How to Determine the Perfect Amount of Pizza for Your Catering Event

Pizza is a crowd-pleaser that can elevate any catering event, from birthday parties to corporate gatherings. However, determining the right quantity of pizza to order can be a daunting task. You want to ensure that there's enough to go around without overordering and creating unnecessary waste. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to calculate the perfect amount of pizza for your catering event.  

1.  The first and most crucial step in determining how much pizza to order is to know your guest count. You need an accurate estimate of the number of people attending your event. Consider factors like RSVPs and whether the event is open to additional guests or not. 

 2. Consider Your Event Duration:  Think about the duration of your event. Longer events, like all-day conferences or weddings, may require multiple meal servings. Shorter events, such as a two-hour cocktail party, might need fewer pizzas. Take into account the time of day as well; evening events typically have larger appetites than daytime ones.

3.  Plan for Dietary Preferences

Consider dietary preferences and restrictions. Some guests may be vegetarian, vegan, or have specific allergies. To accommodate everyone, it's a good idea to order a variety of pizzas, including options for different dietary needs.

4.  Use the Pizza Per Person Rule

A general rule of thumb is to order 1.5 to 2 slices of pizza per person for a main meal. For appetizer-style events, such as cocktail parties, aim for 4-6 slices per person. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual consumption may vary based on factors like age, appetite, and other food offerings.

5.  Factor in Side Dishes

If you plan to serve side dishes or appetizers alongside the pizza, you can reduce the number of pizza slices per person. Conversely, if pizza is the main attraction, consider ordering extra.

6.  Consult with Your Pizzeria

Don't hesitate to reach out to your chosen pizzeria or catering service for advice. They have experience catering events and can provide valuable insights into portion sizes and recommendations based on your guest count and event type.

7.  Leftovers and Take-Home Boxes

It's better to have a little extra pizza than to run out during your event. Leftover pizza is rarely wasted as guests often appreciate the option to take home slices. Alternatively, you can arrange for take-home boxes, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite pizza later.

Conclusion

Determining the right amount of pizza for your catering event requires careful consideration of several factors, including guest count, event duration, dietary preferences, and the type of event.  We have served pizzas for sporting events, wedding receptions, office meetings, election parties, retirement sendoffs and of course NFL Sunday.  Let's not forget College Game Day.  But seriously by following these steps and using the pizza per person rule as a starting point, you can confidently order the perfect amount of pizza to delight your guests and ensure a memorable event filled with delicious slices of everyone's favorite comfort food--pizza!