How much food to serve for a buffet reception?

Why are you having to figure this out? Normally you give your caterer a number of people and they know how much food to provide. They can also advise you on what an appropriate number of options would be.

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Yeah that is true. Didn't really think of that. Just wanted to see if there were other ways to gauge. Thank you for your input.

Talking with your caterer is the only way to figure out

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Okay thank you!!

If I were you, I probably do 2 or 3pans of the jerk chicken (because everybody loves jerk chicken) chicken, 2 pans of chicken wings, one pan of chicken balls and 2 pans of rice. If you do end up doing the peppered stake only do one pan of chicken wings.

But Kelly is right if you have a cater they will know what to do.
Congratulations and Good Luck

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Aww, Mrs. Johnson thank you for positivity and advice. It is much appreciated. I will definitely look into what the caterers say. Wishing you the best. I agree with what you said about the jerk chicken haha!!

I'd plan on one protein per person for a buffet at least, so one jerk chicken & one deep fried wings or steak per guest.

We're having a BBQ buffet for our reception and all we had to do is give the caterer our numbers. I do recommend adding a few extra to the count.

Most caterers know how much they will need based on the count and will also include some type of cushion. Please realize that some people will try everything whereas others will only take a little.

I’d absolutely talk to your caterer about the appropriate amount of food for your wedding. I would add in fish and vegetable options as well. You have in mind a very meat and carb heavy menu. I am from a Jamaican family... where the escovitch fish and callaloo at? Plantain? Cabbage? Chocho? Even just a basic salad to lighten things up.

Your caterer will provide the appropriate amount of food based on your headcount, and the amount of dishes you provide. That's what they do.

I like FutureMrsD's point about atleast one protein per person. We're trying to keep our wedding very casual and as inexpensive as we can. So we're not getting a caterer. We're setting out some grills, have a couple friends who offered to man the grills during supper, and guests and choose what type meat they want cooked up. So we still have to figure out amounts of main course, side dishes, etc. So I appreciate some of the input!