Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding on the drinks menu. Alcohol is often one of the most expensive items on a wedding budget, and it can be tricky to calculate exactly how much you'll need. As a general rule, you should assume that each guest will have at least one drink per hour, but consumption will depend on factors like location, time of year, and the type of wedding. To avoid running out, you'll need to stock up on a variety of drinks, from beer and wine to spirits and mixers. You might also want to offer cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
Alcohol for a Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of drinks | 1 drink per guest per hour |
| Open bar or cash bar | Open bar leads to higher consumption |
| Shots | Avoid at all costs |
| Beer | 0.5 beers per guest |
| Wine | 1 bottle per 2.5 guests |
| Champagne | 1 bottle per 6 guests (for toasts only) |
| Liquor | 1 bottle per 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, including a mocktail |
| Spirits | Vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, rum |
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What You'll Learn
Champagne, sparkling wine, and prosecco
Champagne
Champagne is a classic choice for a wedding, often associated with joyful and jubilant moments. It is produced in the Champagne region of France and gets its signature bubbles from a traditional method of fermentation in the bottle. While it may be expensive, it is sure to add a touch of luxury to your celebration. If you are serving Champagne, remember that it should be served chilled (7-10°C) to enhance its crispness and showcase the bubbles.
Sparkling Wine
If you are looking for an alternative to Champagne, there are many sparkling wines to choose from. These wines can offer a similar experience of popping a cork and enjoying festive bubbles, but at a more affordable price point. When selecting a sparkling wine, consider the taste, the experience, and the food you will be serving. For example, a Brut Champagne pairs well with seafood and poultry, while a sweeter Prosecco or Moscato d'Asti can complement desserts. Other options include Crémant, a French sparkling wine made using the traditional method, or Franciacorta, an Italian sparkling wine that resembles Champagne in both taste and production method.
Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that has become increasingly popular over the past decade, especially in Britain, where it accounts for 30% of all consumption. It is produced using the Tank Method, which differs from Champagne's Traditional Method, resulting in a crisp, refreshing, and affordable option. Prosecco tends to have crisp green fruit flavours, refreshing acidity, and a touch of residual sugar, although different levels of sweetness are available.
Amount to Serve
When planning a wedding, it is important to consider the number of guests and the duration of the event to determine how much alcohol you will need. As a general guideline, hospitality expert Patrick Davila suggests allowing for one bottle of Champagne per six guests if it is being served for a toast only. If you are serving sparkling wine throughout the event, plan for multiple servings per guest and always buy a few extra bottles to account for unexpected guests or larger pours.
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Beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails
When it comes to weddings, it's essential to have a good selection of alcoholic beverages to keep the party going. The amount and type of alcohol you'll need will depend on various factors, such as the duration of your wedding, the number of guests, the season, and your guests' preferences. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan for beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails:
Beer
Beer is a popular choice for weddings, with 85% of weddings serving some form of beer. It's essential to offer a variety of beers to cater to different tastes. You can choose between domestic and craft beers, and it's a good idea to have at least two different options. Consider the season when making your selection; wheat beers like Bell's Oberon or Blue Moon are perfect for summer, while a chocolatey stout or a caramelly amber beer is better suited for fall or winter.
Wine
Wine is another essential beverage for weddings, with 70% of weddings serving some form of wine. It's recommended to have both red and white wine options, with a typical ratio of 50/50. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are versatile choices that work for any season. For red wine, a blend of Cabernet and Merlot is often a good choice. Don't forget to consider the season when planning your wine selection. In spring and summer, opt for more white wine, while fall and winter call for more red wine options.
Spirits
Spirits, also known as liquor, are an important part of a wedding bar. Vodka is a popular choice as it is light, easy to drink, and mixes well with almost anything. Whiskey is another frequently requested spirit. Other spirits you can consider include gin, rum, tequila, and bourbon. It's recommended to have a mix of 50% liquor as part of your overall alcohol selection. You can choose top-shelf or budget-friendly options, depending on your preferences and budget.
Cocktails
Cocktails can add a fun element to your wedding, and guests often enjoy trying something new. Consider hiring a mixologist or a bonafide bartender to craft unique cocktails during the cocktail hour. However, keep in mind that as the night progresses, guests may lean towards more standard party beverages like beer or wine. Signature cocktails or craft cocktails may lose their appeal later in the evening. Don't forget to stock up on mixers, juices, and fresh-cut citrus to accompany your cocktails.
Remember, the key is to have a good variety to cater to different tastes, and it's always better to overestimate and have a few extra bottles than to run out of alcohol during your special day.
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Open bar or cash bar
When it comes to weddings, the drinks are a very important part of the celebration. It is the couple's choice to decide whether they want an open bar or a cash bar. An open bar is where guests can drink as much as they like, free of charge. A cash bar, on the other hand, is where guests pay for their own drinks.
An open bar is a more popular option and is generally recommended. It can be a great way to treat your guests and ensure they have a good time. However, it can also be very expensive. If you are supplying all the alcohol, it is a good idea to buy a range of budget and premium options. This can be a great way to cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. It is also important to consider the style of your wedding. For example, a backyard BBQ wedding may be more suited to beer and refreshing drinks, while an elegant cocktail reception may feature more spirit-forward options with garnishes and special glassware.
A cash bar can be a good way to cut down on costs as guests will likely drink less. However, it is generally not recommended and may be considered impolite in some cultures. If you do choose to have a cash bar, it is a good idea to communicate this to your guests in advance so they can bring cash if needed.
Another option is to have a mix of both. For example, you could have an open bar for the cocktail hour and a cash bar for the rest of the night. Alternatively, you could offer a limited selection of free drinks and a cash bar for premium options.
Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to plan and calculate how much alcohol you will need. A good rule of thumb is to assume that each guest will have at least one drink per hour. You should also consider the time of day, location, and duration of your wedding, as well as any after-parties. It is always better to have too much alcohol than to run out, but remember that most stores will buy back any unopened bottles.
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Amount of alcohol per guest
It is challenging to calculate the exact amount of alcohol needed for a wedding without factoring in location, time of year, preferences, service style, and more. However, as a general rule of thumb, assume that each guest will have at least one alcoholic drink per hour. This means you should have a clear idea of your guest count to inform your vendors or to reference when purchasing alcohol yourself.
Hospitality expert Patrick Davila suggests the following ratios for a 3-hour open bar:
- 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
For an after-party, Davila recommends 1.5 drinks per person per hour.
If you are providing an open bar, guests can drink as much as they want. This option can be costly, and guests will likely drink more. Alternatively, with a cash bar, guests pay for their drinks, which can help reduce costs. However, cash bars are less popular and generally not recommended.
The recommended mix for a wedding is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. Typically, it's a 50/50 split between red and white wine. You will also need mixers, such as soft drinks, juices, and fresh-cut citrus. Don't forget to stock up on ice, as people like their drinks cold, and many enjoy cocktails on the rocks.
If you want to serve cocktails, consider hiring a mixologist, at least for cocktail hour. While fancy cocktails are a great way to entertain guests as they mingle between the ceremony and reception, people may lean towards standard party beverages like beer or wine later in the evening. You can offer two to three craft cocktails, with no more than five to avoid complicating orders and slowing down bar service. If you offer five, include a classic like an Old Fashioned and a mocktail.
For liquor, vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum are adequate offerings. Choose good-quality, mid-priced brands over bottom-shelf or top-shelf spirits. If you are supplying your own alcohol, some stores will buy back any unopened bottles or cases.
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Mixers, ice, and garnishes
It is challenging to calculate exactly how much alcohol is needed for a wedding without factoring in location, time of year, preferences, and service style. However, a general rule of thumb is to assume that each guest will have at least one alcoholic drink per hour.
When it comes to mixers, sodas, and garnishes, it can be tricky to predict exactly what will be needed. It's a good idea to have a variety of options available, including soda, tonic, cranberry, pineapple, and grapefruit. It's also important to consider the types of cocktails that will be served and stock the necessary ingredients. For example, if you're serving Mint Juleps, you'll need simple syrup and mint, or if you're offering French 75s, you'll require gin and champagne. It's always better to have too much than to run out, and you can always return unopened bottles if you overbuy.
Garnishes are an important part of a well-presented cocktail. Common garnishes include lemons, limes, oranges, olives, bar onions, and cherries. These can be used to enhance the flavour and visual appeal of the drinks.
Ice is another crucial component of a successful wedding bar. A good rule of thumb is to plan for between 1 and 2 pounds of ice per person, depending on whether it will be used for serving, cooling, or both. If you're using a cooler, a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio is recommended.
While it's challenging to predict every guest's preference, stocking a variety of mixers, garnishes, and ice will ensure that you're well-prepared to craft a diverse range of cocktails to satisfy your guests' tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of alcohol you need depends on various factors, such as the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the drinking preferences of your guests. A general rule of thumb is to assume each guest will have at least one drink per hour. For a more precise estimate, consider using an online wedding drink calculator.
The type of alcohol served can vary depending on your wedding style and your guests' preferences. A good starting point is a mix of 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. Within these categories, offer a range of options, such as lager and IPA for beer, red and white wine, and a selection of liquors and mixers.
An open bar, where guests can enjoy drinks without paying, is generally recommended for weddings. However, if you're looking to cut costs, a cash bar may be considered, although it is less popular. If you choose a cash bar, expect to use about half the amount of product compared to an open bar.
Popular liquors for weddings include vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, bourbon, and tequila. It's a good idea to choose mid-priced brands over bottom-shelf or top-shelf spirits to satisfy the majority of guests.
Yes, don't forget to include mixers, such as soft drinks, juices, and fresh-cut citrus. Also, ensure you have plenty of ice, as people often enjoy their cocktails chilled. If you want to offer signature cocktails or craft cocktails, you may need to hire a mixologist or a bartender with a special skill set.
