China for a 100-Guest Wedding: A Complete Counted List

A piece-by-piece dinnerware list for a 100-guest wedding: plates, bowls, cups, flatware counts and the cushion, with options for plated and buffet dinners.

November 2, 2026 · 4 min read · By the Beyond Chiavari team

Another angle: 3D render of a 6-inch white china bread and butter plate — White china bread plate (side view)

A hundred guests is the most common wedding size we hear about in Chicago, and it is a number that makes counting easy. Ten tables of ten, or twelve tables of eight to nine. This post gives a counted list that you can paste into an email to a rental company, with notes on what to change for your menu. It is not a price sheet: we do not publish dinnerware prices, and the list is meant to help you ask for an accurate quote.

The counted list: plated dinner

Piece	Per guest	For 100 guests	With 10% cushion
Charger (optional)	1	100	105 to 110
Dinner plate	1	100	110
Salad plate	1	100	110
Bread plate (optional)	1	100	105 to 110
Dessert plate	1	100	110
Soup bowl (if served)	1	100	110
Cup and saucer (if coffee)	1	100	110
Dinner fork	1	100	110
Salad fork	1	100	110
Dinner knife	1	100	110
Teaspoon or soup spoon	1	100	110
Dessert fork	1	100	110

Flatware and glassware are a separate order; count it with the same logic. Our how many plates per guest post explains the pattern behind these numbers.

Core plates run to 110; optional pieces can drop to 105 or 100 with a smaller cushion.

Buffet version

With a buffet and cake, the list shrinks to about 110 dinner plates, 110 dessert plates, and optional cups and saucers. You may add a stack of 20 extra dinner plates at the buffet for second trips. The buffet itself needs serving pieces and chafing dishes, which come from the caterer or a catering equipment order. See dinnerware sizes for buffet, plated and family-style.

The head table and extras

Include the head table or sweetheart table in the guest count; most couples forget that the couple eats too. Add vendor meals if the photographer and DJ are fed by the caterer. Include the kids' table if kids are in the 100 or are extra.

Tables for 100 guests

For 100 guests, that is about 10 rounds of 10 at 72 inches or 12 rounds of 8 to 9 at 60 inches, plus cake, gift and guest book tables. Check how many tables you need before you count place settings. Our how many chairs do I need guide handles chairs, and the tablecloth size chart handles linens.

1Step 1Confirm 100as the final headcount, plus vendors.
2Step 2List the coursesfrom your caterer's menu.
3Step 3Multiply and add the cushionusing the table above.
4Step 4Add serving piecesif you have family-style or buffet.
5Step 5Send the listto the rental company for a quote.

Choices that change the count

Skip the soup bowl if the menu has no soup.
Use salad plates for dessert to cut one line (see dessert plates).
Skip chargers to save a line (see chargers).
Skip bread plates (see bread plates).
Serve coffee from a station to cut cups used at the table.

Each skip cuts about 100 pieces from the order, which also cuts crate count and delivery weight.

Delivery weight and crates

A 100-guest plated order is many crates of china. Plates are heavy: a stack of 20 dinner plates is a significant carry. Tell your venue how many crates to expect and where the loading dock or entry is. See delivery and packing crates.

Dinner plates for 100 guests: 110; Dinner plates for 100 guests
Plates for 3 courses (with cushion): 330; Plates for 3 courses (with cushion)
Cups if coffee is served: 100; Cups if coffee is served
Extra per line, rule of thumb: 10; Extra per line, rule of thumb
Rounds of 10, 72 in: 10; Rounds of 10, 72 in
Rounds of 8 to 9, 60 in: 12; Rounds of 8 to 9, 60 in

Frequently asked questions

How many plates do I need for a 100-guest wedding?

For a plated three-course dinner, you need about 330 plates: 110 each of dinner, salad and dessert. For a buffet with cake, about 220.

How many chargers do I need?

One per seat, so 100 for guests plus the couple's seats, roughly 105 to 110 with a cushion. Chargers are optional.

Do I need to rent cups and saucers?

Only if you serve coffee or tea at the table. If coffee is at a station, ask whether mugs or paper cups are better.

Should I order extra for breakage?

Yes, about 5 to 10% extra. Read the breakage fee guide for how it is charged.

Does my caterer provide china?

Many do or can supply it for a fee. Ask for what is included, then rent only what is missing so you do not pay twice.

What if my headcount changes?

Tell the rental company as early as possible. Most allow changes up to a deadline in the contract.

Send your list for a quote

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will check your list line by line for your Chicago-area wedding, or request a quote.

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