Event Planning: Food and Beverage Basics
Successful event planning requires balancing food variety with appropriate quantities. The key variables are guest count, event duration, and time of day. A 2-hour afternoon reception needs less food than a 4-hour evening event spanning dinner time. As a baseline, plan for 6-8 appetizer pieces per person per hour during cocktail hours, and one full entree serving for meal periods.
Beverage planning follows a similar pattern. Guests consume approximately 2 drinks during the first hour and one drink per hour after that. For a 3-hour event, plan for 4-5 drinks per person total. Always include non-alcoholic options regardless of whether you're serving alcohol—water, soda, and coffee are expected at any event.
Balance your budget by offering 2-3 premium items alongside cost-effective staples. For example, pair an impressive protein like pulled pork with affordable sides like coleslaw and chips. This approach creates a satisfying spread while managing costs per person.