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aimee 07/25/07 |
We are trying to cater our own wedding reception and have finally decided what we want, but don't know how much to buy. We have approx 130 guests (100 adults, 30 and children under age 6). The reception is from 7-11, but appetizers will only be served for the first 2 hours. We would like to have: vegetable tray, fruit tray, filo cups with spinach dip, meatballs, bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin (bite size), and bacon-wrapped chicken (also bite size). We are also having a cake. We basically have no idea how much of each to purchase- especially because the time (people will have eaten dinner) and how much to allot for small children. Thanks in advance! aimee |
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ellen 07/26/07 |
Aimee, if most of the guests are attending a 5:30 or 6:00 PM wedding before the reception, they will NOT have eaten dinner, and will be dinner hungry when they arrive. This requires about twice as much food as a 7 pm wedding with reception to follow. Please write further and tell me if the guests are reception only or are coming to the wedding and therefore HUNGRY. You have picked nice items, but you will want to add some lower cost items not meat-based, such as bruschetta, 7 layer dip, etc or people will fill up on the attractive meats. Also, what is your oven situation- you need some that do not require oven reheating. |
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Aimee 07/26/07 |
Oh, I should have clarified- we are eloping, so there isn't a wedding, just a PM reception that starts at 7pm. The location we are renting has a kitchen for us to use, with ovens and fridges also. We had considered putting out chips and dip and salsa after removing the food tables to make room for the dance floor.
Thanks, |
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ellen 07/26/07 |
Ah, that is a different kettle of fish! You want about 12 "bites" per person for the first hour and 6-8 for each additional hour. A "bite" is one skewer of meat, 1 turnover, 1 little cocktail sandwich roll, 1/4 cup dip with crackers or chips, etc. That's about 1 pound of food total per adult. Consider making ahead some items such as my Parmesan spinach squares, cheese straws, cheese logs or balls (they go in the freezer- 8 pounds per 100 people)- things that can be served and replenished at room temp with little or no prep. You might also make ahead, 2 to 4 cookies bars, cut in small two-bite size pieces, 1 of each flavor per person up to 4 per person. Extra desserts are very welcome at an after dinner party! You can use my appetizer planning page for some help on quantities, and if you prepare an estimate and [post it, I will be glad to check it for you. |
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ellen 07/26/07 |
By the way, you will notice at the top of the main cook talk page, there are buttons for fruit trays, veggie trays, plan for 100, appetizers, and beverages- take a look at these articles. |