Sandwich platters remain one of the most popular and practical catering options for events across Dublin and Ireland. Whether you're organising a corporate working lunch, a communion celebration, a funeral reception, or a casual office gathering, a well-planned sandwich platter delivers variety, convenience, and value. But getting the quantities right, choosing the best fillings, and ensuring you cater to all dietary needs can feel daunting — especially when you're managing everything else that goes into event planning.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ordering sandwich platters for events, from calculating how many sandwiches per person to choosing fillings that will please every guest.
How Many Sandwiches Per Person? Getting the Quantities Right
The golden question for any event planner is: how much food do I need? For sandwich platters, the answer depends on several factors, but here are some reliable guidelines based on our years of experience catering events across Dublin:
- Light lunch or afternoon event: 3–4 sandwich portions per person
- Main lunch (sandwiches only): 5–6 sandwich portions per person
- Buffet with other food items: 2–3 sandwich portions per person
- Children's party: 2–3 smaller portions per child
A "portion" typically means one round of sandwiches cut in half (two triangles). When ordering from a professional caterer, platters are usually designed with these quantities in mind, so you simply need to confirm the number of guests.
Our general advice? It's always better to have a few extra sandwiches than to run short. At Triple Four Catering, we typically recommend ordering 10–15% more than your exact headcount to account for guests who eat more or unexpected attendees.
Choosing the Right Fillings: Classic and Creative Options
The best sandwich platters for events offer a mix of familiar favourites and a few interesting options. Here's a selection of fillings that consistently prove popular at events we cater in Dublin:
Classic fillings that always work:
- Roast chicken with stuffing and cranberry
- Honey-glazed ham with mustard
- Egg mayonnaise with fresh chives
- Tuna mayo with sweetcorn
- Mature cheddar with red onion and pickle
- BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato)
Premium and creative fillings:
- Smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill
- Roast beef with horseradish cream
- Brie with grape and walnut
- Coronation chicken
- Prawn Marie Rose
- Mediterranean vegetables with hummus
A good rule of thumb for event catering is to include approximately 60% meat-based fillings and 40% vegetarian options. This ratio ensures everyone has plenty of choice, even if your guest list doesn't include many vegetarians — meat-eaters enjoy veggie sandwiches too.
Catering to Dietary Requirements
Modern event planning in Ireland means accounting for a wide range of dietary needs. When ordering sandwich platters, consider the following:
- Vegetarian: Ensure at least 30–40% of your platter is vegetarian. Fillings like egg mayo, mature cheddar, hummus wraps, and brie are universally popular.
- Vegan: Hummus with roasted vegetables, falafel wraps, and avocado with tomato work well and can be kept separate from other sandwiches.
- Gluten-free: Many caterers, including Triple Four Catering, offer gluten-free bread as an alternative. Order these as a separate, clearly labelled mini-platter.
- Allergens: Always inform your caterer about nut allergies, dairy intolerances, and other specific requirements. Professional caterers in Dublin will handle allergen management and labelling.
Bread and Presentation: The Details That Matter
The type of bread you choose affects both the taste and the visual appeal of your platter. Common options include:
- White and brown sliced bread: The classic choice — reliable and universally liked
- Wraps and tortillas: Great for adding variety and popular with younger guests
- Ciabatta and panini: More premium feel, ideal for corporate events
- Bagels and croissants: Perfect for breakfast meetings or morning events
- Sourdough: Artisan option that adds a touch of sophistication
Professional presentation makes a huge difference. A well-arranged platter with garnishes, clear labelling, and attractive serving dishes elevates even simple sandwiches into an impressive spread. This is where professional event catering in Dublin truly shines — the presentation is part of the service.
Timing and Freshness: When to Order and How to Serve
Freshness is everything with sandwich platters. Here are some practical tips:
- Order your platters to arrive 15–30 minutes before serving time
- Keep sandwiches covered with cling film until guests are ready to eat
- In warm weather, keep platters in a cool area and avoid direct sunlight
- For events lasting more than two hours, consider a staggered delivery to maintain freshness
When working with a professional catering service, these details are handled for you. At Triple Four Catering, we time our deliveries to ensure everything arrives fresh and perfectly presented, with setup included as standard for larger orders.
Need sandwich platters for your next event in Dublin?
Order Your PlattersGetting your sandwich platters right is all about planning ahead: calculate your quantities generously, choose a mix of classic and creative fillings, accommodate dietary needs, and work with a caterer who takes pride in freshness and presentation. Whether it's a corporate meeting for twelve or a celebration for two hundred, the humble sandwich platter — done well — never fails to satisfy.
If you're planning an event in Dublin or anywhere across Ireland and need help with your catering, Triple Four Catering is here to make the process simple and stress-free. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.