Cooking for a Rehearsal Dinner

[CornhuskerSmoker]

Hello all! Couple questions. I'm cooking for two rehearsal dinners both will be approx. 60 people. The first one the bride wants a 50/50 pulled pork and brisket and the second is just pulled pork. What ratio of uncooked meat/person would you recommend so I can start sourcing the correct amount of meat? Especially with brisket I tend to trim the fat aggressively so I know I need to account for that as well as brisket shrinks up quite a bit. Any general advice would be much appreciated. I have access to two Blazn pellet smokers along with two 22.5 WSM's.

Thanks!

 

[IamMadMan]

If there are ample sides you can calculate 1/3 pound of cooked meat per serving. However I have found that brisket is more favorable and many people go back for seconds, so lately I have been calculating a little extra on the brisket, it doesn't go to waste. If any is left over you can take home and Vac-seal for lunches or a dinner, or just give it away.

 

[poorolddan]

After doing these in this area for years I found that the ladies mostly go for the brisket and the guys want both. The 6oz per person is heavy if sandwiches but right if not. Serve the pork pulled small or even chopped. Brisket sliced but strips cut in half. If sammys use the small Rotellas hamburger buns.

 

[CornhuskerSmoker]

Thanks guys, very much appreciated.

poorrolddan, do you cook competitively? Maybe I've seen you around the area at contests.

 

[Drh7003]

Tis the season....I just did a bridal shower and MY daughter's rehersal dinner is in three weeks...Yes, Dad has to cook....

 

[CornhuskerSmoker]

Yes it is. The first rehearsal dinner is for my sisters wedding. Then I get the pleasure of coming for my own wedding.

 

[landarc]

I figure a 50% loss from raw for both pork butts and briskets. So 60 people by 2/3 pound of raw meat. Lately brisket is the hotter item and going a tad heavier won't hurt.

 

[poorolddan]

We cooked comps and catered for years as One More Bite BBQ. Body gave out end of 2009 so quit work and comp cooking. Still did some catering thru 2013 and had a weekend thing going at the KOA.

 

[tasterner]

Yes it is. The first rehearsal dinner is for my sisters wedding. Then I get the pleasure of coming for my own wedding.

:laugh::thumb: