In my state, each trip to a restaurant buffet requires a new plate and that habit carries over to private functions too. I don't have a rule of thumb number for you. But if that's the norm for your area and you plan that everyone would want seconds, you'd probably be safe and have some extra.
I'd plan to order way more than you need, like at least 200. You want to have extras on hand in case people want a clean plate for each trip, they drop their plate, they forget they already have one... It's just easier. If you're buying rather than renting, you can resell them after the wedding to recoup your costs.
Sometimes I feel like people think that brides are delicate little flower princesses who get all dressed up and pretty for one special moment of their dreams, when really they're just normal people who just happen to be getting married. Things shouldn't have to be sugar-coated for grown-ass women. -mstar284
For dinner alone, you need at least 3x the number of plates as there are guests. Each time through the buffet line is required by the local health dept to have a new plate. Then you need at least 1 plate per person for dessert, whatever you happen to be serving. Depending on what you plan to serve at your cocktail hour, you may need at least 1 plate per person, especially for stationary items that are not passed.
Re: How many plates will I need?
This is a belated married bio, with no reviews yet because I'm lazy.
Sometimes I feel like people think that brides are delicate little flower princesses who get all dressed up and pretty for one special moment of their dreams, when really they're just normal people who just happen to be getting married. Things shouldn't have to be sugar-coated for grown-ass women. -mstar284
Planning Bio-Updated 3/11 with groomsmen attire