Organizing the Guest Response
In case you are relying on your guests to respond by phone before you
order the number of meals, make sure that you don’t get delayed. Your
caterer will probably give you a date by which the he must have a
final guest count. Be aware that caterers often prepare “reserve”
portions of approximately 5% of the guest list, just in case you have
unexpected additions to your list. In the event that these extra
portions are used they are added to your total cost, so make sure that
the catering staff is directed to add these portions only at your request.