Planning an event is exciting until the logistics kick in. One question that catches people off guard every time: how much cutlery do I actually need? Order too little and guests are left waiting. Order too much, and you’ve wasted budget. This simple checklist will provide a clear, no-fuss process for getting it right, every time.
How Many Pieces of Cutlery Do I Need Per Guest?
The number of cutlery pieces per person depends entirely on your menu.
A standard three-course sit-down meal typically requires 5-7 pieces per guest:
- Table knife and table fork (main course)
- Dessert knife, fork and spoon
- Soup spoon (if serving soup)
- Teaspoon (for tea or coffee after the meal)
For a simpler two-course meal, 3-4 pieces per person is usually sufficient.
Always add a 10% buffer to your total. This covers breakages, drops and last-minute additions to the guest list.
A clear example: 100 guests x 6 pieces = 600 pieces. Add 10% = 660 pieces total.
What Types of Event Cutlery Do I Need To Hire?
The type of event cutlery you need depends on your menu and occasion. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Course | Cutlery Needed |
| Starter (soup) | Soup spoon |
| Main Course | Table knife + table fork |
| Fish Course | Fish knife + fish fork |
| Dessert | Dessert spoon or fork |
| Cheese Board | Cheese knife |
| Tea/Coffee | Teaspoon |
At Top Table, our cutlery hire range covers all of the above. From table knives and soup spoons to fish sets and cheese knives. Available in Bead and Windsor styles.
How much Does Hiring Cutlery Cost For An Event?
Hiring cutlery is far more cost-effective than buying and storing it. Buying commercial-grade cutlery outright for 100 guests can run into hundreds of pounds. Plus cleaning and storage costs.
At Top Table, cutlery hire starts from just £0.24 per piece (exc. VAT) for a typical 2-day hire. For a 100-guest, 6-piece setting, that works out to roughly £144-£162. Just a fraction of the purchase cost.
All items are thoroughly cleaned before delivery, and we offer a return-dirty service for your convenience.
Do I Need Different Cutlery For A Wedding?
Yes, you need different cutlery for a wedding. The details matter more than you think. Wedding cutlery hire calls for a more considered approach:
- Formal sit-down weddings typically use 6-7 pieces of cutlery per guest across multiple courses.
- Wedding breakfast buffets can often get away with 3-4 pieces of cutlery per person.
- Evening receptions with finger food may only need dessert forks or teaspoons.
The style of cutlery also matters for weddings. Our Bead and Windsor ranges both offer an elegant, polished finish that photographs beautifully and suits formal table settings. Pair your wedding cutlery hire with our crockery hire for a fully coordinated table.
What Else Do I Need To Hire Alongside Cutlery For My Event?
Cutlery is just one part of a well-laid table. While you’re planning, consider:
- Crockery hire: plates and serving dishes
- Table hire: just £6.00 for a round table seating 6
- Chair hire: from £1.45 per chair
- Catering equipment hire: ovens, hot cupboards, freezers and more
Top Table has been a family-run business since 1990, serving Cardiff, Newport and across South Wales. We can supply everything your event needs, from a single hire item to a complete package.
Your Simple Cutlery Hire Checklist:
Before hiring cutlery, run through this checklist:
- How many guests are attending?
- How many courses are you serving?
- Have you identified every piece type needed per course?
- Have you added a 10% buffer?
- Do you need any specialist pieces (fish knives, cheese knives)?
- Have you confirmed your cutlery hire date and delivery address?
Ready To Book Your Cutlery Hire?
Planning an intimate dinner? Coordinating a 300-guest wedding? Whatever the size, Top Table makes cutlery hire simple and stress-free. We’d love to help you get the details right.
Contact us today with your event date, guest numbers and menu. We’ll put together a tailored quote. You can also explore our full range of services or call us directly on 029 2023 2408.