How to Plan Catering for 100 Guests

Catering By John Lowe
May 21
2 min read

Planning catering for 100 guests can feel like a big task, but with the right strategy, it can be both seamless and memorable. At Catering by John Lowe, we’ve mastered the art of creating exceptional dining experiences for events of all sizes. Whether you’re organizing a wedding, corporate gathering, or private party, here’s how you can make sure every detail is perfectly executed.

1. Know Your Event Type

The type of event you’re hosting will greatly influence your catering decisions. A formal wedding reception might call for a plated dinner or elegant buffet, while a corporate event could work best with passed hors d’oeuvres and action stations. Think about the atmosphere you want to create and plan your menu accordingly.

2. Set Your Budget

Before diving into menu planning, it’s essential to establish a budget. Understanding your financial parameters will help you make decisions about food options, service styles, and drink selections. With a clear budget, you can prioritize items that will have the most impact.

3. Choose Your Menu

dessert of cookies and milk for weddings and events

For a guest count of 100, we recommend the following for a well-balanced and satisfying event menu:

Hors d’Oeuvres: Start with 2 beautifully displayed options and 4 butler-passed selections to offer variety and keep guests mingling during cocktail hour.
Buffet Dinner: A successful buffet typically includes 2 entrée selections and 4 sides. For added impact and guest experience, consider upgrading with a chef-attended carving station.
Plated Dinner: For a more traditional approach, we suggest offering a choice of 2 entrées, an accompaniment, and thoughtfully selected side dishes.
Dessert: Complete the evening with a sweet note—whether that's an elegant plated dessert or a curated dessert bar.

4. Plan for Dietary Restrictions

It’s important to be mindful of guests with dietary restrictions or allergies. Ask for this information during the RSVP process and ensure your caterer is prepared with vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options.

5. Think About Drinks

For a group of 100, you’ll want a well-stocked beverage station. Estimate one drink per person per hour and include a mix of non-alcoholic options as well. Consider:

Water and soft drinks
Coffee and tea
Wine, beer, and cocktails if serving alcohol

6. Don’t Forget the Details

a professional front of house manager setting up for an event

Beyond the food and drinks, think about the other elements that contribute to a flawless catering experience:

Linens and Tableware: Confirm whether your caterer provides tablecloths, napkins, plates, glassware, and utensils—or if you'll need to rent them separately.
Serving Staff: Make sure your caterer provides full service staff.
Setup and Cleanup: Ask if setup and cleanup are included in your catering package. Some caterers charge additional fees or require venue-specific arrangements.

A good catering team, like ours, will handle ALL OF THESE logistics so you can enjoy your event stress-free.

7. Work with a Trusted Caterer

Partnering with an experienced catering team is the key to success. At Catering by John Lowe, we bring professionalism, exceptional food, and seamless execution to every event. Let us help you plan your perfect gathering.