Plate Calculator — Plates Per Course

For a buffet, allow at least 1 dinner plate per person, and order around 1.5 plates per guest if people are likely to take a fresh plate when returning for seconds. For a 3-course meal, you need 3 plates per person (starter, main, dessert), plus an optional bread plate. Always add 10% spares for breakages and late arrivals; if hiring, most companies recommend ordering 10-15% extra.

Dinner plates: 27-28cm for mains. Side plates: 20-22cm for starters and bread. Dessert plates: 20-23cm. For buffets, 25cm plates work well as they are easier to carry. For canapes-only events, side plates are sufficient.

For 20+ guests, hiring is usually cheaper than buying. Plate hire costs £0.30-£0.80 per plate. Buying basic white plates costs £1-£3 each. Disposable plates cost £0.10-£0.50 each. Hiring includes washing and collection which saves significant effort.

Keep 10% extra for breakages and unexpected guests. For children's parties, keep 15% extra as accidents are more common. If using china, spares are essential. For disposable plates, buy an extra pack as they are cheap insurance.