Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to alcohol. The last thing you want is to run out of drinks, but you also don't want to be left with too much leftover alcohol. The amount and type of alcohol you need will depend on factors such as the number of guests, duration of the event, and their preferences. As a general rule of thumb, plan for at least one drink per guest per hour, and consider offering a mix of liquor, beer, and wine, with non-alcoholic options as well.
Alcohol for a Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount | One alcoholic drink per guest per hour |
| Open bar or cash bar | Open bar is more popular but more costly; cash bar can reduce costs |
| Shots | Not recommended |
| Champagne | 1 bottle per 6 guests (for toasts only) |
| Beer | 0.5 beers per guest |
| Wine | 1 bottle for every 2.5 guests |
| Liquor | 1 bottle for every 5 guests (based on a 3-hour open bar) |
| After-party | 1.5 drinks per person per hour |
| Mixers | Soft drinks, juices, fresh-cut citrus, ice |
| Cocktails | 2-3 craft cocktails; popular classics like an Old Fashioned; mocktails |
| Spirits | Vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, rum |
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What You'll Learn
Champagne, sparkling wine, and prosecco
Champagne
Champagne is a must-have for a wedding. It is traditionally served during toasts, with a recommended ratio of one bottle for every six guests. However, it can also be enjoyed throughout the day. If you are a purist, ensure you choose a sparkling wine from the Champagne region in France, as only wine from this region can legally bear the name. The unique production method of Champagne, where a second fermentation occurs in the bottle, gives it its complex characteristics. While it can be expensive, there are still some great value options available.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is a great alternative to Champagne and can offer more quality for your money. Some recommended sparkling wines include Cava from Spain, which provides excellent value, and Prosecco from Italy, which is refreshing, affordable, and popular worldwide. English Sparkling Wine is also growing in popularity for weddings, although the price is often similar to Champagne. If you are looking for an easy-drinking reception drink, consider tasting some sparkling wines before committing, as there are many cheap and inferior options on the market.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a popular and affordable choice for weddings, with a crisp green fruit profile, refreshing acidity, and a touch of residual sugar. It is produced using the Tank Method, where the second fermentation takes place in a tank, making it cheaper to produce than Champagne. While there are some cheap and low-quality Proseccos available, stepping up slightly in price can get you a delicious bottle.
Amount
The amount of Champagne, sparkling wine, or prosecco you need will depend on factors such as the number of guests, the duration of the event, and your guests' drinking preferences. As a general rule, assume that each guest will have at least one alcoholic drink per hour. For a 3-hour open bar with a hospitality expert's recommended ratios, you would need one bottle of Champagne for every six guests.
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Beer, wine, and spirits
When it comes to choosing the drinks for your wedding, it's important to consider the style of your wedding, the time of year, the duration of the event, and your guests' preferences.
Beer
Beer is a popular choice for weddings, with 70-80% of wedding guests opting for it. It's a good idea to provide a variety of beers to cater to different tastes. You can choose from domestic, imported, and craft beers. Some popular choices include Bud Light, Corona, and Heineken. If you're looking for something more unique, consider local craft beers or different flavours to spice things up.
Wine
Wine is another staple at weddings, and it's important to offer both red and white options. The ratio is usually one bottle of wine for every 2.5 guests. Chardonnay and Cabernet are the most popular choices, but you can also consider Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. If you're having a summer wedding, you might want to offer more white and rosé options, while a winter celebration might call for more red wine. Don't forget to factor in spillage, as you'll likely need to open more bottles than needed without a bartender.
Spirits
Spirits can be more expensive to provide at a wedding, as you'll need to purchase the spirits themselves and mixers to go with them. You may also need to hire a bartender to prepare these drinks. Vodka is a popular choice as it mixes well with almost everything, and tequila is a good option for a summer wedding, especially if you're serving Tex-Mex appetizers or a BBQ meal. Gin, whiskey, rum, and bourbon are also common choices, but you can always offer a limited selection and allow guests to pay for spirits separately.
Remember, the key to a successful bar menu is variety, so try to offer a range of options within each category to cater to different tastes.
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Cocktails and mocktails
It's important to offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a wedding to cater to different tastes and preferences. Mocktails are a great way to include guests who don't drink alcohol, and they can be a fun and festive alternative. Here are some ideas for cocktails and mocktails to serve at your wedding:
Cocktails:
- Espresso martinis
- Old Fashioned
- Punch with 1-2 ounces of vodka, rum, or tequila
- Wine and beer
- Champagne
Mocktails:
- Mint juleps: made with blackberry and raspberry syrup, fresh lime juice, and soda water, garnished with mint leaves and raspberries
- Moscow Mule: lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, mint leaves, and ginger beer
- Mojito: lime, mint, lime, sweetener, and club soda
- Watermelon, lime, and mint blend
- Lavender lemonade: lemon juice, water, honey, and dried lavender, garnished with lavender flowers
- Grapefruit and lemon juice sweetened with honey, garnished with a slice of dried citrus
- Thai coconut water served in a real coconut, with fun straws and playful signage
- Blackberry spritz: fruit juice, club soda, simple syrup, and muddled mint
- Strawberry blend: strawberries, simple syrup, lime juice, and pineapple juice
- Raspberry Mint Julep: a mix of iced tea and lemonade
- Arnold Palmer
- Mimosa mocktail: orange juice concentrate and non-alcoholic sparkling wine, garnished with a slice of fruit
When creating your drink menu, consider the flavours in the rest of your menu and the season. For example, if you're having a summer wedding, you might want to serve more white wine, beer, refreshing cocktails, and water. You could also offer two to three craft cocktails and one to two mocktails to give your guests a variety of options.
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Liquor, vodka, and gin
When it comes to liquor, vodka, and gin for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide on the type of bar you want to have. If you choose to have an open bar, you will need to provide all the liquor, vodka, and gin, whereas if you have a limited bar menu or a DIY bar, you may be able to get away with providing only a few options.
Vodka is a very popular choice for weddings as it is light, mixes well with most flavours, and is perfect for those who don't want sugary cocktails. It is also a good option for those who want to keep costs down, as it is generally less expensive than other liquors. If you're looking for a mid-priced vodka, Tito's and Absolut are popular choices. For a higher-end option, consider Grey Goose.
Gin is another classic choice for weddings, especially if you want to offer a variety of cocktails. Gin is very versatile and can be used in martinis, gimlets, and the ever-popular gin and tonic. Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray are well-known gin brands. However, keep in mind that gin may not be as popular with all crowds, so consider your guest list before making a large purchase.
If you want to offer a full bar with multiple liquor options, you may want to include some of the following:
- Whiskey: Jack Daniels, Jameson, and Johnny Walker are popular choices.
- Rum: Bacardi and Captain Morgan are crowd favourites.
- Tequila: Jose Cuervo is a good mid-range option, while Patron is a higher-end choice.
Remember to consider your guest count, season, wedding style, and budget when making your alcohol purchases. It's always better to have a little extra, as you don't want to run out of drinks halfway through the reception!
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After-party drinks
When it comes to after-party drinks, it's essential to keep the celebration going with a well-stocked bar. Here are some tips to ensure your wedding after-party is a success:
Plan for the Duration
Firstly, consider the duration of your after-party. As a general rule, assume that each guest will consume at least one alcoholic drink per hour. If your after-party is expected to last a few hours, ensure you have sufficient drinks to cater to this.
Offer a Variety of Drinks
Provide a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to cater to different tastes. Here are some specific suggestions:
- Beer: Offer a selection of regular, light, and craft beers to give your guests options.
- Wine: Include both red and white wines. Consider the time of year and the style of your wedding. For example, a summer wedding may call for more refreshing, lighter wines.
- Liquor: Vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey are popular choices. You may also want to include tequila, although be cautious as it can lead to a "special kind of mess," according to one source.
- Cocktails: Signature cocktails can add a personalised touch to your wedding. Offer two to three craft cocktails, with the option of a classic like an Old Fashioned. However, be mindful that too many options can slow down bar service.
- Mixers: Ensure you have a variety of mixers, such as soft drinks, juices, and fresh-cut citrus. Don't forget the ice, as cocktails are often served on the rocks.
- Non-alcoholic options: Mocktails are becoming increasingly popular. Offer non-alcoholic alternatives to traditional cocktails, using non-alcoholic spirits, or include options like a Shirley Temple.
Consult with Experts and Venue Coordinators
If you're unsure about quantities, consult with experts or your venue coordinator. They can provide guidance based on their experience and the specifics of your wedding.
Consider an Open Bar or Cash Bar
Finally, decide whether you will provide an open bar or a cash bar. An open bar allows guests to drink as much as they want, while a cash bar can help reduce costs as guests tend to drink less when paying for their drinks.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of alcohol you need depends on the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the drinking preferences of your guests. As a general rule of thumb, assume that each guest will have at least one alcoholic drink per hour. Hospitality expert Patrick Davila suggests the following ratios: Beer: 0.5 beers per guest; Wine: 1 bottle per 2.5 guests; Champagne: 1 bottle per 6 guests (toast only); Liquor: 1 bottle per 5 guests (based on a 3-hour open bar).
The recommended mix is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. It is a good idea to have at least one varietal of white and red wine and a mix of liquors and mixers. You can also serve cocktails, but offering too many can complicate orders and slow down bar service. Vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila are adequate offerings.
An open bar is generally recommended for weddings. Cash bars are less popular and guests tend to drink less when they have to pay for their drinks. If you choose to have a cash bar, you will need less alcohol than an open bar.
Be sure to have plenty of mixers, such as soft drinks, juices, and fresh-cut citrus. You will also need a lot of ice, as people like their drinks cold and cocktails are often served on the rocks. Garnishes are also important for cocktails.
Champagne or sparkling wine is a staple at weddings, especially for toasts. You can also use it to make mimosas for getting ready or as a substitute for liquor in cocktails.
