Determining how much wine a guest will consume or how popular your shrimp toast hors d’oeuvres will be isn’t an exact science, but we use the guidelines above as we plan. If you’re from the south, you’re familiar with “cocktail receptions” — parties that offer limited seating, heavy hor d’oeuvres and small plates from “action stations.” Parties of this format traditionally offer limited seating. Use your best judgement — you know your guest list best and the specs of your venue. 60% seating is a loose guide. You may round up or down depending on existing seating at your venue or your crowd’s taste.

xoxo