Is this enough food?

insanityofamom · September 2012

So, I decided to let my mom pay for the catering. We are having an early-afternoon reception, and it is buffet-style. For these numbers, we assumed attendance of 50 people. I am trying to do an appetizer-heavy lunch as opposed to a sit-down meal because of venue limitations. (Easier to let people seat themselves on chairs/couches and talk amongst themselves than set up tables and such....)

Here is our tenative menu:

(FYI- large trays serve about 15-20 people)

1 Large Crudite Tray with Salsa Ranch and Sun-dried Tomato dressings

2 Large Cheese & Meat Trays (includes handmade bread w/ honey butter
3 Large Trays Mini Brioche Sandwiches including roast beef, turkey and BLT (40 sandwhiches on each tray - total 120 sandwiches, so 2/pp)
3 Large Trays Chicken Skewers with peanut satay and ranch dressings

1 Large Tray Roasted Vegetables
2 Large Trays Pesto Cream Cheese Terrine with bread
2 Large Fresh Fruit Trays with Chambord dipping cream

And an extra item that caterer forgot to put on (idk how many trays though) they are Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.

We are probably going to get rid fo the Roasted Vegetables.

The only problem is I am worried it won't be enough. I calculated it to be just about 4-6 servings a person - and that seems like it is REALLY on the low side.

I mean, I will bite the bullet and serve an entree or two if i need to but I want to find otu what you ladies think... I am too scared to go to any other forum so I decided to ask the october Knotties.

ETA:

We are also having wedding cake, mini cupcakes, and apple layer cake.

achiduck · September 2012

What time does is your ceremony and what are the start/end times for your reception?

If you're going over meal time 4-6 services is REALLY low. For a cocktail reception over a meal time I've heard that 25-30 servings per person is the norm.

Even if you're during a non meal time, I'd be aiming for 10-15 servings per person (and probably closer to the 15 mark).

insanityofamom · September 2012

I mean, I am just wondering 1.) Did I get my calculations wrong? 2.) Why would they suggest such low number of items if it was only going to give so many limited servings?

I mean, if 3 trays of Chicken Satay only serve 45-60 people, I don't know how many PIECES that is just their "recommended" serving. So, basically everyone gets one serving, and maybe up to 15 people get another serving (again, no idea how many pieces/what size serving is)

My reception is RIGHT at lunch time - 12:30pm. There's no set end time, because we're not doing a send-off, and I have the venue rented for the entire weekend - I suppose before dinner everyone will wander off.

I mean, heavy appetizers can replace a meal. I think we just need a bit more of a spread here- a more heavy spread at least. I think I want to aim for 6-10 servings a person- that seems like a nice light lunch/but still a good spread number. Typically servings are "per hour" though - so I guess since this is a simple affair I would say maybe 2-3 hours?

Maybe I could come up with some home-made additions that would be tasty? Shrimp cocktail? Spread out nuts? FI's grandma makes a super popular trail mix- maybe I could ask her to bring some of that so we could "feature"' it ? Meatballs? Those would be easy to make (I have a great recipe from my grandma that I make often - those would be great and easy to keep warm in a crockpot)

So, if we estimate 6 servings a person, per hour, I'd need 12-18 servings a person. O...o

[Deleted User] · September 2012

I hate to say this but get rid of the fruit and veggies and add some meat. Maybe beef sliders and some other type of slider perhaps something else with chicken. Maybe get rid of the pesto thing and add potato or macaroni salad? I have had people who have had weddings tell me that that veggie and fruit platters really didn't see a lot of action. How about mini quiche, do they have that? Those are filling and if you have any vegetarians that gives them an option.

achiduck · September 2012

Well, if I'm going to a reception at 12:30 you bet your bottom I'm going to be hungry and expecting a meal. 6-10 peices of chicken and crudites is in no way going to satisfy me.

You need to talk to your caterer asap about how many pieces are in a serving. If one serving = one piece and you can't afford to supply more food I would seriously consider moving the start time to 2 pm. At that time I would eat before hand and wouldn't be expecting a meal.

insanityofamom · September 2012

I am going to email caterer- she got back to me regarding the two trays of crab stuffed mushrooms but I am going to ask her about portion sizes because I am concerned....to say the least Her restaurant is closed Sun/Mon, so she won't be available until Tuesday though.

I would probably keep the veggies, get rid of the roasted veggies, and get rid of one of the fruit trays. I like fresh fruit and veggies, so at the very least, I need something I can eat. I don't eat cheese, so most of the items have cheese on them.

I am going to exlore more options tomorrow, because I have a feeling this place won't work out.

Is this enough food?

Re: Is this enough food?

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