How Many Appetizers Per Guest?
Suggestions to help you plan hors d’oeuvres for your event.
Our Suggestions
A starting point only. Every event is different.
All Hors d’Oeuvres Combined
We suggest about 5–7 pieces per person, per hour for the first hour or two, counting every appetizer you serve.
Serving Several Appetizers?
Split that total between them. With 3 different appetizers, that’s about 2 mini tacos per person, per hour.
Longer Events
Guests eat less as the night goes on. After the first two hours, we suggest about 3 pieces per person, per hour.
What Changes the Numbers
A few of the things that make guests eat more or less.
What You Serve First
The first appetizer out usually gets eaten the most, while guests are hungriest.
Time of Day
Evening events and dinnertime parties need more than mid-afternoon ones.
Season
Guests tend to eat heartier in the colder months and lighter in summer heat.
Dress Code
At formal events, guests often eat less finger food so they don’t risk spilling on their clothes.
Dinner or No Dinner
If a full meal follows, guests eat toward the low end. If the appetizers are the meal, plan on more.
Length & Flow
Long gaps before dinner, speeches or a late start mean guests reach for more appetizers.
These are general suggestions based on common catering guidelines, not a guarantee. Every event is different, and you know your guests best, so please use your own judgment when deciding how much to order. Ordering for a big event? Contact us and we’re happy to help.