How many plates, utensils, etc to buy?

Can't your caterer do this?

I imagine they could, but I'm snowed in tonight and was going to use the time to start shopping. And the butcher shop is closed now

Another question- If we are doing cupcakes instead of cake, do we need cake/dessert plates?

We are planning a party for about 200 people. I would say 300 for plates. Silverware you can roll them up with a napkin and maybe out two forks in each. One for dinner, one for desert. I imagine things will get thrown away so definitely over buy on forks and plates. Eta: amazon has some good deals on nice plastic plates and silverware.

The butcher? Do you not have a catering company? Is the butcher cooking and setting up all of the food for you?

Who is serving the food?

Are you having a cocktail hour and a main meal and dessert? Assume at least 1 set of dishware and cutlery per person per course. Yes, if you're having cupcakes you need dessert plates unless you want your guests to make a mess.

@JuneBride- The local butcher does catering. They are preparing and serving the food on site, but they do not provide dishes or flatware, only the serving dishes.

@Leeann- Yes we are having a cocktail hour (two of them, actually), main meal, and dessert. I assume appetizer plates and dessert plates are essentially the same?

Appetizer plates and dessert plates, if you are buying disposable, are the same size. You might want to consider adding a set to your main meal if you're having salad as one of your sides.