Avoiding Alcohol Shortage At A Full Bar Wedding

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to stocking the bar. It's hard to predict exactly how much alcohol your guests will drink, but running out of drinks halfway through the reception is a definite no-no. So, how do you make sure you have enough booze to last the whole night? Well, it all depends on the number of guests, the duration of the reception, and the drinking habits of your crowd. A good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will have about five drinks throughout the evening, but it's always better to overestimate than underestimate.

Now, let's break down the different types of alcohol you'll need.

How much alcohol to buy

It's important to calculate how many drinks you'll be serving and how much alcohol to buy for a wedding bar menu. Staying within your wedding budget is crucial, but you also don't want to run out of liquor halfway through your wedding reception.

• Guest count: The number of guests will determine the quantity of alcohol needed.
• Reception duration: Longer receptions will require more drinks.
• Drinking habits of guests: Consider whether your guests are light, average, or heavy drinkers.
• Champagne toast: Will you be offering a champagne toast? This will add to the total drink count.
• Signature cocktails: How many signature cocktails do you plan to offer?
• Type of alcohol: The recommended mix is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine, with a 50/50 split of red and white wine.
• Champagne (750 ml): 17, 25, or 33 bottles
• Red Wine (750 ml): 10, 15, or 20 bottles
• White wine (750 ml): 10, 15, or 20 bottles
• Spirits (1 liter): 11, 16, or 21 bottles
• Beer: 100, 150, or 200 cans or bottles

It's also important to know your crowd when deciding on the type and quantity of alcohol to buy. If half your guests don't drink, adjust your quantities accordingly. Consider the preferences of your loved ones and the region or country you're in.

If you're set on having a full bar, it's best to work with a professional bartending service and your venue. They can help you navigate local liquor laws and ensure you have the necessary licenses and insurance.

When it comes to glassware, consider the size of the glasses. Larger glasses may encourage larger servings, so opt for smaller, classy glassware to prevent over-serving and reduce costs.

Finally, don't forget to offer non-alcoholic options such as water, fancy sodas, and flavored seltzer for those who don't drink or want to pace themselves.

How many bartenders to hire

When it comes to hiring bartenders for your wedding, the general recommendation is to have one bartender per 35 guests. This means that for a wedding of:

• 1-50 guests, one bartender is needed
• 51-100 guests, two bartenders are needed
• 101-150 guests, three bartenders are needed
• 151-200 guests, four bartenders are needed
• 201-250 guests, five bartenders are needed

However, the number of bartenders you need may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of custom cocktails, venue layout, and the drinks being served. For example, beer and wine can be served more quickly than craft cocktails.

The cost of hiring a bartender will also depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the number of hours spent working, the drinks offered, and whether the bartender is providing the alcohol. The typical price range for a wedding bartender is $480-$1,200 for an event with 100-150 guests where the bartender is not providing the liquor. An average starting hourly rate is $35 per bartender, but this may be higher for someone with experience in craft cocktails.

When creating your wedding budget, it's important to factor in the work that happens before and after the event, as bartenders are responsible for set-up and clean-up in addition to serving drinks. For a four-hour reception, you can expect to pay for seven hours of work. Many companies offer packaged rates, so be sure to check with your wedding planner or vendor to get an exact estimate.

What types of alcohol to serve

When it comes to choosing the types of alcohol to serve at a wedding, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to have a variety of options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some recommendations for a well-rounded selection:

Champagne or Sparkling Wine

Champagne or sparkling wine is a must-have for weddings. It adds a touch of elegance and celebration to the occasion. However, instead of expensive French champagne, consider more affordable options like cava or prosecco. These alternatives offer the same festive bubbles without breaking the bank.

Red and White Wine

Wine is a classic choice for weddings, and it's important to offer both red and white options. During cocktail hour, white wine is a popular choice, while red wine pairs well with dinner and chocolatey desserts. When in doubt, go for crowd-pleasing options like chardonnay and cabernet, or zinfandel and sauvignon blanc.

Vodka

If you're looking for a versatile spirit that mixes well with almost anything, vodka is the way to go. It's a popular choice for cocktails and can also be enjoyed on its own.

Beer

Beer is a great option for a wedding, whether you go for domestic or craft varieties. It's a good idea to provide a couple of different options, such as a light beer and a darker beer, to cater to different tastes.

Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of whiskey, and it's a favourite among whiskey enthusiasts. It's easier to drink on its own than other types of whiskey, so it's a safe choice if you're looking for a whiskey option.

Gin

Gin is very trendy at the moment and offers a wide range of cocktail options, from martinis to gin and tonics. It's a great complement to vodka, providing a clear liquor option with a distinct flavour profile.

Whiskey

While whiskey has a limited range of cocktail options, it's still a top-requested spirit at events. It pairs well with other beverages, so it's a good choice if you want to offer a variety of mixed drinks.

Rum

Rum is an excellent choice for mixed drinks and adds depth to your bar selection. Go for a lighter rum that still has some colour, such as Mount Gay.

Liqueurs

Liqueurs like triple sec and Bailey's are essential for creating signature wedding cocktails. They add a touch of sweetness and variety to your drink options.

Signature Cocktails

While not mandatory, signature cocktails are a fun way to personalise your wedding. They can be created to reflect your personalities or favourite drinks. However, it's best to offer no more than two or three signature cocktails to keep the bar service running smoothly.

In addition to these recommendations, it's a good idea to consider the season and climate of your wedding. For example, if you're having a summer wedding, you'll likely need more white wine, beer, and refreshing cocktails. You can also adjust the ratio of drinks based on your guests' preferences—if they're wine enthusiasts, offer a wider selection of wines, and so on.

How to prevent guests from overindulging

While you want your guests to have a good time, you also want to make sure they don't overindulge at your wedding. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

• Hire an experienced bartender: An experienced bartender will know how to pace your guests' drinking and slow them down if necessary. They can also cut guests off if they've had too much.
• Give directives to the bartending service: Let the bartenders know your concerns about overindulgence and give them specific directives, such as "no shots" or "no martinis."
• Offer a variety of drink options: In addition to alcoholic drinks, provide plenty of non-alcoholic options such as water, juice, and soda. This will help pace your guests' drinking and give them alternatives if they want to take a break from alcohol.
• Provide food: Food helps to slow the absorption of alcohol. Make sure there is enough food available throughout the event, especially if there is an open bar.
• Limit the duration of the open bar: Consider having an open bar for the cocktail hour and then transitioning to a cash bar or a limited bar with only beer and wine during the reception. This can help reduce the amount of alcohol consumed by your guests.
• Offer signature cocktails: Signature cocktails that are unique to your wedding can be a fun way to personalize the event and control the amount of alcohol consumed. Offer one or two signature cocktails with a set amount of alcohol, rather than an open-ended option.
• Encourage other activities: Provide alternative activities for your guests to enjoy, such as dancing, games, or other entertainment. This will help distract them from drinking too much.
• Communicate with your guests: Let your guests know your expectations about drinking. You can also inform them about any rules or limitations you've set with the bartending service, such as a limit on the number of drinks per person.
• Provide transportation: If your guests will be drinking, ensure they have a safe way to get home. Provide information about taxis, ride-sharing services, or arrange for designated drivers.
• Have a designated area for drinking: Concentrating the alcohol service in one area can help you monitor consumption and prevent guests from drinking too much.

How to stock a wedding bar

Stocking a wedding bar can be a daunting task, but with proper planning, you can ensure your guests have a great time and that you stay within your budget. Here are some tips to help you stock your wedding bar like a pro:

Know Your Guest Count and Their Preferences:

The number of guests you're inviting is a crucial factor in determining how much alcohol to buy. As a rule of thumb, assume that each guest will consume about one drink per hour or around five drinks throughout the evening. However, adjust this estimate based on whether your guests are light, average, or heavy drinkers.

Also, consider the preferences of your crowd. Are they wine enthusiasts, beer drinkers, or cocktail lovers? Knowing their preferences will help you adjust the ratio of beer, wine, and spirits accordingly.

Choose the Right Bar Type:

There are four main types of wedding bars: open, limited, cash, and non-alcoholic.

• Open Bar: The most gracious and expensive option. Guests can order any drink, and you foot the entire bill.
• Limited Bar: Offer a limited selection of drinks, such as beer, wine, and a signature cocktail.
• Cash Bar: Guests pay for their drinks. This option is generally not recommended as it can be seen as controversial.
• Non-Alcoholic Bar: If you, your families, and most guests don't drink alcohol, opt for mocktails, sparkling water, and soda.

Calculate Your Alcohol Needs:

Use a wedding alcohol calculator to determine how much alcohol you'll need based on your guest count, reception duration, and drinking habits. These calculators will provide you with an estimate that you can further customize.

Stock a Variety of Drinks:

Offer a range of drinks to cater to different tastes. Vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum are popular spirit options. For wine, have at least one type of red and one type of white wine. You can also include sparkling wine or champagne for toasts. When it comes to beer, consider offering two to four different types to provide variety.

Hire Bartenders:

Hire a sufficient number of bartenders to ensure smooth service. As a rule of thumb, for 1-50 guests, you'll need one bartender. This ratio increases with the number of guests: for 51-100 guests, you'll need two bartenders, and so on.

Don't Forget the Extras:

Remember to budget for extras like insurance, bartenders' fees, ice, mixers, and garnishes. Leftovers aren't a bad thing, as you can enjoy them later or gift them to friends.

Delivery and Setup:

Plan how you'll get the alcohol to your venue and coordinate with the venue for drop-off times. Consider hiring a professional bar service to handle the setup, chilling, and garnishes, ensuring a stress-free experience.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to stocking a fantastic wedding bar that will keep your guests happy and the celebrations flowing!

Frequently asked questions