Food Order Calculator

Determine the right amount of food to order for your event or gathering

Calculate Food Quantities

Vegetarian %
Vegan %
Gluten-Free %
Dairy-Free %
Total: 38% (can exceed 100% for overlapping preferences)
Children %
Adults %
Seniors %
Total: 100%
%
Additional food to account for unexpected guests or higher consumption

Recommended Food Order

Main Course

Item Quantity Notes

Side Dishes

Item Quantity Notes

Appetizers

Item Quantity Notes

Desserts

Item Quantity Notes

Beverages

Item Quantity Notes

Special Dietary Options

Dietary Need Recommended Items Quantity
Important Notes

Food Ordering Tips

Standard Portion Sizes

Food Type Portion Size
Main Course (Meat) 5-8 oz per person
Side Dishes 4 oz per person per side
Appetizers (Served) 3-5 pieces per person
Appetizers (Buffet) 7-10 pieces per person
Salad 1 cup per person
Dessert 1 serving per person
Non-Alcoholic Beverages 16 oz per hour per person

Reducing Food Waste

  • Consider hiring a caterer who can help with portion control
  • Have a plan for leftovers (donation, take-home containers)
  • Serve food in smaller batches and refill as needed
  • Choose foods that can be repurposed or frozen if not consumed
  • Consider a buffet with smaller plates to reduce over-serving
Pro Tip

For multi-hour events, consider staggering food service. Serve appetizers first, then main courses, followed by desserts. This helps manage food freshness and keeps guests engaged throughout the event.

Food Order Planning Guide

Planning food quantities for events requires balancing guest satisfaction with budget constraints and minimizing waste. This guide will help you make informed decisions when ordering food for your next event.

Factors Affecting Food Quantities

  • Event Duration: Longer events typically require more food
  • Time of Day: Evening events generally require more substantial food than morning events
  • Guest Demographics: Age, gender, and activity level affect consumption
  • Service Style: Buffets typically require more food than plated meals
  • Menu Variety: More options often lead to higher consumption
  • Alcohol Service: Events with alcohol typically increase food consumption
  • Weather: Hot weather may decrease appetite, while cold weather increases it

Common Catering Styles

  • Plated Service: Pre-determined portions, less waste, more formal
  • Buffet: Self-service, requires 25-30% more food, casual to formal
  • Family Style: Shared platters at tables, moderate waste, casual to semi-formal
  • Stations: Multiple food stations with different cuisines, moderate waste, casual to formal
  • Passed Hors d'oeuvres: Servers circulate with appetizers, good for cocktail parties

Special Dietary Considerations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Always offer plant-based options
  • Gluten-Free: Consider alternatives to wheat-based items
  • Dairy-Free: Offer non-dairy alternatives
  • Allergies: Label foods clearly and avoid cross-contamination
  • Religious Restrictions: Be aware of kosher, halal, or other religious dietary needs
  • Children's Options: Consider simpler options for younger guests

Seasonal Considerations

  • Summer Events: Lighter foods, cold options, more hydration
  • Winter Events: Heartier foods, warm options, comfort dishes
  • Seasonal Produce: Using in-season ingredients improves quality and reduces cost
  • Holiday Themes: Consider traditional foods for holiday-themed events

Event-Specific Recommendations

Corporate Events

Focus on easy-to-eat foods that don't interrupt networking. Consider dietary restrictions carefully as attendees may not know each other well enough to swap meals. Time-efficient service is crucial.

Weddings

Balance crowd-pleasers with personal favorites. Consider the timeline carefully - guests may be hungrier if there's a long gap between ceremony and reception. Offer late-night snacks for extended celebrations.

Casual Gatherings

Potluck-style can reduce costs and increase variety. For hosted events, focus on crowd-pleasers and easy preparation. Consider make-ahead dishes to reduce day-of stress.

Sustainability Tips

Consider these eco-friendly approaches to food ordering and service:

  • Use reusable or compostable serving ware
  • Partner with caterers who source locally and sustainably
  • Arrange for food donation of untouched leftovers
  • Offer composting for food scraps
  • Choose seasonal, local ingredients when possible