How many servers and bartenders do you need?
Servers and bartenders for plated, buffet or cocktail-style events, using common catering ratios.
How the math works
Servers: 1 per 10 guests for a plated dinner (one per table of 10), 1 per 20 for a buffet, and 1 per 25 for a cocktail party with passed appetizers.
Bartenders: 1 per 50 guests. Busy cocktail hours or full-bar weddings often run 1 per 40 to keep lines short.
These are common catering ratios used by caterers and venues. Your caterer's own ratios win. Add a captain or lead for events over about 100 guests to run the timeline.
Questions people ask
How many servers do I need for 100 guests?
10 for a plated dinner, 5 for a buffet, and 4 for a cocktail party.
How many bartenders for 150 guests?
3 at 1 per 50 guests. Add a fourth if the bar opens straight after the ceremony and everyone arrives at once.
Do I need a server per table?
For a plated dinner with tables of 10, yes. That is what 1 server per 10 guests means.
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