Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and figuring out how much alcohol to buy can be tricky. Couples often want to offer a variety of drinks, from beer and wine to cocktails and spirits, but it can be difficult to estimate how much alcohol their guests will consume. To avoid running out of alcohol halfway through the reception, couples should consider factors such as the number of guests, the duration of the event, the time of day, and the drinking habits of their guests. Fortunately, there are many wedding alcohol calculators available online that can help couples estimate how much alcohol they need to buy based on these factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | 80-100 |
| Number of drinkers | 70-80% |
| Number of drinks per person | 2 drinks in the first hour, 1 drink per hour after |
| Type of alcohol | Beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, mocktails |
| Amount of alcohol | 3 bottles of vodka, 1 bottle of gin, 1 bottle of tequila, 2 bottles of rum, 2 bottles of bourbon, 1 bottle of whiskey |
| Mixers and garnishes | Mixers: Sodas, cranberry and other juices, soda water, etc. Garnishes: Lemons, limes, etc. |
| Cost | Varies depending on the type and amount of alcohol, mixers, and garnishes |
| Time of day and location | More drinks likely to be consumed if the wedding is in the evening and driving is not a concern |
| Season and temperature | More white wine, beer, cocktails, and water needed in summer or warmer climates |
| Food pairing | More red wine for beef or pasta, more white or rose wine for lighter courses |
| Signature cocktails | Recommended to offer 2-3 craft cocktails, including a popular classic and a mocktail |
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What You'll Learn
Number of guests and drinking preferences
The number of drinks you'll need to serve at your wedding depends on the number of guests and their drinking preferences. It's important to consider that some guests may not drink at all, while others may drink more than the average. One rule of thumb is to assume that each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening. However, this may vary depending on the duration of the event, with guests tending to consume more in the earlier part of the event.
When estimating the number of drinks, it's essential to consider the drinking preferences of your guests. If you know that your guests are predominantly wine drinkers, you can plan to have more wine options available. Similarly, if your guests prefer cocktails or craft beer, you can adjust your purchases accordingly. It's a good idea to offer a variety of beer, wine, and spirits to cater to different tastes.
Another factor to consider is the time of day and location of the venue. For example, if you're hosting a brunch or lunch wedding, you can reduce the total number of drinks by 15%. Conversely, if you're planning a summer wedding or one in a warmer climate, you'll likely need more white wine, beer, refreshing cocktails, and water to keep your guests hydrated and refreshed.
It's also worth noting that offering signature cocktails or special drinks can add a personal touch to your wedding. However, it's important to strike a balance, as offering too many options can slow down the bar service. Consider including a popular classic, such as an Old Fashioned, and a mocktail to provide a diverse yet efficient menu.
Lastly, don't forget to include mixers and garnishes in your calculations. These additional items can impact the overall cost and should be considered when estimating the amount of alcohol needed. By taking into account the number of guests, their drinking preferences, and the duration of the event, you can make a more accurate estimation of the number of drinks required for your wedding.
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Type of alcohol
When it comes to the type of alcohol to serve at your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to know your guests' preferences. If your guests are wine drinkers, then a variety of wines should be a priority. If they're more into cocktails, then you'll need to plan for that.
A good rule of thumb is to assume that 70-80% of guests will drink wine and beer, while 20-30% will opt for spirits. So, for every 10 guests, 7-8 will likely drink wine and beer, and 2-3 will prefer spirits. This can help guide your planning.
If you're serving wine, it's a good idea to offer both a red and a white option, and perhaps a rosé if it's a hot day. If you're having a summer wedding or are in a warmer climate, you'll likely need more white wine and beer, as well as refreshing cocktails. Conversely, if it's a winter wedding, you may want to opt for more reds.
If you're serving beer, it's good to have at least one light option and one full-bodied option.
For spirits, it's a good idea to have a few standard options such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, and whisky. You can also add some variety with other liquors like amaretto and vermouth. If you're serving cocktails, you'll need to consider the mixers and garnishes, which can quickly add up in cost.
You can also offer signature cocktails, but it's best to keep it to two to three options to avoid complicating orders and slowing down the bar service. It's also a nice touch to rename classic cocktails with the couple's nicknames, pets, or inside jokes.
Don't forget about non-alcoholic options, too. Mocktails are becoming increasingly popular, and it's a nice way to include non-drinkers and designated drivers in the celebration.
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Time of day and season
The time of day and season of your wedding will have a significant impact on the amount and type of alcohol you should plan to serve.
If you're hosting a brunch or lunch wedding, you can reduce the total number of drinks served by 15%. For an event under three hours, it's recommended to assume each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the event. Generally, consumption tends to be higher at the beginning of the event and slows down later on.
If you're planning a summer wedding or a wedding in a warmer climate, you'll likely need more white wine, beer, refreshing cocktails, and water. In this case, choose your wine selection based on temperature, opting for more white and rosé wine. Conversely, for fall or winter weddings, especially if you're serving heartier dishes like beef or pasta, choose more red wines.
Additionally, consider the location of your venue. Guests may consume fewer drinks if they need to drive home, whereas an event with accommodation nearby may result in higher drink consumption.
It's important to note that the type of alcohol served can also influence the overall consumption. Including hard liquor may lead to higher consumption, whereas a beer and wine-only bar can be a safer option if you're concerned about excessive drinking.
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Budget
Planning a wedding can be challenging, especially when it comes to budgeting for alcohol. The amount of alcohol you'll need depends on the number of guests, the duration of the party, and the types of drinks you plan to serve. Here are some tips to help you estimate your alcohol budget:
Determine the Number of Guests
Start by estimating the number of adult guests who will be consuming alcohol. If you know that some guests are non-drinkers or light drinkers, you can adjust your calculations accordingly. It's also important to consider the preferences of your guests. For example, if most of your guests prefer beer, you may need to purchase more cases of beer than wine or spirits.
Calculate the Duration of Drinking
The duration of your wedding reception will impact the amount of alcohol needed. As a rule of thumb, guests tend to consume more drinks in the first hour and then slow down. The typical estimate is to plan for two drinks per guest during the first hour and one drink per guest for each additional hour. However, this may vary depending on the drinking habits of your guests.
Choose the Types of Alcohol
Decide on the types of alcohol you want to serve. Will you offer a full bar with various liquors, mixers, wines, and beers? Or will you stick to a limited selection of beer and wine? If you're on a tighter budget, it's not necessary to offer hard spirits. According to sources, 70-80% of guests prefer beer and wine, so you can focus on those options.
Consider Additional Costs
Don't forget to include the costs of mixers, garnishes, and non-alcoholic beverages in your budget. If you plan to hire a bartender, their fees should also be factored in. Additionally, some venues may charge a corkage fee if you bring your own alcohol, so be sure to inquire about any additional costs.
Use a Wedding Alcohol Calculator
To make your life easier, consider using a wedding alcohol calculator. These calculators take into account factors such as the number of guests, duration of the event, and types of alcohol. They can provide you with a fast estimate of how many drinks you'll need and even calculate the costs of purchasing the alcohol. You can find free wedding alcohol calculators online or create your own spreadsheet to plan and estimate costs.
Estimating the alcohol budget for your wedding can be a tricky task, but with careful planning and consideration of your guests' preferences, you can ensure a well-stocked bar without breaking the bank.
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DIY or professional bar service
When it comes to serving alcohol at your wedding, you have two main options: hiring a professional bar service or setting up a DIY bar. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your budget, event style, and personal preference.
DIY Wedding Bar
Setting up a DIY wedding bar can be a great way to save money and personalize your event. If you choose this option, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you'll need to calculate how much alcohol to buy. This will depend on factors such as the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the typical drinking habits of your crowd. It's better to overestimate slightly than to run out of drinks halfway through the reception. You can find wedding drink calculators online to help you with this task.
In addition to alcohol, you'll need to provide mixers, ice, garnishes, and glassware for your DIY bar. You can save money by sourcing these items yourself, but it will require additional planning and effort. Don't forget to consider the practical aspects of setting up and staffing the bar. You may want to hire a bartender to handle drink mixing and serving, even if you're providing the alcohol yourself. If your venue requires a licensed bartender, make sure your bartender has the appropriate credentials.
Professional Bar Service
Hiring a professional bar service can take a lot of the stress and guesswork out of planning your wedding drinks. Professional bartenders will be able to help you refine your drink menu, calculate quantities, and craft cocktails that fit your event theme. They will also have the necessary equipment, glassware, and insurance to serve drinks safely and efficiently.
When choosing a professional bar service, look for a company that offers a package deal that includes bar rentals and staff. Ask about their drink-mixing and garnishing skills, and don't be afraid to request signature cocktails or customized details. Bundling all their services into one package can often result in significant savings.
Whether you choose to set up a DIY wedding bar or hire a professional bar service, careful planning is essential to ensure your event is a success. Consider your budget, the type of drinks you want to serve, and the level of convenience you desire when making your decision. With the right approach, you can create a memorable and enjoyable bar experience for you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
A good rule of thumb is to assume that each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening. However, it's important to remember that some guests may drink more or less than others, and consumption also depends on factors like the time of day, location, and duration of the event.
It's a good idea to offer a variety of beer, wine, and spirits to cater to different tastes. You can also include a few signature cocktails or mocktails to personalize the event and offer non-alcoholic options. If you're concerned about heavy drinking, you might want to stick to beer and wine only.
There are many alcohol calculators available online and as customizable spreadsheets that can help you determine the right quantity based on your guest list and the types of alcohol you plan to serve. These tools can also help you estimate the cost of the alcohol.
If you're looking to reduce alcohol consumption, consider hosting a brunch or lunch wedding, as this can scale back the total number of drinks served by 15%. Additionally, serving only beer and wine can help diminish overall alcohol consumption.
