Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and figuring out how much alcohol to buy is no easy task. While it's important to get enough drinks for everyone to enjoy, you also need to be mindful of your budget. The amount of alcohol needed depends on the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the drinking preferences of your guests. Generally, people tend to consume more at the beginning of the event and slow down later on. The type of alcohol served is also a factor – the recommended mix is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. To avoid the stress of calculating exact numbers, some couples choose to hire a professional bartender to manage the drinks and ensure the bar doesn't get out of hand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of drinks per person | 4-6 |
| Number of drinks per person per hour | 1-2 |
| Additional drinks for cocktail hour | 2 |
| Number of drinks for a 5-hour celebration with 100 guests | 600 |
| Number of drinks for a 6-hour open bar with 50 guests | 300 |
| Number of drinks for a 7-hour open bar with 50 guests | 350 |
| Beer | 2-4 types |
| Wine | Up to 4 types, 50/50 split of red and white |
| Spirits | Vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, or rum |
| Cocktails | 2-5, including a mocktail |
| Bartenders | 1 per 50 guests |
| Glasses | 5-6 times the guest count |
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What You'll Learn
The number of drinks per person depends on the guest
The number of drinks per person at a wedding depends on several factors, including the guest list, the length of the event, and transportation options. For example, families who have to drive home are less likely to consume large quantities of alcohol. On the other hand, guests who are staying at the venue or nearby are more likely to drink more.
Additionally, the type of alcohol served can impact consumption. A general recommendation for the drink mix is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine, with a 50/50 split between red and white wine. However, the season may also influence the drink preference, with wine being more popular in colder months and beer in warmer ones.
It is generally recommended to plan for one drink per guest per hour, plus two drinks per person during the cocktail hour. This means that for a five-hour wedding with 100 guests, you would need a total of 600 drinks. However, it is important to note that some guests may consume more or less, and the average can vary depending on the group.
When budgeting for drinks, it is also crucial to consider the cost of alcohol. For example, serving champagne for a toast will be more expensive than serving white or red wine. The total cost will also depend on the number of guests, as a larger guest list will require more alcohol.
To manage drink service and ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended to hire bartenders. Their expertise can help refine the drink list and manage costs. Additionally, they can make recommendations and ensure the bar doesn't get out of hand. It is suggested to have one bartender for every 50 guests to keep the drinks flowing.
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Alcohol type and quantity calculations
The amount and type of alcohol you need for your wedding depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the event, and your guests' drinking preferences. Here are some guidelines and calculations to help you plan:
Number of Drinks per Person
A common rule of thumb is to plan for one drink per guest per hour, plus two drinks per person during the cocktail hour. For example, if you have 100 guests and your wedding lasts for five hours, you would need 600 drinks in total. This estimate assumes that some guests will drink more than others, and it averages out to five drinks per person over the course of the evening.
However, this number can vary depending on your guest list. If you have a younger crowd or many heavy drinkers, you may want to budget for more drinks per person. On the other hand, if your guests are mostly older or include many non-drinkers, you may need fewer drinks.
Types of Alcohol
When it comes to the types of alcohol you should provide, a good starting point is a mix of 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. For the wine, plan for a 50/50 split between red and white, unless the weather is a factor. During warmer months, you may want to offer more white wine, while red wine may be more popular in the fall or winter.
If you want to offer a full bar with liquor and spirits, the split will look different. In this case, you can offer a variety of beer (such as lager and pilsner) and include specialty spirits. For liquor, you can make about 20 drinks per litre. A standard 750ml bottle of wine yields four glasses, while sparkling wine yields five, and champagne yields six glasses per bottle.
Signature Cocktails
Consider offering two to three signature cocktails that reflect the couple's personality and theme. This can be a fun way to personalize the wedding and save costs, as guests are likely to order the signature cocktails. However, avoid offering too much variety in spirits, as you may end up with many half-empty bottles. Vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum are adequate options.
Bartender Services
Hiring a bartender can help manage the drinks and ensure a smooth service. It is recommended to have one bartender for every 50 guests. They can also help you refine your shopping list and provide cost estimates.
Glassware and Leftovers
If you are providing your own bottles, you may need to supply the glassware. Plan to have five to six times the number of guests in cups or glasses. You will likely have leftovers, which is better than running out. You can buy from stores that allow the return of unopened goods to avoid waste.
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Signature cocktails and drink limits
When it comes to drinks at your wedding, it's important to consider your guests' preferences, the time of year, and your budget. The general rule of thumb is to provide two drinks per person per hour, including an additional two drinks per person during the cocktail hour. This means that for a five-hour wedding with 100 guests, you would need 600 drinks in total.
To personalize your wedding, you may want to offer signature cocktails. Experts recommend having two signature cocktails, with one reflecting the bride and the other the groom. These cocktails should be fun and sentimental, incorporating elements such as the wedding theme, the couple's heritage, or their hometown. However, it's important to ensure that the cocktails have broad appeal. You can also include a popular classic, such as an Old Fashioned, and a mocktail option.
When creating your drink menu, consider a mix of beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks. Many couples opt for a 50/50 split between beer and wine or a combination of red and white wine. If you want to include liquor, a general rule is to allow for 20 drinks per litre. For beer, consider purchasing kegs, as they make serving easier and provide around 120 glasses per keg. For wine, a standard 750ml bottle provides about four glasses, while sparkling wine yields five glasses and champagne provides six glasses per bottle.
To manage costs, some venues offer a drink package based on a certain number of drinks per person, after which the bar becomes a cash bar. This can help control consumption and stick to a budget. Alternatively, you can provide your own drinks, but this requires careful planning and consideration of glassware, bartenders, and other essentials.
In terms of drink limits, it's essential to strike a balance between ensuring your guests' enjoyment and promoting responsible drinking. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, some suggestions include providing a sign at the bar indicating drink limits or consulting with the venue for their recommendations. An experienced bartender can also help manage the bar and ensure the event doesn't get out of hand.
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Glassware and sundry items
When it comes to glassware and sundry items for a wedding, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to know how many drinks per person you plan to serve, as this will dictate the number of glasses or cups needed. The general rule of thumb is to allow for two drinks per person per hour of the wedding, including the cocktail hour, which equates to one drink per guest per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening. This, of course, will vary depending on your guest list and their drinking preferences.
If you're purchasing your own bottles from a liquor store rather than using a bar service, you will likely need to provide the drinking vessels. This includes glasses such as rocks glasses, coupes, and flutes, which can be rented to fit the style of your wedding. It is recommended to have five to six times the guest count in cups or glasses to ensure you have enough. Additionally, consider other sundry items such as straws, napkins, and bartending services.
Consulting with your caterer is crucial, as they may provide bartending services in addition to waitstaff. The number of bartenders required depends on the size of your venue and the number of bar stations. It is generally recommended to have one bartender per 50 guests to keep the drinks flowing smoothly.
When it comes to the types of drinks served, a mix of beer, wine, and liquor is typically offered. For beer, consider purchasing kegs for large weddings as they hold around 120 glasses of beer. For wine, a standard 750ml bottle holds about four glasses, while sparkling wine and champagne hold five and six glasses per bottle, respectively. If offering liquor, you can make about 20 drinks per litre.
Lastly, don't forget to plan for signature cocktails, non-alcoholic options, and toasting drinks. Signature cocktails are a fun way to personalise your wedding, and non-alcoholic options ensure that all guests feel included. Toasting drinks are also an important consideration, with some couples opting for champagne or alcoholic alternatives, while others provide alcohol-free options as well.
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Bartender services
When it comes to bartender services, it is recommended to have one bartender for every 50 guests. Consulting with your caterer is essential, as they may provide bartenders in addition to waitstaff. The number of bartenders required depends on the size of your venue and the number of bar stations. For multiple bar stations, it is suggested to have at least two bartenders.
Having an experienced bartender is crucial to ensure the smooth running of the bar and to manage the drinks being served. They can recommend alternative options in a cheerful manner if certain drinks run out. Bartenders can also provide expertise in refining your drink shopping list and giving cost estimates. Additionally, they can assist in creating signature cocktails that reflect the couple's personalities and appeal to a variety of guests.
If you are supplying your own bottles from a liquor store, you may also need to provide the drinking vessels. It is recommended to have five to six times the guest count in cups. You can rent glassware that fits the style of your wedding, such as colourful tinted glasses or vintage mix-and-match vessels.
When planning the drinks per person, it is generally recommended to allow for one drink per guest per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening. This can vary depending on the group, with some guests drinking more or less than others. The length of the event also affects consumption, with people tending to consume more earlier in the event and slowing down later.
To calculate the total number of drinks needed, consider the duration of the event and the number of guests. For example, for a five-hour celebration with 100 guests, you would need 600 drinks total. The type of alcohol is another factor, with a recommended mix of 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine.
In terms of wine specifically, it is widely recommended to allow for half a bottle of wine per guest, although some sources suggest that a third of a bottle is ample, considering that many guests may not drink wine at all. For sparkling wine, a bottle typically contains five glasses, while a bottle of champagne yields six glasses.
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Frequently asked questions
The general rule of thumb is to have enough alcohol for two drinks per person per hour of your wedding. However, it is widely recommended that you allow half a bottle of wine per guest, but some sources suggest a third of a bottle is ample. If you're serving spirits, you can make about 20 drinks per litre of liquor. If you're serving beer, a keg holds around 120 glasses.
This will vary depending on your guest list. Some guests may not drink at all, while others may consume 6-7 drinks. On average, guests tend to consume more earlier in the event and slow down later on. Couples have reported that their guests averaged about 2 drinks each, with some having none or 1, and some having 3 or more.
First, consider your guest list and the types of alcohol you want to serve. Many couples opt out of hard liquor or spirits and instead offer beer and wine with a 50/50 split. You can offer 2-4 types of beer and up to 4 wine options. If you want to include cocktails, 2-3 craft cocktails are recommended, with one being a mocktail. You can use an online wedding drink calculator to help you estimate quantities.
The cost will depend on the type of alcohol and how much is being served per person. If there is an open bar, people may consume more alcohol, so you would need to purchase more. The cost will also depend on the number of guests you are inviting.
