Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding reception is no small feat, and an important part of wedding planning is calculating how many drinks to serve and how much alcohol to buy. While staying within your wedding budget is crucial, you also don't want to run out of drinks halfway through the reception. Generally, people tend to consume more at the beginning of the event but slow down later on, so the drinks per guest per hour are higher for events under three hours. On average, guests consume about 3.5 to 6 alcoholic drinks, with some sources recommending that you plan for at least one drink per person per hour. For a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, this would equate to roughly 600 drinks. It's also recommended that you allow for half a bottle of wine per guest, but some sources suggest that a third of a bottle is ample.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of drinks per person | 4-7 |
| Number of drinks per hour | 1-2 |
| Percentage of guests drinking wine | 70-80% |
| Percentage of guests drinking beer | 70-80% |
| Percentage of guests drinking spirits | 20-30% |
| Wine per guest | 0.33-0.5 bottles |
| Water per guest | 350ml |
| Percentage of guests drinking toast with alcohol | 100% |
| Percentage of guests drinking toast with non-alcoholic option | 10% |
| Number of non-alcoholic options | 4 |
| Number of drinks for a 6-hour wedding with 100 guests | 600 |
| Number of drinks for a 4-hour wedding with 100 guests | 400 |
| Number of drinks for a 4-hour wedding with 85 guests | 340 |
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What You'll Learn
Alcoholic drinks: wine, beer, spirits
When it comes to alcoholic drinks at a wedding, it's important to consider the guest count, season, wedding style, and whether you're working with a professional bar service or stocking a DIY bar. Here are some tips and guidelines for managing alcoholic drinks, specifically wine, beer, and spirits, at your wedding reception:
Estimating Alcoholic Drink Quantities
It is recommended to plan for at least one drink per person per hour. For example, for a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you will need approximately 600 drinks. This estimate can be adjusted based on your knowledge of your guest list; if you anticipate a higher proportion of heavy drinkers, you may want to plan for more drinks.
Some sources suggest providing two drinks in the first hour and then one drink per hour for the remaining duration of the event. This would mean providing around 6-7 drinks per person for a six-hour reception.
Types of Alcoholic Drinks
The recommended mix of alcoholic drinks is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. For wine, it is suggested to offer two types of red and two types of white, with one of each to serve with dinner and an additional option behind the bar. A standard 750ml bottle of wine serves around 5-6 glasses, and a case of wine contains 12 bottles. A third to a half bottle of wine per guest is usually sufficient, and you can expect around 35-40% of your total guest count to drink wine.
For beer, it is recommended to offer a variety of options, including a well-known domestic brand and a well-known imported brand. A case of beer typically contains 24 bottles or cans. If you have a crowd that favours beer, you may want to provide 1.5-2 beers per person.
If you are serving spirits, it is essential to stock up on popular spirit choices and consider the diversity of classic mixed drinks that can be ordered. You can also include any specialty spirits you plan to serve.
Non-Alcoholic Options
It is important to provide non-alcoholic options for guests who do not drink alcohol or wish to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Ensure you have plenty of bottled water, preferably in small bottles to prevent waste. Four non-alcoholic drink options are generally enough, such as Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and lemonade. You can serve these in glasses with ice to stretch the quantity further.
Budgeting and Return Policies
Providing your own alcohol is typically more cost-effective, and it allows you to choose specific brands that fit your preferences and budget. You can buy your stock from a retailer that offers a sale-on-return basis, enabling you to return unopened and non-perishable goods. However, some retailers only accept returns if the wine has not been chilled and the labels and seals remain intact.
Glassware and Staffing
If you are providing your own alcohol, you may also need to supply the glassware. You can rent glasses in various styles, such as colourful tinted glassware or vintage mix-and-match vessels. Alternatively, your caterer may provide glassware, and some venues include bartending services as part of their package.
If you are managing a DIY bar, you will need to staff it, hire glassware, refrigeration, a bar unit, and other bar essentials for a seamless service.
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Non-alcoholic drinks: water, soda
When planning a wedding, it's important to ensure that all your guests are well-hydrated and have their preferred drinks. Here are some tips and guidelines for providing non-alcoholic drinks, specifically water and soda, at your wedding reception:
Water
It is recommended to provide at least one bottle of water per guest, per hour. So, for a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you would need 600 bottles of water. If your wedding is outdoors or in a warm climate, consider increasing this amount, as guests may drink more water to stay hydrated. Additionally, some guests may prefer sparkling water over still water, so providing a variety is a good idea.
Soda
For sodas, the general rule is to provide a variety of options, but you don't need to offer full cans. One can of soda can be served in glasses with ice and stretched to make three drinks. For a wedding of 100 guests, two cases of soda should be sufficient. You can offer a variety of flavours, such as Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and ginger beer.
Combining Water and Soda
If you're offering both water and soda, you don't need to provide the same quantity of each. The general recommendation is to provide one drink per guest per hour, so if you're offering multiple options, you can divide the total quantity by the number of drink choices. For example, if you have 100 guests and expect the reception to last three hours, you would need a total of 300 drinks. If you're offering three drink options (water, soda, and lemonade), you would need 100 of each type of drink.
Glassware and Presentation
Don't forget to consider glassware and presentation. You can rent glasses or provide disposable cups. If you're offering soda, consider setting up a soda bar with cute straws and a variety of flavours. This can be a fun and visually appealing way to present non-alcoholic drinks.
Adjusting Quantities
Remember that these are general guidelines, and it's always better to have a little extra than to run out. You can adjust the quantities based on your knowledge of your guest list. If you know your guests tend to prefer non-alcoholic options, increase the quantities accordingly. Similarly, if children are attending, you may want to provide more soda options.
Returning Unopened Drinks
Finally, check with your vendors and retailers about returning any unopened drinks. Some stores, like Chicago-based Binny's, accept returns of certain types of unopened and sealed drinks, which can help you manage your budget and avoid waste.
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Glassware: flutes, rocks glasses
When planning a wedding, it's important to consider how many drinks you'll be serving and how much alcohol to buy for your wedding bar menu. A general rule of thumb is to plan for at least one drink per person per hour of the event. For example, a six-hour wedding with 100 guests would require roughly 600 drinks. It is also recommended to have some additional drinks to accommodate guests who may want more than one drink per hour.
Now, let's talk about glassware specifically for flutes and rocks glasses. If you're planning a champagne toast, it is customary to provide a champagne flute for each adult guest, even if they are not big drinkers. This allows everyone to participate in the traditional toast and have something to raise during the special moment. Champagne flutes typically come 36 to a rack, so you'll need to plan accordingly based on the number of guests you have.
For cocktails, spirits, and mixed drinks, rocks glasses are an excellent choice. With sizes ranging from 7 to 12.5 ounces, these glasses are perfect for standard cocktails and can also be used for beer or wine. If you're offering a full bar, expect around 30% liquor, 20% beer, and 50% wine consumption. However, if you're only serving beer and wine, plan for 60% beer and 40% wine consumption.
When renting glassware, it's a good idea to have a variety of options available. In addition to flutes and rocks glasses, consider renting additional glasses such as wine glasses, water glasses, bar glasses, all-purpose glasses, and specialty glasses like martini or brandy glasses. The style of your wedding can also be reflected in the glassware you choose. For a casual wedding, simple and versatile glassware may be preferred, while an elegant wedding might call for more sophisticated and specialised glass options. Don't forget to include any cultural traditions or creative ideas, such as whisky tastings or mini-bottles of champagne, which will require additional glassware considerations.
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Number of drinks: one drink per hour
Planning a wedding reception can be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding on the number of drinks to be served. While some guests may have only one reception drink, others may have two or more. To ensure that everyone is catered to, it is recommended to plan for at least one drink per person per hour. This means that for a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you should plan for around 600 drinks.
It is worth noting that this is just an estimate, and the actual number of drinks consumed may vary depending on the guest's drinking preferences and the duration of the reception. Some guests may be heavier drinkers, while others may be light drinkers or non-drinkers. Therefore, it is generally recommended to have a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available.
When planning the drinks for a wedding reception, it is also important to consider the type of alcohol that will be served. Beer, wine, and liquor are commonly served at wedding receptions. For wine, it is recommended to offer both red and white options, with a mix of well-known domestic and imported brands. For beer, it is a good idea to offer a variety, including craft beers and traditional choices, to cater to different tastes.
Additionally, it is essential to consider the logistics of serving drinks at the wedding reception. This includes ensuring that there is enough glassware, staff to serve the drinks, and a suitable bar setup. It is also important to plan for how the alcohol will be transported to the wedding venue and to consider any local laws or regulations that may impact the service of alcohol.
Overall, planning for one drink per person per hour is a good starting point for determining the number of alcoholic drinks needed for a wedding reception. However, it is always a good idea to overestimate to ensure that there is enough for all guests and to accommodate those who may drink more than the average. By considering the duration of the reception, the number of guests, and their drinking preferences, you can ensure that your wedding reception is well-stocked and enjoyable for everyone.
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Budgeting: 'per person' vs 'per consumption'
When it comes to budgeting for drinks at your wedding, there are two main options: a fixed fee per person or per consumption. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Per Person
The main advantage of the per-person option is that you will know your total alcohol cost upfront, making it easier to plan and budget for your wedding. This option typically involves paying a set fee per person, based on your final guest count. This means that regardless of how much alcohol is consumed during the reception, your cost will remain the same. This can be helpful in avoiding unexpected expenses and managing your finances effectively.
Per Consumption
On the other hand, the per-consumption option offers more flexibility in terms of cost. With this approach, you only pay for the alcohol that is actually consumed during the event. This can be beneficial if you are concerned about managing costs and want to avoid paying for alcohol that may not be fully utilized. However, the downside is that you won't know the exact cost until after the wedding, making it challenging to plan and budget accurately. In some cases, venues may allow you to set a cap on the per-consumption spending, providing some level of control over the expenses.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between per-person and per-consumption budgeting, it's important to consider various factors. Firstly, think about the drinking habits of your guests. If you anticipate a high level of alcohol consumption, a per-person option with a fixed fee may be more cost-effective. Conversely, if you expect a more moderate level of drinking or have a mix of drinkers and non-drinkers, per consumption may be a better choice.
Another factor to consider is your overall budget and the type of alcohol you want to serve. If you prefer premium brands or want to offer a wider variety of drinks, the per-consumption option might provide more flexibility in managing your budget. Additionally, if you choose to bring your own alcohol, you may have more control over costs and brand preferences with the per-consumption approach.
In conclusion, both per-person and per-consumption budgeting have their advantages and considerations. The per-person option offers upfront cost transparency, while per consumption provides flexibility and the potential for cost savings. By evaluating factors such as guest drinking habits, budget, and alcohol preferences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your wedding vision and financial plans.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, each guest will consume around 4 to 7 drinks over the course of a wedding reception. However, this varies depending on the duration of the reception and the drinking habits of the guests.
To calculate the total number of drinks, consider the number of guests and the expected duration of the reception. A common rule of thumb is to provide 2 drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per guest per remaining hour. For example, a 4-hour reception with 100 guests would require approximately 400 drinks.
The drink allocation can vary based on guest preferences and the types of drinks served. A recommended mix is 50% liquor (beer and/or spirits), 25% beer, and 25% wine. For wine, a third of a bottle per guest is generally ample, with a mix of red and white options.
It is important to provide non-alcoholic alternatives for non-drinking guests. Offer bottled water and a variety of soft drinks, such as Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and lemonade. Calculate approximately 350ml of water per guest and adjust the quantities of other soft drinks accordingly.
