How much ice cream do you need for a wedding?
By the Ice Cream Tuk team · Updated
With a scoop cart or a tub-based supplier, you're really buying a number of portions. With soft-serve, you're buying time: the machine keeps making ice cream for as long as it's running. So the question becomes how long you need to serve everyone who wants one, plus the people coming back for seconds.
The simple maths
Our machine makes about two servings a minute, so 120 servings an hour at full pace. Plan on most adults having one, a good number coming back for a second, and children wanting one each (with an adult).
| Guests | Suggested service | Approximate servings available |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 150 | 2 hours | 200–240 |
| 150 – 200 | 2–3 hours | 200–360 |
| 200+ or day and evening guests | 3+ hours | 360+ |
What changes the numbers
- Weather: on a hot day more people come back for seconds, and the machine can run slightly slower in extreme heat.
- Timing: a slot straight after the meal gets a big rush; an evening slot is steadier.
- Other desserts: if ice cream replaces dessert, assume nearly everyone will want one.
- Children: they will absolutely ask for more. Our team keep things fair so the queue keeps moving.
Why unlimited doesn't mean unfair
Our packages include unlimited servings within your booked time, so you never pay per cone. To keep things fair for everyone, our team may gently limit people to two servings each while there's a queue. Once the rush dies down, seconds (and thirds) are fine.