Creating a catering menu is one of the most important tasks for any event hosts. However, this part of the process is not only about choosing what type of food you’re going to serve but also how much. Order too little, and you’re left with hungry and unhappy guests. Order too much, and you end up wasting food and money. To avoid this, carefully consider the needs of your event and guests beforehand.

What to Consider When Selecting an Amount of Food

Before you can place a catering order, get an idea of the size and style of your event. How many people will attend? Count RSVPs or look at similar events you’ve had in the past to come up with a rough estimate.

You should also consider how the food will be served at the event. For example, people tend to eat more at a buffet than if plated meals are served. Additionally, an event that only lasts a few hours will require less food than an all-day affair.

Catering Order Best Practices

You should have enough food for each person at your event to get one main course, two sides, and a couple of beverages. If you’re ordering food by weight, order about five ounces of meat or protein  and four ounces of each side dish per person.

You might also break it down by pieces, but the amounts will vary depending on what you order. For example, if you’re serving maki sushi, each person should get at least eight pieces. If you’re serving larger items like fried chicken, each guest should get three to four pieces. You might also want to mix in some dishes for those who don’t eat meat or have other dietary restrictions, like vegetable tempura or noodles.

If you’re looking for catering options for an upcoming event, Kawamoto Store in Hilo, HI, is here to help. With more than 70 years in business, the staff is well-equipped to deliver quality Japanese, Hawaiian, Chinese, and Filipino food. Their menu includes a huge variety of items, from sushi to barbecue. View the full menu online, or call (808) 935-8209 to order catering.