Help! # of Lbs per person?

[grnhs]

I need some advise on how much pulled pork to get for my sons wedding reception.
They figure 200+ people and was wondering how much raw weight should I shoot for?
I've seen something on here about this but cannot find it. seems to me there was about 1/2 lb cooked meat per person and that started out as 1 lb raw?
Does that sound about right to you guys?
Thanks for the help.
Dave

[GusRobin]

Any other entrees, side dishes,  how many adults vs children?

[Ka Honu]

Most folks go with one pound raw weight (1/2 pound cooked) per person.  You could get away with (up to half) less if there are several entrees but I'd prefer to have enough (rather than too little) and leftovers (if any) freeze well.  Better start early and freeze to reheat/serve on the big day.

[La Quinta]

Like KH said...I go with a 1/2 a pound per person with meat and fish (cooked)...sides fill the void...should be plenty at a wedding.

[Habanero Smoker]

As mentioned above, it depends on the guest list, and what other entrees and main dishes, are being served. Also I found when serving pulled pork with other meat main dishes, use smaller rolls; such as dinner or slider rolls.

[grnhs]

No other entree's, but not clear on salads and sides yet.
I am planning on starting a couple weeks ahead, it will be 4-5 cooks in my Mak.(maybe a couple more)
in the past I have re-heated with a little bbq sauce flavored apple juice for moisture.
I think most of the guests staying to eat will be young adults and young families, so it will be a full spectrum of age groups.
Thanks everyone for the input, The wealth of experience here is greatly appreciated.
This is in June so I will post the pics then.
Dave

[beefmann]

1/2 lb per person cooked, 3/4 to 1 lb per person raw depending on shrinkage

[squirtthecat]

1 lb raw per person.   Plan on leftovers.

[FLBentRider]

Let me ask this question - What time of day is the wedding?

I think it matters if this is a meal-time or snack-time thing. You know the wedding party is going to be famished no matter what time, but as far as the guests, maybe not.

[grnhs]

Let me ask this question - What time of day is the wedding?

I think it matters if this is a meal-time or snack-time thing. You know the wedding party is going to be famished no matter what time, but as far as the guests, maybe not.

It's the evening meal, 5Pm wedding. feed bags will be on :D

[FLBentRider]

Let me ask this question - What time of day is the wedding?

I think it matters if this is a meal-time or snack-time thing. You know the wedding party is going to be famished no matter what time, but as far as the guests, maybe not.

It's the evening meal, 5Pm wedding. feed bags will be on :D

I'll assume alcohol will be served as well...

Yup, pretty much the worst-case scenario...

It also matters who is doing to serving. If it is a self-service buffet, then definitely figure 1lb raw per guest.

If you can control the portions with someone putting it on buns for them, then perhaps a bit less.

[SouthernSmoked]

When my daughter was doing bbq for the weekend at campus - we would figure 4oz of pork if this is the only entree!

Use 3oz of pork if more are than one entrée will be served.

Using this method I would say 200 adults x 4oz = 50lbs of finish product.

You will normally loose 50% of produce during the cook - so you will need a minimum 100lbs of pork shoulder to start.

I would throw a few extra butts in there if I were you.

If you need my address to send me the extra pork just let me know. ;)