Food & Drink Calculator
Enter your guests, event length, and style — get how much food, drink, ice, and supplies to order.
Food
Appetizer pieces
10–15 per person
750–1,125
Different appetizers to offer
Include vegetarian and allergy-friendly options
6–8
Drinks
Total drinks
2 per person in the first hour, 1 per hour after
225
Wine (750 ml bottles)
68 glasses, ~5 per bottle
14
Beer (cans or bottles)
68
Spirits (750 ml bottles)
45 cocktails or mixed drinks, plus mixers
3
Non-alcoholic drinks
Plus water available all event
45
Ice & supplies
Ice (lb)
More in hot weather or if you're chilling bottles in ice
75
Cups or glasses
One per drink + 10%
248
Small plates
225
Napkins
300
Common catering rules of thumb — confirm final quantities with your caterer or venue.
How Much Food and Drink Do You Need for an Event?
Caterers use a few simple rules of thumb. For appetizers before a meal, plan about 4–6 pieces per person. If appetizers are the meal, plan about 10–15 pieces per person for a 2-hour event, and more for longer ones. For drinks, plan about 2 drinks per person in the first hour and 1 per hour after that, plus water. This calculator applies those rules to your event — then confirm the final numbers with your caterer.
How to Use the Food & Drink Calculator
- 1
Enter your guests and event length
Use expected attendance, not registrations.
- 2
Choose the food style
Appetizers before a meal, appetizers as the meal, or a full meal.
- 3
Choose drinks
With or without alcohol, and the mix of wine, beer, and cocktails.
- 4
Read your order list
Food, drinks in bottles and cans, ice, and supplies like plates, cups, and napkins.
Tips for Getting It Right
Ask about dietary needs
Add a dietary question to your RSVP and order vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options to match.
Always have non-alcoholic options
Offer at least as much sparkling water, soft drinks, or mocktails as you think you need.
Serve food people can eat standing
Bite-sized appetizers keep one hand free — people mingle more when they aren't juggling plates.
Confirm with your caterer
These are rules of thumb. Your caterer knows their portion sizes.
Food Brings People In. Conversations Keep Them There.
Most people stand around the food table with the people they came with. Jam Bingo gives every guest a conversation prompt on their phone and a reason to meet someone new — between bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many appetizers per person should I plan?
About 4–6 pieces per person when a meal follows, and about 10–15 pieces per person for a 2-hour event where appetizers are the meal. Add more for longer events.
How many drinks per person for an event?
A common rule is 2 drinks per person in the first hour and 1 drink per person for each hour after that.
How many drinks are in a bottle of wine?
About 5 glasses in a standard 750 ml bottle. A 750 ml bottle of spirits makes about 16 mixed drinks.
How much ice do I need?
About 1 lb (0.5 kg) per person for drinks, more in hot weather or if you're chilling bottles in ice.
Are these amounts exact?
No. They're common catering rules of thumb to help you plan and compare quotes. Confirm final quantities with your caterer or venue.