How much appetizers do I need for 50 guests?

You need 20 platters of appetizers for 50 guests at a wedding shower. This provides 504 total servings with a 15% buffer.

How much appetizers per person for a wedding shower?

Plan for 10.1 servings of appetizers per person at a wedding shower. This assumes appetizers is your main food; reduce by 30-40% if serving multiple dishes.

How many servings in 20 platters of appetizers?

20 platters of appetizers provides 504 total servings, enough for 50 guests with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

Is 20 platters of appetizers enough for 50 people?

Yes, 20 platters is the recommended amount for 50 guests at a wedding shower. This includes a 15% buffer (3 extra platters) so you won't run short.

Should I order more appetizers than calculated?

Our calculation of 20 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 20 platters, you'd need approximately 13 platters.

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How Much Appetizers for a 50 Guests Wedding Shower?

Wedding Shower • 50 guests

Your Total

platters

of appetizers

504

total servings

10.1

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

50 guests × 90% eating rate

At medium events, about 90% of guests will eat full servings. 45 eaters

Calculate servings (as main dish)

45 eaters × 8 pieces per person

As a main dish, plan for 8 pieces per person. 360 base servings

Apply wedding shower modifier

× 1.4 (+40% for appetizers)

Wedding Showers typically consume 40% more appetizers than average. 504 pieces needed

Convert to platters

504 pieces ÷ 30 per platter

Each platter provides 30 pieces. 16.8 platters (raw)

Add 15% buffer & round up

16.8 × 1.15 = 19.3, rounded up

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 20 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	10 platters	252 servings
50 guests (you)	20 platters	504 servings
75 guests	30 platters	756 servings
100 guests	40 platters	1008 servings
150 guests	60 platters	1512 servings
200 guests	80 platters	2016 servings

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

🛒 Your Complete Shopping List

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Appetizers

20 platters

Serving platters — For presentation

1 platters Buy →

Cocktail napkins

200 napkins Buy →

Toothpicks — For skewered items

1 box

Small plates

75 plates Buy →

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💡 Pro Tips for Wedding Shower Food

✓ Elegant, bite-sized foods are the gold standard - tea sandwiches, fruit skewers, mini quiches.
✓ Sweet treats are essential - petit fours, macarons, and a beautiful cake or cupcakes.
✓ Plan 5-7 savory pieces and 2-3 sweet pieces per guest for a 2-3 hour event.
✓ Presentation matters more than quantity - use tiered trays and beautiful serving pieces.
✓ Dietary accommodations are essential - have vegetarian and gluten-free clearly labeled.

Buying Guide

Bridal showers call for elegant finger foods. Think tea sandwiches, fresh fruit displays, cheese boards, and beautiful desserts. Plan $12-20 per person for a nice spread. Avoid anything messy or requiring utensils.