How Much Catering Food Should You Order Per Person?

Ordering too little leaves guests hungry. Ordering too much wastes money. The right amount depends on the meal, the time of day, and the crowd, so start with the type of event before you start counting plates.

Decide if it is a meal or a snack

A lunch or dinner where food is the main event needs a full main dish, sides, and something to share. A reception or open house where people are mostly standing and talking can be built around dips, wraps, and smaller plates. Say which one you are planning when you ask for a quote.

Use headcount as the starting point

Begin with the number of guests who will eat, not the number invited. Many people will skip a sit-down event or leave early. If you are not sure, ask for a bit more of the main dish and keep the sides flexible. Leftovers from a shawarma spread are easy to share with the team the next day.

Account for mixed diets

If a third of your group is vegetarian, do not split one tray. Order a separate falafel or hummus line so those guests have plenty of choice. A balanced spread of chicken shawarma, falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, and fresh vegetables gives everyone something to fill up on.

Let us size the order with you

Tell us the date, the time, the number of guests, and whether it is a lunch or dinner. We can help you build a setup that fits. Call (412) 251-1279 or use the catering inquiry form.