George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out how much alcohol to buy. The last thing you want is to run out of drinks halfway through the reception. It's hard to calculate exactly how much alcohol is needed without considering factors like location, time of year, guest count, and service style. However, a good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening. This means for a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you'll need about 600 drinks. It's also important to offer a range of drinks, including beer, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic options, and to consider the popularity of different types of beer and the potential for guests to prefer certain drinks at different times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Beers Per Person | 0.5-2 beers per person for the first hour and 1 beer per person for each remaining hour |
| Number of Beers for a 4-Hour Party with 100 Guests | 240 beers |
| Number of Beers for a 4-Hour Party with 50 Guests | 80 beers |
| Number of Beers for a 6-Hour Party with 50 Guests | 77 lagers |
| Number of Beers for a 7-Hour Party with 250 Guests | 1750 beers |
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What You'll Learn
Beer and wine are cheaper per drink than spirits or cocktails
When it comes to wedding receptions, the drinks can quickly add up. A general rule of thumb is to plan for at least one drink per person per hour. For example, a six-hour wedding with 100 guests would require around 600 drinks. This can vary, of course, depending on the drinking habits of your guests.
Now, when it comes to the types of drinks, beer and wine are often cheaper per drink than spirits or cocktails. This is mainly due to the lower cost of production and the time required to make beer and wine. Beer, for instance, is made from readily available sugary or starchy plants, whereas wine requires special grapes and ageing. Hard liquor involves distillation and possible ageing, making the process even more time-consuming and costly.
Additionally, beer is often supplied to bars at a very low cost in return for advertising the brand, further reducing its price. Beer is also easier to buy in bulk, as you generally sell more of it and have a smaller range compared to spirits. This means that instead of buying multiple different spirits, you only need to purchase a few large barrels of beer.
When it comes to weddings, beer and wine can be a more cost-effective option. Couples who supply their own alcohol for the wedding often find that they need fewer mixers and less variety when opting for beer and wine. It can be challenging to predict the liquor preferences of guests, and you may end up with many partially consumed bottles. Leftover beer and wine are more likely to be finished or taken home by guests or family members.
While the cost difference may be minimal depending on the prices at your venue, beer and wine typically offer more savings. For instance, at a venue with $5 beers or glasses of wine and $5.50 rail cocktails, a large reception with an average of one drink per hour would cost $3280 for beer and wine, while 25% liquor drinks would increase the cost to $4813. Thus, beer and wine are generally cheaper per drink than spirits or cocktails, especially when providing your own alcohol.
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Plan for at least one drink per person per hour
Planning the drinks for a wedding reception can be tricky, but there are some general rules of thumb to follow. It's important to remember that the amount of alcohol purchased will depend on the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the types of drinks served.
Firstly, it's recommended to plan for at least one drink per person per hour. This is a good baseline to ensure that guests have enough to drink throughout the reception. For example, if you have 100 guests and the reception lasts for 4 hours, you should plan for 400 drinks. This calculation can be adjusted depending on the expected duration of the event and the number of guests. It's always a good idea to overestimate rather than underestimate to avoid running out of drinks.
To break it down further, it's suggested that around 70-80% of wedding guests will drink beer and wine, while 20-30% will opt for spirits. This can vary depending on the preferences of the guest list, but it's a good starting point for planning. It's also worth noting that beer and wine are typically cheaper per drink than hard liquor or mixed drinks, so offering a variety of options can help manage costs.
When it comes to beer specifically, it's a good idea to offer a mix of well-known domestic and imported brands to cater to different tastes. If the couple has a connection to different regions or colleges, it can be fun to offer a selection of regional brews. Additionally, if there are craft beer enthusiasts among the guests, it might be worth including some unique options alongside some crowd favourites.
To ensure a smooth drinking experience, it's recommended to provide a good amount of water in addition to alcoholic beverages. This can be offered as a non-alcoholic option for toasting, and it's advisable to have a designated water station to keep guests hydrated.
In summary, planning for at least one drink per person per hour is a sensible approach to stocking drinks for a wedding reception. This can be refined by considering the expected duration of the event, the number of guests, and their drinking preferences. By offering a variety of beer, wine, and spirits, and staying mindful of costs, the happy couple can raise a glass (or several) with their guests without worry.
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Consider a DIY bar, where you buy your own alcohol
If you're looking to save some money on your wedding, a DIY bar is a great option. This is where you buy your own alcohol, mixers, and garnishes, and hire bartenders to serve the drinks. It's a good way to offer your guests a full bar experience without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to consider if you're thinking of going the DIY route:
Know How Much Alcohol to Buy
This is perhaps the trickiest part of the DIY bar. You don't want to run out of drinks halfway through the reception, but you also don't want to be left with a ton of unused alcohol. A good rule of thumb is to plan for each guest to have two drinks during the cocktail hour and then one drink per hour for the rest of the evening. So, for a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you'll need about 600 drinks. Keep in mind that some guests will drink less, but others may drink more. Also, people tend to consume more at the beginning of the event and slow down later, so adjust your purchases accordingly.
Choose Your Beverages
The beauty of a DIY bar is that you can customise the drink options to your liking. While most weddings offer a combination of beer, wine, and liquor, you can also add a signature cocktail or two to give it a personal touch. If you're serving cocktails, it's best to pre-mix them for ease of serving. You can also offer non-alcoholic versions of your signature cocktail for guests who don't drink. In addition to the alcohol, don't forget to stock up on mixers like tonic, cola, lemonade, and soda water. And if you want to get fancy, add some unique mixers like ginger beer or flavoured tonics.
Decide on Beer Presentation
You'll need to decide whether to serve beer from bottles or a keg. Bottles are generally easier to manage, and you can keep any leftovers. However, kegs can be cheaper per pint and create less waste. If you go with a keg, you'll need a party tub to keep it cold, along with ice and a jockey box or tap.
Set Up Your Bar Area
Your bar area should include two tables: one for guests to line up and place their orders, and another for the bartenders to use as a work surface and storage area. If you want to add some flair to the bar, consider decorating it with fairy lights, chalkboard signage, and flower arrangements. Don't forget to have plenty of ice and garnishes, and enough glasses for your guests (you can hire glassware and have the company collect the unwashed glasses after the event).
Return Policy
Check with your local liquor store about their return policy for unopened bottles. Some retailers will accept returns, which can help you manage your budget and reduce waste.
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Offer a well-known domestic brand and an imported brand
When it comes to a wedding reception, it's essential to ensure your guests are well-hydrated and happy. While some may prefer wine or cocktails, offering a selection of beers is always a good idea. But how many beers should you plan for per person, and what brands should you choose?
First, let's talk quantities. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one drink per guest per hour. So, for a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you'd need about 600 drinks in total. Keep in mind that some guests may drink less, while others may drink more. To be on the safe side, consider rounding up and providing about seven drinks per person for a six-hour reception. This calculation will help you determine the total number of drinks, including beer.
Now, onto the brands. When it comes to offering a well-known domestic brand, you have several options. Budweiser, often referred to as the "King of Beers," is a popular choice. It's easy to drink, light, and slightly biscuity, making it a good option for a hot summer wedding. Another classic choice is Miller Genuine Draft, which is smooth and not too extreme in terms of flavour. It's a safe bet for pleasing a variety of tastes. If you're looking for something with a bit more character, Schlitz is an American lager that offers a bolder, more complex flavour profile with citrusy notes and hints of green hops.
For the imported brand, you can choose from a variety of options. Mexican beers like Corona, Modelo Especial, and Dos Equis are popular imported choices in the United States. Modelo, in particular, was the leading imported beer brand in the U.S. in terms of sales. Tsingtao, a Chinese beer produced with spring water from Laoshan and domestically grown hops, is another excellent option. If you're looking for something European, Carlsberg from Denmark is a well-known import with a hoppy and bready flavour. For a unique offering, Red Stripe, an iconic Jamaican beer now brewed in the Netherlands, will surely add some flair to your reception.
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You can return unopened beer and wine to some retailers
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to budgeting for alcohol. It's hard to know exactly how much beer to buy, and you don't want to run out halfway through the night or be left with a surplus. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one drink per person per hour. For example, for a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you'll need around 600 drinks. Some guests will drink less, but others may drink more, so it's a good idea to round up and provide a variety of options.
If you're worried about overestimating and ending up with lots of leftover beer, don't fret! You can return unopened beer and wine to some retailers. Policies vary by location and retailer, but generally, you can return unopened products as long as the labels and seals remain intact. For example, Chicago-based Binny's accepts returns of single bottles of wine, spirits, and Champagne, as well as beer in its original packaging. In Florida, you can return unopened alcohol to the same location of purchase. In Australia and New Zealand, you can also return unopened alcohol with a receipt.
It's important to inquire with your local liquor store about their specific policies before making any purchases. While there may be no legal restrictions on returning unopened alcohol, the decision to accept returns is often left up to the management of individual stores. By checking in advance, you can ensure that you have the option to return any unused beer or wine and potentially get some of your investment back.
When purchasing alcohol for your wedding, consider buying from a retailer rather than your caterer. The "BYOB route" offers more flexibility and allows you to stay within your budget. You can choose the brands and quantities that best suit your preferences and your guests' tastes. Just be sure to have a plan for transporting the alcohol to your wedding venue, as it can be a heavy haul!
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the duration of your wedding reception and how much you expect your guests to drink. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one drink per person per hour. For a six-hour wedding, this would mean providing around six drinks per person. If you expect your guests to drink more, you could plan for two drinks in the first hour and one drink per hour for the rest of the evening. This would mean providing around seven drinks per person for a six-hour wedding.
The amount of beer you'll need depends on the number of guests you're expecting. A case of beer contains 24 bottles or cans. If 70-80% of your guests will be drinking beer, you can estimate that for a four-hour party with 100 guests, you will need 240 beers.
The amount of alcohol you'll need depends on the duration of your wedding reception, the number of guests, and their drinking preferences. A safe estimate is to plan for an average of six drinks per guest, including beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks. This will be enough for around six hours of an open evening bar. If your bar is open for longer than six hours, increase your amounts by 10% for each additional hour.
It's difficult to know exactly how many of your guests will drink beer, but you can estimate that around 60-80% of your guests will drink beer and wine, while 20-30% will drink spirits. If you know your guests well, you can also consider their individual preferences.
In addition to the duration of your wedding reception and the number of guests, you should also think about the time of day and year. For example, you'll likely need less alcohol for a daytime event than an evening affair. You should also consider whether you'll be serving other alcoholic drinks in addition to beer, as well as providing non-alcoholic options for guests who don't drink alcohol.
