Question for anyone who has catered

[fireprincess2009]

I'm planning on using biodegradable plates, cups, utensils and recycled napkins for our reception. I'm not sure how many to order of each.

Has anyone worked as, with or for a catering company and have any idea?
The recommendations I've found online are varied. We're having a cocktail hour, buffet reception and dessert. About 5 hours or so (then an after party but I'm not overly worried about that.)

We're also supplying the alcohol and other beverages and I'm not sure how much of those either.

Help...

[WebLady]

I would order 2-3 of everything per person.

Many people will throw away their plates after dinner, so they would need a new on for dessert. So that is 2 plates each; one more if you are having finger foods out at the cocktail hour.

Same for drinks; some might have a cocktail then a regular drink and maybe another cocktail later.

[Gertie]

sorry to say it's all a guess.

Been my experience if you're having cocktails with finger food, put out a smaller finger food plate and a cup for each person, plus a reasonable margin for spills and slips, or those that love to nosh. Then most people will want a new clean cup and larger plate for the meal, then a new set for dessert as well (smaller plates generally work well for dessert). A few people will want more drinks than just those with the meal, I'd probably estimate five drink cups per person.

If possible, either plan to use up leftover tableware yourself (who wants to wash dishes right after the wedding?) or buy somewhere unopened leftovers can be returned.

And about that "reasonable margin". If you can return unopened leftovers, find someone to be in charge of spare packages and just pick up a spare pack of each sized plate, and a couple spare packs of cups. If you can't return them and don't want the extras on your eco-conscience, I recommend ten percent extra.