Deborah Chan
Alcohol is a key part of many weddings, creating a celebratory atmosphere and promoting social interaction. It is also a reflection of the couple's tastes and personality. When it comes to choosing what alcohol to serve, there are a few things to consider, such as the type of bar you want (open, limited, cash, or non-alcoholic), the number of guests and their drinking preferences, and the time and location of the wedding. It is also important to promote responsible drinking and offer non-alcoholic alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Alcohol | Liquor, wine, beer, bubbly/champagne, cocktails |
| Liquor Types | Vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon |
| Liquor Amount | 6 bottles for 100 people for 3-4 hours |
| Wine Types | Red, white, rosé, sparkling |
| Wine Amount | 50 bottles for 100 people for 3-4 hours |
| Beer Amount | 150 bottles for 100 people for 3-4 hours |
| Non-Alcoholic Options | Mocktails, fresh juices, canned sodas, kombucha, infused water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate |
| Bar Types | Open, limited, cash, non-alcoholic |
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What You'll Learn
Alcoholic drinks: champagne, wine, beer, cocktails, spirits
When it comes to alcoholic drinks, there are several options to consider for your wedding: champagne, wine, beer, cocktails, and spirits.
Champagne
Champagne is a classic choice for weddings, often used for toasts and celebrations. You can serve mini bottles of champagne with your wedding hashtag or monogram, or line the escort card table with flutes for guests to find their seats with a glass of champagne in hand. For a sophisticated touch, serve champagne-infused cake or cupcakes, or set up a champagne tower. You can also create custom champagne bottles as centrepieces or favours.
Wine
Wine is a versatile option that can be served during the meal, at the cocktail hour, or throughout the reception. When choosing wine, consider the season and the climate of your wedding. For example, a summer wedding or a wedding in a warmer climate may call for more white wine, while a winter wedding might favour red wine.
Beer
Beer is a good choice for a casual wedding, such as a backyard BBQ. You can offer a selection of craft beers or opt for a keg of local beer.
Cocktails
Signature cocktails can add a personalised touch to your wedding. Offer two to three craft cocktails, with no more than five options to keep the bar service running smoothly. Include a popular classic, such as an Old Fashioned, and consider having a mocktail option as well.
Spirits
The style of your wedding will influence your spirit choices. A casual wedding might feature a whisky tasting or tequila shots, while an elegant cocktail reception might showcase spirit-forward options with garnishes and thoughtful glassware.
Remember to calculate the amount of alcohol needed based on the expected consumption rate and the number of guests. A professional bartender can help refine your shopping list and provide a cost estimate.
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Non-alcoholic drinks: mocktails, juices, sodas, infused water
While alcohol is often a key part of weddings, it's important to offer non-alcoholic alternatives. Mocktails are a great way to provide your guests with a variety of options that are just as festive as cocktails. You can even create a signature mocktail inspired by you and your partner. These drinks can be made in large batches ahead of time and can include fun garnishes, pretty colours, and bold flavours to make them feel celebration-worthy.
If you're planning a champagne toast, make sure to offer a non-alcoholic alternative such as ginger ale, which looks similar in the glass. Other non-alcoholic drink options include sparkling ciders, seltzers, and lemonade. You can also offer a variety of juices, sodas, and infused waters. For example, orange sherbet adds a summery feel, while sparkling grape juice is perfect for spring or fall events.
It's a good idea to offer different flavour profiles and levels of sweetness to cater to various tastes. You can also get creative with ice cubes, such as striped ice cubes, to add a unique touch to your non-alcoholic drinks. These drinks will ensure that all your guests feel included and can celebrate responsibly.
When stocking your bar, it's essential to consider your guests' preferences and the overall style of your wedding. A non-alcoholic bar is an option, especially if you're having a brunch or lunch wedding, as you can scale back the total number of drinks served. However, an open bar is the most gracious approach, ensuring that your guests don't have to pay for their drinks.
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Buying in bulk: how much to buy, where to buy from
Buying in bulk for a wedding can be a tricky process, and it's important to get it right. The amount of alcohol you need to buy will depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the drinking habits of your guests.
Firstly, you should assess your guest list. Consider how many attendees are of legal drinking age and take their drinking habits into account. If you know you're inviting mostly beer drinkers, for example, you'll want to ensure that your stock reflects this. The time and date of your wedding should also be considered; a summer wedding may call for lighter drinks, while a winter wedding might see guests favouring red wine or warmer cocktails.
As a general rule, retailers suggest that 70-80% of wedding guests will drink beer and wine, while 20-30% will opt for spirits. You can use this as a starting point for your calculations. It's recommended that you provide enough alcohol for each guest to have one drink per hour, or around five drinks throughout the evening.
If you're offering cocktails, it's best to keep the number of options limited to avoid overcomplicating orders and having leftover alcohol. Two to three cocktail options should be plenty, with one classic choice included, such as an Old Fashioned. For spirits, vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum are good options to satisfy the majority of guests.
When it comes to where to buy alcohol in bulk, you can try club stores such as BJs, Costco, or Sam's Club, which offer a wide range of beers, wines, and liquors. Alternatively, you can speak to your local liquor store owner, who may be able to provide you with bulk rates.
Digital drink calculators can also be a helpful tool to ensure you buy the right amount of alcohol for your wedding. These calculators take into account various factors, such as the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the types of drinks you plan to serve.
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Bar types: open, limited, cash, non-alcoholic
When it comes to weddings, alcohol is often a key part of the celebration. However, there are several ways to incorporate alcoholic beverages into your special day. Here is a detailed overview of the four main types of bars you can choose from for your wedding:
Open Bar
An open bar, also known as a hosted bar, is considered the most gracious approach, as guests are not expected to pay for their drinks. This option typically involves the host pre-paying a flat fee or an hourly rate for unlimited access to alcoholic beverages. While this option is the most expensive, it eliminates transactions with bar staff, reducing lines and wait times. It also allows the host to control what their guests drink through pre-selected items and custom cocktails. However, it may encourage overindulgence, which can detract from the tone of the event.
Limited Bar
A limited bar, also known as a consumption bar, typically involves serving only beer and wine, rather than a full range of liquors. This option can be offered as an open bar, with the host covering the tab, or as a cash bar, where guests pay for their drinks. A limited bar is generally more cost-effective than a full open bar, as the cost of spirits is excluded. However, it may not cater to guests with picky drinking preferences.
Cash Bar
A cash bar operates like a typical commercial bar, where guests pay for their drinks and tips after each round. This option shifts one of the biggest expenses to the guests and can help reduce drunkenness, encouraging more engagement with other aspects of the event. However, it may be controversial, as guests already incur expenses such as attire, travel, lodging, and gifts. It is essential to know your audience and their expectations before opting for a cash bar.
Non-Alcoholic Bar
A non-alcoholic bar, also known as a dry bar, offers only non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. This option is perfect for couples who know their guests do not consume alcohol. While it may be controversial for some, mocktails have gained popularity, and couples can offer non-alcoholic alternatives that align with the latest trends.
When deciding on a bar type, it is crucial to consider your preferences, your guests' expectations, and your budget. Additionally, be mindful of the potential for overindulgence, as alcohol consumption can interfere with the dignity and focus of the wedding celebration.
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Drinking responsibly: staying hydrated, pacing drinks, arranging transport
If you're planning to serve alcohol at your wedding, it's important to ensure that you and your guests drink responsibly. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Staying hydrated
It's important to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you're drinking alcohol. Dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, so make sure you have a glass of water or two between alcoholic drinks.
Pacing drinks
Pacing yourself is crucial to avoid overindulging. Eat a good meal before the wedding to slow down alcohol absorption. Opt for drinks with a lower alcohol content, such as wine, beer, or cider, and avoid mixing different types of alcohol. Sip your drinks slowly and take breaks throughout the event. If you're the one getting married, consider having a non-alcoholic drink as a decoy to prevent people from constantly offering you new drinks.
Arranging transport
Before the wedding, arrange a safe mode of transportation for yourself and your guests. This can include booking cabs or ride-sharing services, enlisting sober drivers, or even organising a shuttle bus for the wedding party and guests to get to and from the venue, ceremony, and reception. This is especially important if your wedding is in a location with limited access to taxis or ride-sharing options.
Additional tips
If you're the host, you can encourage safe and responsible drinking by reiterating the importance of moderate drinking to your bartender. Include mocktails in your drink options, and avoid serving liquors with high alcohol concentrations, such as vodka, tequila, and gin, during the early parts of the celebration.
By following these tips, you can ensure that everyone enjoys the wedding responsibly and has a pleasant experience without any disruptive behaviour or unpleasant hangovers.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol is a key part of many weddings, with popular drinks including champagne, wine, beer, and cocktails. Other popular drinks include vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila.
Here are some ways to save money on alcohol at your wedding:
- Offer non-alcoholic alternatives such as mocktails, fresh juices, or canned sodas.
- Ask servers to pour sensible amounts of wine or champagne and only top off glasses if guests ask for more.
- Skip the pre-ceremony cocktail.
- Limit the hours the bar is open.
The amount of alcohol you should buy for your wedding depends on factors such as the number of guests, the duration of the event, and your guests' drinking habits. Wedding drink calculators are available online to help you estimate how much alcohol you will need. As a rule of thumb, assume that each guest will consume about one drink per hour or five drinks throughout the evening.
Here are some things to consider:
- The type of bar you want to have (open, limited, cash, or non-alcoholic).
- Your guests' preferences and expectations.
- The date, time, and location of your wedding.
- Whether you will be serving food that pairs well with certain drinks.
