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How Much Appetizers for a 25 Guests Wedding?
Wedding • 25 guests
Your Total
10
platters
of appetizers
247
total servings
9.9
per person
15%
buffer
Note: This assumes appetizers is your main food. If serving multiple foods, reduce this amount by 30-40%.
📐 Why This Amount Works
1
Estimate actual eaters
25 guests × 95% eating rate At small events, about 95% of guests will eat full servings. 24 eaters
2
Calculate servings (as main dish)
24 eaters × 8 pieces per person As a main dish, plan for 8 pieces per person. 192 base servings
3
Apply wedding modifier
× 1.3 (+30% for appetizers) Weddings typically consume 30% more appetizers than average. 247 pieces needed
4
Convert to platters
247 pieces ÷ 30 per platter Each platter provides 30 pieces. 8.2 platters (raw)
5
Add 15% buffer & round up
8.2 × 1.15 = 9.4, rounded up Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 10 platters
✓
Caterer-Tested Formula
Our calculations are based on real event data from professional caterers and party planners.
📊 Quick Reference: Appetizers by Guest Count
| Guests | Appetizers Needed | Total Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 25 guests (you) | 10 platters | 247 servings |
| 50 guests | 20 platters | 494 servings |
| 75 guests | 30 platters | 741 servings |
| 100 guests | 40 platters | 988 servings |
| 150 guests | 60 platters | 1482 servings |
| 200 guests | 80 platters | 1976 servings |
* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for wedding as main dish.
💡 Pro Tips for Wedding Food
- ✓ Plan 6-8 appetizer pieces per guest for a 1-hour cocktail hour before dinner.
- ✓ Sliders are a late-night hit after dancing starts - plan 2 per guest for after 10pm.
- ✓ If serving tacos, offer 3 protein options minimum for dietary variety.
- ✓ Food trucks are trendy - plan 20% extra as guests tend to go back for seconds.
- ✓ Passed appetizers disappear 40% faster than stationed ones - plan accordingly.
Buying Guide
For wedding receptions, appetizers during cocktail hour are essential. Plan 6-8 pieces per guest for a 1-hour cocktail hour. If you're doing late-night snacks (pizza, sliders, tacos), plan for 70% of guests still present to eat again around 10-11pm.
🍺 Complete Your Bar
Don't forget the drinks! See our drink calculators for this event:
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