🍽️ Your Party Planner
🔥 BBQ / Cookout
For 50 guests
📋 Shopping Checklist
💡 These are planning estimates. Actual needs vary based on menu variety, side dishes, appetizers, and your guests' eating habits.
💡 Party Food Tips
Ice Rule of Thumb
Plan for 1–1.5 lbs of ice per guest for drinks. Double it in summer or if you're icing down coolers.
Protein Per Person
6–8 oz of cooked protein per adult for a main meal. For appetizer-only events, 3–4 oz is plenty.
Drinks Calculator
Non-alcoholic: 2–3 drinks per person per hour. Alcoholic events: 1 drink per person per hour is standard.
Cake Slice Math
A 9-inch round cake serves 12–16. A half-sheet serves 48–60. Sheet cakes are the most economical for crowds.
Hot Weather Warning
Add 15–20% more drinks and ice for outdoor summer events. Heat increases thirst significantly.
Timing Matters
Meal-time parties (noon, 6pm) need 25% more food than mid-afternoon events. Guests arrive hungry.
Kids at the Party?
Children eat about half as much as adults. If your guest list is 30% kids, reduce food estimates by 10–15%.
Side Dish Rule
Offer 3–4 sides for any group over 20. Half-cup servings per side per person is the standard estimate.
❓ Common Questions
How much food do I need for 50 people?
For a typical 3-hour meal event with 50 guests, plan for about 25–30 lbs of cooked protein, 6–8 lbs of sides per dish, 2–3 cases of drinks, and 50–75 lbs of ice. Use the planner above to get estimates tailored to your exact event type and appetite level.
How much food for 100 people at a BBQ?
For 100 guests at a BBQ, estimate 50–60 lbs of cooked meat (burgers, chicken, hot dogs combined), 12–15 lbs per side dish, 4–6 cases of drinks, and 100–150 lbs of ice. Having two protein options reduces the guesswork considerably.
How do I calculate drinks for a party?
For non-alcoholic drinks, plan 2–3 servings per person per hour. For a 3-hour party with 50 guests that's 300–450 drinks total. One case of 24 cans or bottles covers 24 servings — so you'd need 12–19 cases. Always round up slightly.
How much food for a wedding reception?
Wedding receptions typically run 4–6 hours with a full meal service. Plan 8–10 oz of protein per person, 4–5 side dishes, appetizers for the cocktail hour (8–12 pieces per person), wedding cake for all guests, and 2–3 drinks per person per hour.
How much should I overshop to be safe?
The general rule is to add 10–15% extra to any estimate. Running out of food is far more embarrassing than having leftovers. Non-perishables like drinks, chips, and condiments can always be used later so those are safe to over-buy.
What's the easiest food for a large party?
Sheet pan proteins (chicken thighs, pulled pork, brisket) are easiest to scale. Pasta salads, coleslaw, and baked beans hold well at temperature. For desserts, brownies and cookies are easier than cake for large groups and more cost effective per serving.