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How Much Party Supplies Do I Need for 50 Guests? (Full Shopping List)
For 50 guests buy 120-150 plates, 150-200 napkins, 100-150 cups and 75 cutlery sets. Full shopping list and budget breakdown.
How Much Party Supplies Do I Need for 50 Guests? (Full Shopping List)
Quick answer: For 50 guests you need 120–150 plates, 150–200 napkins, 100–150 cups and 75 cutlery sets, plus 7 tablecloths. Budget $250–450 for tableware and decorations, or about $5–9 per guest.
Key takeaways
- 120–150 plates and 150–200 napkins for 50 guests.
- 100–150 cups (1 per guest per 1.5 hours, minimum 2).
- Budget $250–450, or $5–9 per guest.
- Buy in bulk packs — 50-count and 100-count save 30–50%.
How much tableware do I need for 50 guests?
For 50 guests plan 120–150 plates, 150–200 napkins, 100–150 cups and 75 cutlery sets. These numbers assume a full meal with dessert, a 20% buffer, and cups calculated at one per guest per 1.5 hours of party time.
Full shopping list for 50 guests
Use this table to order in one pass. Quantities include a 20% buffer.
| Item | Quantity | Pack size to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner plates | 120–150 | 2× 100-count, or 3× 50-count |
| Napkins | 150–200 | 2× 100-count |
| Cups | 100–150 | 3× 50-count |
| Cutlery sets | 75 | 1× 80-count, or 2× 40-count |
| Tablecloths | 7 | 1 per 6–8 guests |
| Balloons (garland) | 100–120 | 1 large garland kit |
| Goody bags | 55 | 1 per guest + 10% buffer |
| Bin bags | 4 | 1 per 15 guests |
How much does a 50-guest party cost?
Budget $250–450 for tableware, decorations and basic supplies, which works out to $5–9 per guest. Tableware alone is $60–120; balloons and decorations add $50–120; goody bags add $100–150 if you include them.
How many tables do I need for 50 guests?
Plan 7 tables of 8 for a seated meal, or 4–5 larger tables if guests will stand and mingle. For a buffet, allow 1 table per 6–8 guests for seating plus 2 tables for food and drinks.
How many balloons do I need for 50 guests?
One 10–12 foot balloon garland (100–130 balloons) is enough decoration for a 50-guest party. If you want balloons on every table, add a small cluster of 5–7 balloons per table — about 35–50 extra balloons.
Frequently asked questions
How many plates do I need for 50 guests?
Buy 120–150 plates for 50 guests: 2–3 per person plus a 20% buffer. That is two 100-count packs or three 50-count packs, and buying in bulk cuts the cost per plate by 30–50%.
How much food do I need for 50 people?
Plan 2 plates per guest for the main course and 1 for dessert, so 150 plates total. For food, allow 150–200 g of protein per guest, 2–3 side portions, and 1.5 drinks per person per hour.
How many cups for 50 guests?
Buy 100–150 cups for 50 guests, based on 1 cup per guest per 1.5 hours with a minimum of 2 per person. For a 3-hour party that is 2–3 cups each, or three 50-count sleeves.
Shop bulk supplies: browse our party supplies for bulk tableware and decorations, or see our per-person quantity calculator.
Related: scaling to 100? See tableware for 100 guests.
Related: cut costs with our money-saving guide.
Related: see supplies for 20 guests and 30 guests.
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