How many pizzas should I order?

achiduck

If you were throwing a backyard shindig for about 40 people and were going to serve pizza, wings and 2 different sides (a potato salad and something else) how many large pizzas would you order?

Edit - I should mention that these 40 people are all adults. I had figured around 3 people per large pizza, but with the wings and sides maybe that's too much?

dumdumfroggie

Whenever we would order for work, we would assume 2-3 slices per person.

I would always order more than necessary as I wouldn't want to run out, though.  Cold pizza is awesome, plus, you can freeze it if there is a lot left over.

MrsKathyC

2-3 slices per person in general. But I know my H could easily eat 4 or 5, so I'd order a little extra.

bmoruzzi

12

AbbeyS2011

MMMMMMM...cold pizza.  The breakfast of champions.

The 2-3 slices pp is a good rule of thumb.  Make sure at least one is cheese, in case you have a picky eater.

strlzfan11

When I plan our after-camp pizza party, I average 3 slices per female and 4 slices per male and then order according to what kind of deal I can get from the pizza place.  Since you're ordering salads and wings, I'd probably bump that average down a slice.

achiduck

Cold/left over pizza is pretty delicious, especially from the place where we're getting it from. It's this tiny "hole in the wall" owned by an Italian family and their pizza is drool-worthy.

Thanks all!

Queen Jane

I actually had our kiddo's birthday party yesterday and that was about the number I was expecting. We did 5 XL pizzas, and we also had watermelon, taquitos and cupcakes. It wound up being a pretty good amount of food. 

Beachy730

I think the more important question is: are these white people?

When I worked at a pizza place for years we recommended 3 pieces of pizza and 5 wings per person.

specialk84

I want pizza for lunch.

I see what you did there, Beachy.

LDYGTR13

I would not eat potato salad with pizza...that doesn't sound very good at all...

But I'd say about 2 slices per person...?

LDYGTR13

Stop being so white, Beach. 

AbbeyS2011

<strong>In</strong> Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-many-pizzas-should-i-order?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:dcda8c0b-f3ac-4e8c-b13b-debe0cd94dc2Post:fffee6db-57fc-401f-bb44-68b3e7d1b1a9">Re: How many pizzas should I order?</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>I would not eat potato salad with pizza...that doesn't sound very good at all</strong>... But I'd say about 2 slices per person...?
Posted by LDYGTR13[/QUOTE]

I have to agree with you there.  A garden salad? yes.  Pasta salad?  Maybe.

Potato wedges are always good with pizza. 

achiduck

Oh, that's a good point about the potato salad.

specialk84

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-many-pizzas-should-i-order?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:dcda8c0b-f3ac-4e8c-b13b-debe0cd94dc2Post:fffee6db-57fc-401f-bb44-68b3e7d1b1a9">Re: How many pizzas should I order?</a>:
[QUOTE]I<strong> would not eat potato salad with pizza</strong>...that doesn't sound very good at all... But I'd say about 2 slices per person...?
Posted by LDYGTR13[/QUOTE]

<div>I didn't even think of that. Ew.</div>

achiduck

Hm, so how does everyone feel about potato wedges and a pasta salad? Or a green salad?

dumdumfroggie

I'd do a green salad over a pasta salad.  That way people that are watching what they eat have at least one healthy side.

specialk84

Green salad.

Loopyseven

I agree with green salad. 

On the pizza front - with no additional food, I'd go with 2 people per pizza.  With the extra stuff you've got, I'd probably go with 3 people per pizza.  Plus, the pizza will be nibbled on even after it's cold, but cold wings = yuck so I'd bet people will graze on the pizza throughout the evening.  And as you said, it'll save if you have too much.  Or you can send some home with whoever stays to help you clean up

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

Green salad and wings are good sides for pizza.

bonge

I have never seen a large pizza only being 8 pieces. here it is a minimum of 12, 8 is a medium. I am thinking 6 large pizzas for 25 ppl, i only need 5 but it is 2 for 1. I am not having 2 big salads though or wings. 

spartybride3

You should factor in how they cut the pizza...if the do it the normal way (in triangles), then 2-3/person. A few people may eat 4-5. If they cut the pizza into all of those little squares, then people will probably eat more (I'd figure at least 1/4 of the pizza). Definitely do a green salad...forget the wings. This sounds like a messy reception. Bring extra napkins. 

Can do you fruit, veggies, or a cheese platter or something?? 

achiduck

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-many-pizzas-should-i-order?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:dcda8c0b-f3ac-4e8c-b13b-debe0cd94dc2Post:8cafb04f-7c86-40f6-bc1c-948e62c35c5b">Re: How many pizzas should I order?</a>:
[QUOTE]You should factor in how they cut the pizza...if the do it the normal way (in triangles), then 2-3/person. A few people may eat 4-5. If they cut the pizza into all of those little squares, then people will probably eat more (I'd figure at least 1/4 of the pizza). Definitely do a green salad...forget the wings. <strong>This sounds like a messy reception.</strong> Bring extra napkins.  Can do you fruit, veggies, or a cheese platter or something?? 
Posted by spartybride3[/QUOTE]
Not a reception, as stated in my OP it's a backyard shindig with some friends and is completely NWR. But yes, there will be lots of napkins.