Wedding Dessert Bar - Questions to All Brides

People like to try different things, so I would order small sizes if possible, and assume people will take more than one. Otherwise, a safe estimate is 1.5 pieces per guest. And remember that the more variety you choose, the more likely that people will take more than one.

I don't actually think it's reasonable to ask a guest to work at the reception. It can be stressful and a lot of work to take care of a buffet for 250 people (it will get messy fast!). Better to hire someone to do that, unless someone spontaneously, genuinely offers to work for you instead of enjoying the party.

I think for quantity it's a know your crowd kind of thing which is kind of hard to determine. I'm sure you could google and some dessert calculators might come up. I'll say if it were me and my fiancé attending he would probably want to try one of everything. Knowing myself I'd probably be full from dinner and may only take one item, especially if they are full sized. I'm struggling to decide how many cupcakes for us as well. I know some people may not have any while others may go for seconds. I'm guessing 1.5 servings times your guest count might be good.

I would order at least 100 of each not everyone is going to want a cupcake

we are doing a dessert bar too here is our menu

dessert shooters

brownies

cheesecake

mini pies

and were also having a 5 tier cake

We had a dessert bar and the first thing to go was the chocolate covered strawberries.
Don’t ask your SILs to watch and replenish the bar, that’s no fun for them! Just put it all out or have your coordinator put it all out and when it’s gone it’s gone.
I’d order enough for everyone to have one of each, knowing that some will take multiples and some won’t take any.

I’m also doing a dessert bar, I have mini pies, cheesecake shooters, brownies & mini cupcakes. I have a small “traditional” cake, so we can do the cake cutting, but mostly the dessert bar & a s’mores bar. There’s something for everyone & I think it’s a bit easier then passing out a bunch of cake.

Thanks for all of the friendly tips, opinions, and ideas so far! It is very much appreciated.

Have one serving of each item per person. It’s very common to have someone say “you need to go try that apple crisp (or fill in the blank) and it’s gone before they get there because the couple only ordered enough for 10 people out of 100 to eat it. It’s better to have too much and send home the extra with family and friends than to run out before the party is over.


Hire staff from thumbtack.com inexpensively so your guests don’t have to work. Same with a day of coordinator.

Make sure you have forks, napkins, plates. These can be disposable so don’t pay a ton of money. Have the option of plates and forks for cupcakes because they are very messy to eat without them.