How much appetizers do I need for 75 guests?

You need 27 platters of appetizers for 75 guests at a wedding. This provides 702 total servings with a 15% buffer.

How much appetizers per person for a wedding?

Plan for 9.4 servings of appetizers per person at a wedding. This assumes appetizers is your main food; reduce by 30-40% if serving multiple dishes.

How many servings in 27 platters of appetizers?

27 platters of appetizers provides 702 total servings, enough for 75 guests with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

Is 27 platters of appetizers enough for 75 people?

Yes, 27 platters is the recommended amount for 75 guests at a wedding. This includes a 15% buffer (3 extra platters) so you won't run short.

Should I order more appetizers than calculated?

Our calculation of 27 platters already includes a 15% buffer. However, if your guests are big eaters or appetizers is the only food, consider adding 10-20% more. It's always better to have leftovers!

What if I'm serving appetizers with other foods?

If serving appetizers as part of a buffet spread with other options, reduce this amount by 30-40%. Instead of 27 platters, you'd need approximately 18 platters.

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How Much Appetizers for a 75 Guests Wedding?

Wedding • 75 guests

Your Total

platters

of appetizers

702

total servings

9.4

per person

15%

buffer

Note: This assumes appetizers is your main food. If serving multiple foods, reduce this amount by 30-40%.

Switch food: 🍕 Pizza 🍗 Wings 🌮 Tacos 🍔 Sliders 🍢 Apps 🍖 BBQ

📐 Why This Amount Works

Estimate actual eaters

75 guests × 90% eating rate

At medium events, about 90% of guests will eat full servings. 68 eaters

Calculate servings (as main dish)

68 eaters × 8 pieces per person

As a main dish, plan for 8 pieces per person. 544 base servings

Apply wedding modifier

× 1.3 (+30% for appetizers)

Weddings typically consume 30% more appetizers than average. 702 pieces needed

Convert to platters

702 pieces ÷ 30 per platter

Each platter provides 30 pieces. 23.4 platters (raw)

Add 15% buffer & round up

23.4 × 1.15 = 26.9, rounded up

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 27 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	9 platters	234 servings
50 guests	18 platters	468 servings
75 guests (you)	27 platters	702 servings
100 guests	36 platters	936 servings
150 guests	54 platters	1404 servings
200 guests	72 platters	1872 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for wedding as main dish.

🛒 Your Complete Shopping List

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Appetizers

27 platters

Serving platters — For presentation

1 platters Buy →

Cocktail napkins

300 napkins Buy →

Toothpicks — For skewered items

1 box

Small plates

113 plates Buy →

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💡 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.