How Many Disposable Plates Do I Need? A Party and Catering Guide
Running out of plates halfway through an event is stressful, and over-ordering wastes money. This guide gives you a simple rule and worked examples for common event sizes.
The basic rule
For each course you serve, allow one plate per guest, plus about 10% extra. The extra covers second helpings, dropped plates, the catering team and late additions to the guest list.
For a buffet, where guests often go back for more, allow up to 1.5 main plates per guest.
Count your courses
- Canapés or finger food: 2–3 small plates per guest, as guests often take a fresh one each round
- Entrée: 1 plate per guest
- Main: 1 plate per guest (up to 1.5 for a buffet)
- Dessert or cake: 1 small plate or bowl per guest
- Dips and sauces: small bowls, shared between tables
Worked examples
Our retail packs contain 25 pieces. Based on a main and a dessert, with about 10% spare:
| Guests | Main plates | Dessert plates | Packs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 33+ | 33+ | 2 packs of each |
| 50 | 55+ | 55+ | 3 packs of each |
| 100 | 110+ | 110+ | 5 packs of each |
| 200 | 220+ | 220+ | 9 packs of each |
If you're running a buffet, increase the main plates by up to 50%.
Choose the right size
- Dips and sauces: 5–7 cm bowls or 6 cm dishes
- Canapés: 11–13 cm square plates
- Desserts and sides: 15 cm plates
- Entrées and kids' meals: 18–20 cm plates
- Mains: 23–25 cm plates
- Large mains and sharing: 30 cm plates
- Meals with several sides: compartment plates
- Grazing tables and platters: trays from 35 x 25 cm to 55 x 29 cm
Don't forget the extras
- Bowls for salads, soups, curries and desserts
- Serving trays for buffets and grazing tables, usually one large tray per 10–15 guests
- Spoons for desserts and soups: we sell 10 cm and 16 cm palm leaf spoons
- Straws if you're serving drinks: our natural reed straws hold their shape for the whole drink
Why sturdy plates can mean fewer plates
With thin plates, guests often double up so the plate doesn't bend, which quietly doubles your count. A rigid plate, like our 2mm palm leaf plates, holds a full meal in one hand, so one plate does the job.
When to order
Order at least two weeks before your event to allow for delivery anywhere in Australia. Shipping is free on orders over $70, and for large events you can request a wholesale quote.
Common questions
How many packs of plates do I need for 100 guests?
Five packs of main plates (125 plates) covers 100 guests plus spares. Add five packs of dessert or side plates for a second course.
How many pieces are in a pack?
Every retail pack contains 25 pieces.
What if I order too many?
Unused, unopened packs in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery, as per our return policy.
