How Many Napkins?

janedoe1113a

Sorry for another how many question.  Just trying to get stuff bought for the wedding.

How many cocktail napkins do I need to buy?  We're inviting 100 guests and having a 4 hour cocktail hour. 

mwhitson14

I'm ordering 300, and just assuming about 2 per person.

squirrly

You need to ask your caterer/bartenders.  Do they hand out a napkin with each drink?  If so, 500 is what I would order.  If not, then maybe half that.

Catwoman708

I typically plan for 1 napkin per drink served, and count on an average of 2 drinks per guest, per hour.  (But I tend to over plan or round up, so that I don't run out of anything).

So 100 guests, times 2 drinks, times 4 hours = 800 napkins.  That may be overkill, because after the first few drinks, most guests slow down a little, some may not take or get a napkin for refills, and not all guests will stay for the whole 4 hours.

If there are leftover napkins, you can always use them for other events, like when you have company over.  And if someone spills, they may use a whole handful at a time, you just never know.