests, here is how you can work out the amount of food you need.
Appetizers
If only finger food is being served, it is recommended you have approximately 5-8 appetizers per person, per hour. For a party of 50, you will therefore require 250-400. If there is a meal to be served, then this number can be cut back to 3-4 per person, per hour, which therefore equates to 150-200 appetizers required.
Meals
On some occasions, such as weddings, you will likely know the exact number of meals required as they are typically agreed in advance. Even if this is the case, it is a good idea to have a few extras on hand just in case, especially the most popular meals. For a party of 50 where you are offering a choice of meals, it is important to predict which one will be popular, so you can stock a larger supply of that meal. Side dishes are usually four ounces of each dish, so for 50 guests, you would need around 200 ounces of each.
Salad
For salads such as pasta or potato-based, the general rule of thumb is 2 gallons for every 50 guests. For leafy green salads, around 50 cups is required for 50 guests.
Fresh fruit
It is recommended that there are 25 cups of fresh fruit for a party of 50.
Desserts
These should be calculated as single servings, so for a party of 50, you will need 50 servings.
Things to Consider When Hosting your Party
To help you calculate portion sizes more accurately, there are some important things you need to consider when hosting your event. Not only do you need to consider the number of people attending the event, but also the length of the event, your budget, the presence of children and any allergies your guests may have. Here are some of the most important factors to help you get started.
How Long is the Event?
It is important that you roughly estimate how long the event you are planning will last, as this will significantly impact the amount of food required, especially if appetizers are being served, or a buffet. If you are hosting a corporate lunch, then less food will be required as time is limited, compared to a wedding buffet, where people could be snacking all evening long.
What is your Budget?
Your budget plays a significant role in hosting a party. The amount of food required will increase the more guests there are, and the longer the event is. So when you take into consideration what your budget is, it will help you decide whether a sit-down meal or a buffet is the most suitable option.
Are there Children Attending?
If children are attending your event, then this can change the food that is required. If possible, try to find out what the children like to eat, and if there are any dietary requirements. Children tend to be a lot fussier than adults, and they will eat less. This means that in most cases, you may be able to serve smaller portions of the adult meals, with just a few alternative options. If there is a buffet, make sure you have some options for children, such as chips, crisps, salads, chicken, etc. It shouldn’t be too much of an issue if there are a few children, but if it is a family event, it is best to speak to your caterer to consider the best options available for you.
Do any of your Guests have Allergies?
One of the most important things that needs to be considered when planning a party where food is involved, is allergies. Make sure you ask your guests as early as possible, so it can be taken into consideration when planning the food with the caterer. This is because not only do you have to ensure you provide them with the food they can eat, but it also needs to be considered by the caterer in the preparation, cooking, and serving to avoid cross-contamination.
Contact Faze Caterers to Supply your Party Food!
If you are hosting an event and want to serve exquisite food for your guests, then contact Faze Caterers who will be able to help you plan the event of the century.
