Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out the drinks situation. A good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will have one drink per hour, with an extra drink during the first hour of arrival. It's also important to consider the guest count, season, wedding style, and whether you'll be serving a signature cocktail. You'll need a variety of mixers to cater to different tastes and ensure your guests can enjoy their drinks of choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mixers | Depends on the number of guests and the number of cocktails offered |
| Types of mixers | Coke (diet and regular), Sprite, Ginger ale, Club soda, Tonic, Cranberry juice, Red Bull, OJ, Pineapple juice, Sour mix, Lemonade, Sparkling water, etc. |
| Signature cocktail | Can be offered as a unique and memorable option for guests |
| Mocktails | Should be served if the couple, their families, and most guests don't drink alcohol |
| Season and style of the wedding | Should be considered when deciding on the types of drinks to serve |
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What You'll Learn
How much alcohol to buy
When it comes to planning a wedding, deciding on the amount of alcohol to buy can be tricky. The last thing you want is to run out of drinks halfway through the reception, but it's also a waste to be left with too many leftovers. Here are some tips to help you determine the right amount of alcohol to purchase:
Calculate the Amount Based on Guest Count
A good rule of thumb is to estimate that each guest will consume around five drinks throughout the wedding reception. Of course, some guests may drink less or more than this, but it's a good average to work with. With this estimate, you can calculate the total number of drinks needed based on your guest count.
Consider the Drink Preferences of Your Guests
It's essential to consider the drink preferences of your guests. Will they prefer beer, wine, or liquor? A typical breakdown suggested by retailers is that 70-80% of wedding guests will opt for beer and wine, while 20-30% will prefer spirits. This can guide you in allocating your budget and purchasing the appropriate quantities of each type of alcohol.
Offer a Variety of Drink Options
While you want to provide a range of drink options, it's essential not to offer too much variety. For spirits, stick to the most popular options like vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum. This will ensure you don't end up with numerous half-empty bottles. For cocktails, consider offering two to three signature craft cocktails, with perhaps a classic option like an Old Fashioned and a mocktail. This will make it easier for guests to order and help prevent unused ingredients.
Choose the Right Mixers
In addition to alcohol, you'll need to stock up on mixers. Cola, diet cola, ginger ale, Sprite, tonic water, and cranberry juice are all popular choices. Don't forget to include some non-alcoholic options like sparkling water, soda, and mocktails. If you're serving cocktails, make sure you have the necessary ingredients, such as lime or lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters.
Return Policy for Unopened Bottles
When purchasing alcohol, consider buying from a retailer that allows returns of unopened bottles. This way, you can buy more than you think you need without worrying about wasting money on unused alcohol.
Use a Wedding Alcohol Calculator
To make your life easier, consider using a wedding alcohol calculator. These tools take into account various factors, such as guest count, duration of the reception, and drink preferences, to give you an accurate estimate of how much alcohol to buy.
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and buy a little more than you think you'll need. With careful planning and consideration of your guests' preferences, you can ensure a well-stocked bar and a memorable celebration.
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Types of mixers to get
When it comes to planning a wedding, deciding on the drinks menu is an important part of the process. Whether you're serving alcohol or not, you'll need to stock up on mixers to suit everyone's tastes. Here are some types of mixers you should consider getting for your wedding:
Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are a must-have for any wedding, as they can be enjoyed on their own or mixed with alcohol. Include a variety of options such as cola (regular and diet), ginger ale, sprite, tonic water, and soda water. These mixers are versatile and can be paired with spirits or enjoyed as refreshing non-alcoholic drinks.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices are essential mixers for a wedding, as they can be used in various cocktails or mocktails. Opt for popular juices like orange juice, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. These juices can be combined with alcohol, such as vodka or rum, to create tasty signature cocktails. You can also offer lemonade, which is perfect for those who prefer a more refreshing, tangy option.
Specialty Mixers
Depending on the cocktails you plan to serve, consider providing specialty mixers. For example, if you want to offer Margaritas, Mai Tais, or Moscow Mules, you'll need specific mixers like lime juice, triple sec, or ginger beer. You can often find pre-made mixer packs for these cocktails, which can save you time and effort.
Healthy Alternatives
If you want to offer healthier options, look for mixers with natural sweeteners such as maple, agave, or cane sugar. These sweeteners provide richer flavors and are ideal for guests who prefer less artificial ingredients in their drinks.
Sparkling Options
Sparkling drinks are perfect for toasting and celebrating. Include sparkling cider, which is a great non-alcoholic option, and sparkling wine for those who want something festive and bubbly. Prosecco is also a good choice, as it can be mixed with fruit juices to create elegant, celebratory cocktails.
When deciding on the quantities of mixers to purchase, consider the number of guests and the expected drink consumption. Each guest's consumption can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to estimate one drink per hour, plus an additional drink during the first hour of their arrival.
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How many mixers to buy
When planning a wedding, it is important to calculate how many drinks you'll be serving and how much alcohol to buy. You don't want to run out of liquor halfway through the reception, but you also want to stay within your budget.
The amount of mixers you need depends on the number of guests and the duration of the event. As a rule of thumb, each guest will drink an average of two drinks in the first hour and one drink each hour after that. To estimate the amount of mixers needed, you can calculate about 1 quart (1 litre) of tonic water, soda water, or juice for every 3 guests. A one-litre bottle of alcohol will make approximately 22 mixed drinks.
For example, if you are serving a mixed drink of vodka and lemonade and expect 100 guests at a 4-hour reception, you will need 400 mixed drinks. Assuming a standard drink contains 1.5 ounces of vodka and 4.5 ounces of lemonade, you will require 600 ounces of vodka and 1800 ounces of lemonade.
In addition to the mixers for cocktails, it is a good idea to offer non-alcoholic beverage options and to accommodate any non-cocktail drinkers. You can estimate one bottle of wine per eight guests, with white wine being more popular than red. For a Champagne toast, plan on one bottle for every ten guests, as you will only need to pour about a third of a glass for each guest.
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Shopping list
When planning a wedding, it's important to consider the drinks you'll be serving and how much alcohol to buy. A good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening, with some guests drinking less and others being thirstier. The drinks per guest per hour are typically higher during the first hour of the event. It's also worth noting that people tend to consume more earlier in the event and slow down later.
- Cola (regular and diet)
- Sprite
- Ginger ale
- Club soda
- Tonic water
- Cranberry juice
- Orange juice
- Lemonade
- Sparkling water
- Red Bull
- Triple Sec
- Dried fruit and sweeteners (sugar, stevia, maple, agave, cane) for cocktails like Margaritas, Mai Tais, and Moscow Mules
You may also want to consider creating a signature cocktail for your wedding, which can make your big day more memorable and unique. Some popular summer signature drink ideas include:
- Mojitos
- Bloody Marys
- Combine cranberry juice and prosecco with a rosemary sprig
- Combine orange juice and prosecco with blueberries
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Transporting the mixers
Firstly, it is essential to consider the quantity of mixers you will be transporting. The amount of mixers you need will depend on the number of guests and the variety of cocktails you plan to offer. As a rule of thumb, assume that each guest will consume one drink per hour, with an additional drink in the first hour of arriving. This will help you estimate the total number of drinks required.
Now, for the transportation itself, you will need to gather some essential supplies:
- Sturdy boxes or crates: Collect a few sturdy boxes or plastic crates that can withstand the weight of the drinks and provide ample space for packing them efficiently.
- Packing material: Use packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, or old towels to wrap around the bottles and prevent breakage during transport.
- Dolly or trolley: Consider using a dolly or trolley with sturdy wheels to move the boxes or crates from your vehicle to the venue. This is especially useful if you have to cover a long distance or navigate stairs.
- Vehicle: Depending on the quantity of mixers and other supplies, you may need to rent a larger vehicle, such as a van or a small truck, to transport everything in one trip. Alternatively, you can use your own car and make multiple trips if the venue is nearby.
On the day of transportation, start by packing the mixers and alcohol bottles securely in the boxes or crates, wrapping each bottle individually with packing material. Load the packed crates onto the dolly or trolley and carefully transport them to your vehicle. If using a larger rental vehicle, ensure it is parked close to the loading area to minimise the distance you need to cover.
Finally, unload the crates from your vehicle and transport them to the designated bar or drink preparation area at the venue. It is advisable to have a few extra pairs of hands to help with the loading, unloading, and setting up, making the process smoother and faster.
By following these steps and planning ahead, you can efficiently transport the mixers and ensure a well-stocked bar for your wedding celebrations.
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Frequently asked questions
Mixers are the non-alcoholic part of a cocktail. They add volume to the drink and enhance its flavour.
The amount of mixer you need depends on the number of guests and the variety of cocktails you plan to offer. A good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening.
Popular mixers include coke (diet and regular), sprite, ginger ale, soda water, tonic, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemonade, and sparkling water. For summer weddings, consider mixers for cocktails like Margaritas, Mai Tais, Moscow Mules, and Mojitos.
