Lean Mode
Light appetite + shared-menu assumptions across all items.
$231 - $562
Wedding Cocktail Hour
Wedding Cocktail Hour for 60
Elegant appetizer-heavy service with strict timing and presentation constraints.
By FeedMyGuests Editorial Team • Reviewed: February 19, 2026
Guest Count
60
Target Budget
$1200
Baseline Status
Inside target budget
Real-World Constraint
60-minute stand-up service before dinner
Baseline Menu From Calculator Outputs
The first menu item is treated as the anchor dish. Supporting items are calculated with shared-menu assumptions.
| Menu Item | Quantity | Cost Range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp Anchor | 270 shrimp | $108 - $216 | Calculator page |
| Cheese Tray | 63 oz | $32 - $95 | Calculator page |
| Veggie Tray | 16 cups | $12 - $32 | Calculator page |
| Meatball | 158 meatballs | $79 - $158 | Calculator page |
| Drink | 63 drinks | $32 - $126 | Calculator page |
Baseline total: $263 - $627
Budget Tradeoff Modes
Balanced Mode
Anchor item + supportive sides using baseline event appetite.
$263 - $627
Comfort Mode
Hungry-crowd assumptions with stronger buffer on the anchor item.
$438 - $1045
Tradeoff Notes
- •Higher shrimp share boosts premium feel but drives cost volatility
- •More veggie/cheese lowers cost but can feel less celebratory
- •More hot appetizers increase labor and holding risk
What Changes at +10 Guests
Scaling from 60 to 70 guests moves this baseline plan from $263 - $627 to $306 - $733. Budget impact: +$43 to +$106.
🦐 Shrimp
315 shrimp
Estimated $126 - $252
🧀 Cheese Tray
74 oz
Estimated $37 - $111
🥕 Veggie Tray
19 cups
Estimated $14 - $38
🧆 Meatball
184 meatballs
Estimated $92 - $184
Link targets round to the nearest supported calculator breakpoint (75 guests).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Treating cocktail hour like full dinner portions
- •No visual hierarchy on service tables
- •Insufficient non-meat options
Decision Log
- •Prioritize premium first impression with controlled shrimp volume
- •Balance with stable-cost trays for predictable spend
- •Use small-plate service to control portion draw
Execution Timeline
- 1 week before Lock premium item counts
- 24 hours before Prep cold platters
- Service -30 min Style trays and deploy signage
- Service +30 min Refresh premium items selectively
Planning Intent Cluster Links
Move between this scenario, calculators, and guides in two to three clicks.
Editorial Process and Sources
Last reviewed: February 19, 2026
Publisher: FeedMyGuests Editorial Team · Contact: contact@feedmyguests.com
This scenario is authored and reviewed by FeedMyGuests Editorial Team using calculator outputs for 60 guests, then adjusted with practical constraints, execution tradeoffs, and post-event risk checks.
Reference Sources
- USDA FoodData Central Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- FDA Safe Food Handling Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- USDA FSIS Safe Temperature Chart Retrieved: February 19, 2026
Editorial Change Log
Auto-generated from repository commits. Latest sync: 2026-02-19.
- 2026-02-19 • Improve trust signals, scenarios, and editorial content workflows (e90d416)
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