When you’re preparing for the most beautiful day of your life, there’s a lot to consider when planning. One of the many details that requires attention is the drinks platter. After all, you want your guests to feel welcome and cared for, while enjoying delicious snacks and drinks. But how big should a drinks platter be for a wedding? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different factors that influence the ideal size of a drinks platter. We’ll provide you with practical tips and advice, so you can focus on celebrating love, while ensuring there are enough treats for everyone.
Factors that determine the size of the snack board
When putting together a snack board, it is crucial to consider several factors that influence the size and content of the board. These elements ensure that the snack board is not only attractive, but also sufficient for the attendees. Some important factors are discussed below.
Number of guests
One of the most important factors for the size of your snack platter is the number of guests you expect. The more guests, the larger the snack platter should be to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves sufficiently.
Practical Example:
- For a small group of 4-6 people, a drinks platter of approximately 500-700 grams of snacks and appetizers is sufficient.
- For a group of 10-12 people the size can reach 1.5-2 kilograms.
Recommended amounts per person:
- Cheeses: 50-100 grams per person
- Meats: 30-50 grams per person
- Vegetables: 50-75 grams per person
- Dips and spreads: 20-30 grams per person
Time of day
The time of day the drinks are served also affects the size of the board. An afternoon drink may be lighter than an evening drink, where guests may expect more.
Time of day and corresponding size:
- Morning to afternoon: A lighter board with mainly fruit, nuts, and some cheeses. For 6 people this can be 400-600 grams.
- Evening: A more extensive platter with savoury snacks such as sausages, pate and various cheeses, with a total quantity of 1-2 kilograms for 10 people.
Presence of other meals
If other meals are served in addition to the drinks board, it is important to adjust the size of the board accordingly. If an extensive meal follows, the drinks board can be smaller.
Example:
- At a barbecue where guests also expect a main course, the drinks platter can be limited to 300-500 grams per 4-6 people.
- Before dinner is served, the drinks platter can be expanded to 1 kilogram per 4-6 persons to give guests the opportunity to refresh themselves.
Synergy between the factors
These factors are closely related. The number of guests determines the basic size of the snack platter, while the time of day and the presence of other meals determine the final adjustments. It is essential to find a balance so that guests feel welcome and cared for.
Overview table of factors and their impact on the drinks board:
| Factor | Influence on size | Sample quantity per person |
|---|---|---|
| Number of guests | Direct impact | 50-100 grams of cheese |
| Time of day | Lighter or heavier | 400 grams (afternoon) vs. 1 kg (evening) |
| Other meals | Reduces the amount of | 300 grams for BBQ |
By taking these factors into account, you can create a drinks platter that is not only visually appealing, but also perfectly suits the needs of your guests and the occasion.
Average Portion Sizes Per Person
When putting together a snack platter, it is essential to have a good idea of the average portion sizes per person. This will not only help you plan your shopping, but also ensure that guests have enough choice and variety. In this section, we will discuss the expected amounts of snacks and drinks per person, as well as the influence of different types of snacks on the total size of the snack platter.
Number of Snacks and Drinks
On average, you can count on the following portion sizes per person during a drink:
- Snacks: 6 to 8 different snacks
- Drinks: 2 to 3 drinks per hour
Example:
If you are organizing a party for 10 people, you could use the following quantities:
- Snacks: 60 to 80 snacks in total
- Drinks: 20 to 30 drinks
Types of Snacks
The choice of snacks plays a crucial role in the total size of the snack board. We usually distinguish two types of snacks: savoury and sweet options.
Savory Snacks
Savory snacks are often the basis of a snack platter. Here are some popular examples:
- Cheese board: A selection of cheeses such as Belegen Gouda, Brie van Président and Stilton. Count on about 100 grams of cheese per person.
- Charcuterie: Various meats such as salami from the Casa Moro brand and Prosciutto di Parma. A portion of 80 to 100 grams per person is ideal.
- Olives: A mix of green and black olives, such as the Kalamata olives from the brand Olives et Co. A handful per person is enough.
- Nachos with dips: For example, nachos from Tortilla Chips and guacamole from the brand Old El Paso. Count on about 50 grams of nachos per person and a small portion of guacamole.
Sweet Snacks
Sweet snacks make the snack platter more attractive and offer a nice change. Consider the following options:
- Mini pastry shop: Small pastries such as eclairs from the brand Le Pain des Fleurs. Count on 2 to 3 pastries per person.
- Fruit: An assortment of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, grapes and melon. About 100 grams of fruit per person is recommended.
- Chocolate: Luxury chocolate from brands such as Tony's Chocolonely or Lindt. A small piece per person is sufficient for a sweet tooth.
Effect of the Types of Snacks
The type of snacks you choose can affect the overall size of your snack platter. Savory snacks are often more filling than sweet ones, so you may need fewer of the savory options if you are also offering sweet snacks.
Comparison Table
| Type of Snack | Portion Size Per Person | Sample Product |
|---|---|---|
| Savory cheese | 100 grams | Mature Gouda |
| Charcuterie | 80-100 grams | Prosciutto di Parma |
| Olives | Handful | Kalamata olives |
| Nachos with dips | 50 grams of nachos | Tortilla Chips |
| Mini pastry shop | 2-3 pastries | Eclairs from Le Pain des Fleurs |
| Seasonal fruits | 100 grams | Strawberries, grapes |
| Chocolate | Small piece | Tony's Chocolonely |
By taking these portion sizes and types of snacks into account, you can put together a well-balanced and attractive snack platter that meets the needs of your guests.
Recommendations for different wedding sizes
When planning a wedding, it is important to have a good idea of the size and layout of the snack platters, depending on the number of guests and the style of the ceremony. Below we provide recommendations for different wedding formats: intimate ceremonies, medium-sized parties and large weddings.
Intimate Ceremonies (2-30 Guests)
For a small, intimate wedding, it is essential to provide a personal touch. Drink platters can be a great way to create a cozy atmosphere.
Recommendations:
- Number of Planks: 1-2 drinks platters
- Content: Choose a combination of charcuterie, cheese and fresh fruit. Recommended products are:
- Danish Blue Cheese: A soft, flavorful cheese that goes well with nuts.
- Serrano Ham: Light, salty ham that goes well with a fresh wine.
- Fresh seasonal fruit: Think of grapes, figs and berries.
Tips: – Use a wooden plank of Bang Bang for a rustic look. – Add small jars of olives and dips such as hummus from Alfez add for extra flavor.
Medium Parties (30-100 Guests)
For medium-sized weddings it is important to offer enough variety so that there is something for everyone.
Recommendations:
- Number of Planks: 3-5 snack platters
- Content: Provide a mix of savoury and sweet snacks. Examples of products are:
- Brie de Meaux: A creamy French cheese that is popular on drinks platters.
- Chorizo: Spicy sausage that gives an extra kick to the plank.
- Various types of crackers from Ryvita or VitaSnack.
Tips:
- Consider theming the planks, for example a Mediterranean plank with feta, olives and pita.
- Introduce a “build your own snack platter” station with small containers and a variety of ingredients.
Large Weddings (100+ Guests)
For large weddings, it is crucial to have a well thought out setup. It is advisable to create several drink platters that are strategically placed throughout the space.
Recommendations:
- Number of Planks: 5-10 drinks platters, depending on the number of guests
- Content: Offer a variety to meet different tastes. Consider the following products:
- Gorgonzola: A strong blue cheese that works well with honey and nuts.
- Salami: A versatile and popular choice for larger groups.
- Mini vegetables: Think cherry tomatoes, carrots and celery with a dipping sauce of Kraft.
Tips:
- Provide a mix of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- Use larger planks of Charcuterie Boards by Verve Culture to provide more space for the snacks.
Practical Examples of Plank Layouts
Below you will find a comparison table for the number of drinks platters based on the number of guests:
| Number of Guests | Number of Planks | Examples of Content |
|---|---|---|
| 2-30 | 1-2 | Cheese, ham, fruit, dips |
| 30-100 | 3-5 | Mix of savory and sweet, various cheeses |
| 100+ | 5-10 | Thematic shelves, wide variety |
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that every guest can enjoy a wonderful drinks experience, regardless of the size of the wedding. It is important to remember that the presentation is just as important as the content. Consider using beautiful tableware and decorations to make the drinks platters attractive.
The perfect size for a successful drinks experience
In conclusion, determining the right size of a wedding platter is essential to creating a successful and atmospheric experience. By carefully considering your guest list and the dishes to be served, you can ensure that your platter is both satisfying and visually appealing. With proper planning, you can optimize your guests’ culinary experience and create an unforgettable atmosphere on your special day.
