You are organising an event for around fifty guests and you are wondering how many cupcakes to order? This is one of the questions we are most often asked at Lilicup. The good news: with a few simple guidelines, we can estimate a precise quantity and avoid both waste and a shortage on the table. Here’s how to go about it.
Why there is no "right answer" universally
The ideal quantity depends primarily on one factor: the role of the cupcake in your event. A cupcake served as the only dessert at a sit-down meal is not calculated the same way as a cupcake placed on a buffet next to ten other sweets.
Before placing your order, ask yourself a simple question: are your guests going to eat one cupcake, or several? The answer changes everything.
The calculation according to the type of event
Sit-down meal with a single dessert
If the cupcakes are the only dessert served at the table, count 1 to 2 classic cupcakes per person. For 50 guests, this represents between 50 and 100 cupcakes. In this case, favour our cupcakes classics: their generous format is enough to fully satisfy each guest.
Buffet or sweet table with several desserts
On a buffet where cupcakes are alongside other treats: bites, pastries, cakes... guests nibble and taste a bit of everything. Count then 2 to 3 mini cupcakes per person, which is between 100 and 150 pieces for 50 guests. Our mini cupcakes, sold in boxes of 10, are perfect for this format: they allow for a variety of flavours without anyone feeling obliged to finish a large piece.
Cocktail or standing reception
For a cocktail where people eat while mingling, without sitting down, plan for more: 3 to 4 pieces per person, mixing mini cupcakes and bites. For 50 guests, this represents between 150 and 200 pieces in total. The bite-sized format is particularly suitable here: it can be eaten in one go, without a plate or complicated service.
Summary table for 50 people
Type of event | Quantity per person | Total for 50 people | Recommended format |
|---|---|---|---|
Seated meal, single dessert | 1 to 2 | 50 to 100 | |
Buffet / sweet table | 2 to 3 | 100 to 150 | |
Standing cocktail | 3 to 4 | 150 to 200 | Mini cupcakes + Bites |
Should a safety margin be planned?
Yes, and it's a detail that many forget. Even with a precise calculation, it is always recommended to allow for a margin of 5 to 10 % on top of the estimated total. Why? Because there are always a few big eaters, a few last-minute guests, and it's better to have some left over than the opposite.
For 50 people at a seated meal (so 50 to 100 cupcakes), this means planning for 5 to 10 extra pieces. A minimal margin, but it greatly changes the atmosphere at the end of the evening.
And what if you mix several formats?
This is actually what most of our clients do for events of this size: a mix of formats rather than just one. For example, for 50 people:
- A cake of Large size (16 people) as a centrepiece, for the cutting ritual or photos;
- About forty mini cupcakes for the buffet, in several flavours;
- A few bites for guests who prefer to snack lightly.
This approach allows for varying textures, formats, and flavours, while keeping a coherent visual on the table. If you prefer a ready-to-use solution without having to calculate the proportions yourself, our Boxes are a good option for smaller groups.
For a special occasion: baby shower or gender reveal
If your event of 50 people is a baby shower or a gender reveal, the same type of calculation applies, with the added choice of colours and themed flavours. Discover our dedicated collections Babyshower and Gender Reveal to create a table that is both delicious and perfectly in line with your theme.
How far in advance should you order for 50 people?
For an order of this size, we recommend contacting us at least a week in advance, and ideally longer if you want multiple flavours or a touch of customisation. This gives us time to prepare everything by hand, in our Brussels workshop, as close as possible to the date of your event to ensure optimal freshness.
Need help estimating your order?
Every event is different, and the figures above are guidelines, not absolute rules. If you have any doubts about quantities, preferred flavours, or the most suitable format for your reception, our team is here to help you. Contact us and describe your event to us: we will help you create a custom order, not too much, not too little.
