Feeding a Crowd: Portion Planning for Big Groups
Whether you’re hosting a company event, wedding reception, or large family gathering, feeding a big group takes more than just guessing how many trays to order. At Crystal’s Catering, we help you get the portions right—so everyone leaves full and nothing goes to waste.
How Much Food You Really Need
One of the most common questions we get is, “How much food should I order?” The short answer: it depends on your event type, serving style, and time of day. Here’s a general breakdown we follow:
Appetizer-only events: 6–8 bites per person (more if alcohol is served)
Buffet-style meals: 1–1.5 main servings per guest, plus sides
Plated dinners: We calculate exact portions per guest based on your menu
Kids: Usually eat ½ to ⅔ of an adult portion
We’ll adjust these estimates based on your headcount, meal timing, and guest profile.
Buffets vs. Plated vs. Drop-Off
Each style of catering impacts how much food is needed—and how it’s served:
Buffet: Flexible and efficient, but we recommend 10–15% extra to account for seconds.
Plated: Controlled portions with beautiful presentation. Less food waste.
Drop-Off: Great for casual events or when staffing isn’t needed. We’ll help portion your trays for self-serve.
If you’re not sure what style fits best, we can help you compare costs, flow, and logistics.
Planning for Dietary Restrictions
With larger groups, you’ll likely need to accommodate allergies, dietary preferences, or religious restrictions. A good rule of thumb is to plan for:
10% vegetarian or vegan meals
5% gluten-free
Clear labeling for common allergens (nuts, dairy, soy)
We offer flexible menus that make it easy to build in these options without having to order entirely separate meals.
What to Expect from Us on Event Day
Our team arrives ready to serve (or set up) with all the details handled. You’ll get:
Portion-controlled trays and labeled items
Serving utensils and disposables (or realware if requested)
Easy-to-understand layout and flow for efficient serving
Cleanup or pickup options depending on service style
We’ll also give you a post-event leftover plan if you want to keep extra food or donate it.
Make Portion Planning Simple
Don’t stress over servings—we’ve catered hundreds of large events and know how to dial it in. Contact Crystal’s Catering today for help planning your next big group meal, down to the last bite.
