How much coffee you need for 100 guests

The capacities we publish

• Stainless steel percolators: 100 cup.
• Hot beverage dispensers: 3 gallon, or 384 ounces.
• Insulated carafes for pouring at the table; ask for their size with your quote.

Cup size changes the count

A percolator’s “cup” is a small measure, about 5 ounces (typical), so a 100-cup batch is about 500 ounces. Served in 8- or 12-ounce cups, the same batch pours far fewer.

How many guests drink coffee

Planning guides put it at 60 to 80 servings per 100 guests (typical), running higher when coffee goes out with dessert or on a cool evening. A common split is about four regular to one decaf or tea (typical); a hot beverage dispenser of hot water covers the tea.

For 100 guests in 8-ounce cups, 60 to 80 servings is 480 to 640 ounces. One full percolator (500 ounces) covers the low end. For the high end, add a second batch, or a 3-gallon dispenser (384 ounces) filled with decaf.

Brewing time and power

• A large percolator brews about a cup a minute (typical), so a full batch takes more than an hour. Start it before dinner service, not when dessert goes out.
• Electric percolators need an outlet at the coffee station. Check where the nearest one is.
• On a South Walton beach, generators need a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, so brew where there is power and carry the coffee out in a dispenser or carafes.
• Glass and ceramics are banned on Okaloosa County and South Walton beaches, and the Okaloosa rules name ceramic coffee cups. Plan other cups for coffee served on the sand. The beach wedding permits guide has the details.

Add coffee service to your quote request with your guest count and the time dessert is served.