
When it comes to drinking at weddings, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to provide a variety of beverage options to cater to different tastes and preferences. This includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, as some guests may choose to abstain from drinking alcohol. The time of day and duration of the wedding also play a role in how much and what type of alcohol is consumed. For a daytime wedding, guests may drink less than they would at an evening event, and the longer the celebration, the more alcohol is typically consumed. It's also worth noting that the type of alcohol served can vary, with beer, wine, and liquor being popular choices. Some couples may opt for a full open bar, while others may choose to serve only beer and wine or include a signature drink. Ultimately, the decision of what to serve depends on the couple's preferences, budget, and the guest list.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appropriate drinking times | Cocktail hour, dinner, and reception |
| Advice for couples and wedding party members | Stay sober before and during the ceremony |
| Advice for guests | Drink lower ABV drinks, sip drinks slowly, and take breaks |
| Drink options | Beer, wine, cocktails, liquor, mocktails, coffee |
| Alcohol quantities | 0.5 beers per guest, 1 bottle of wine per 2.5 guests, 1 bottle of champagne per 6 guests, 1 bottle of liquor per 5 guests |
| Other considerations | Guest preferences, event duration, location, time of year, budget, guest count, service style |
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What You'll Learn

Beer and wine are popular choices for wedding drinks
Beer and wine are indeed popular choices for wedding drinks. While liquor is often served at weddings, it is not necessary, and some couples prefer to stick to wine and beer. This is especially true if you are looking to avoid guests getting too intoxicated. Liquors like vodka, tequila, and gin have a higher alcohol content, and so can lead to drunkenness more quickly.
If you are serving only beer and wine, you will not need to worry about mixers. However, you will need to consider the length of your party, as the longer it goes on, the more alcohol you will need. A good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will have at least one drink per hour, or around five drinks throughout the evening. You should also consider the time of day and year, as well as the food you are serving, when planning how much alcohol to buy. For example, a daytime wedding will probably require less alcohol than an evening affair.
When it comes to beer, it is a good idea to offer a variety, such as a lager and an IPA. You may also want to include some local microbrews, although be aware that some guests may prefer more standard options. For wine, you should aim to have at least one varietal of white and one of red. If you are looking to pair wine with food, you will need to consider the proper serving temperatures and specific glasses for each wine.
If you are concerned about waste, it is worth noting that beer and wine are often the drinks that are left over at the end of a wedding. This is because guests tend to put down half-consumed beverages and then get another drink. So, while you don't want to run out of alcohol, it is better to err on the side of caution and buy too much.
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Guests may drink less at a daytime wedding
It's your wedding, so the choice of drinks is yours, but it's worth bearing in mind that guests may drink less at a daytime wedding. If you're concerned about the amount of alcohol consumed, a daytime wedding could be a good option.
Firstly, the time of day will impact the amount of alcohol consumed. As one source points out, people "don't tend to drink that much early in the day". This means that if you're having a morning wedding and a brunch reception, you could limit the alcohol to drinks like mimosas. A daytime wedding doesn't have to be completely alcohol-free, but it's likely that guests will drink less than they would at an evening wedding.
Secondly, if you're having a daytime wedding, you could offer a wider range of drinks, including non-alcoholic options, which will give guests the opportunity to drink less alcohol. You could have a coffee bar, for example, with espressos, iced coffee and lattes, or offer hot apple cider in the fall, or a raspberry mint julep in the summer. You could also have a selection of juices, sodas and seltzers for guests who don't want to drink alcohol, or who want to alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks.
Finally, if you're concerned about the amount your guests are drinking, you could opt for drinks with a lower alcohol content, like wine, beer or cider. You could also have some mocktails available, or lower-alcohol cocktails, especially for the after-party. If you're serving cocktails, you could ask your bartender to make these with a lower ABV, or serve wine and beer after the reception.
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It's important to not run out of beer
It is important not to run out of beer at a wedding, as this can detract from the celebrations. While it is important to stay within your wedding budget, you should also ensure you have enough beer to last the whole reception. There are several ways to ensure you don't run out of beer.
Firstly, consider the style of your wedding. A casual, backyard barbecue wedding will likely see more beer consumed than an elegant cocktail reception. If your wedding is during the day, you might not need to serve hard liquor, and beer and wine may be sufficient. You could also showcase local breweries and wineries and offer a selection of craft beers and wines.
Secondly, you could use a wedding alcohol calculator to determine how much beer you need based on the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the number of servings per bottle. You could also ask your venue for guidance on how much beer to buy for a reception of your size and length. As a rule of thumb, assume each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening. However, some guests will drink less, and others may drink more.
Thirdly, you could hire a professional bartender to serve drinks, as they will be able to serve guests responsibly and keep an eye out for anyone who has had too much to drink. You could also set specific consumption times for certain drinks, such as a cocktail hour, meal, toasts, and after-dinner drinks.
Finally, you could offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, such as mocktails, sparkling water, and soda, to give guests the opportunity to dial down their drinking.
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Beer is a good choice for guests who don't want high-ABV drinks
It is common for beer to be served at weddings, and it is a good choice for guests who do not want high-ABV drinks. Beer is often served alongside wine, and sometimes spirits or cocktails.
Beer is a popular choice for wedding guests, and it is a good option for those who want to avoid high-ABV drinks. While liquor, such as vodka, tequila, and gin, have the highest concentration of alcohol, beer is less concentrated with alcohol and therefore a better option for those who want to avoid getting too intoxicated.
If you are serving beer at your wedding, it is a good idea to offer a variety of options, such as lager and IPA. You may also want to consider including some local craft beers or microbrews, especially if you are getting married in an area known for its breweries. However, be careful not to choose beers that are too wild or wacky, as they may be outside of your guests' comfort zones and you could be left with a lot of leftovers.
When planning how much beer to serve, it is generally recommended 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 length of your wedding and the drinking habits of your guests. As a guideline, you can estimate that each beer drinker will consume between four and six beers total.
In addition to beer, you may also want to consider serving wine, cocktails, or spirits. Wine is a popular choice, especially for women, and it is often served with dinner. Cocktails can also be offered, especially during the reception or after-party. However, keep in mind that cocktails tend to have a higher ABV than beer, so they may not be the best choice for guests who want to avoid high-ABV drinks.
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Consider the number of beer drinkers when planning
When it comes to planning the drinks for your wedding, it's important to consider the number of beer drinkers you'll be hosting. While it's challenging to calculate exactly how much alcohol you'll need without factoring in location, time of year, preferences, and service style, there are some general guidelines that can help.
First, it's recommended to assume that each guest will consume about one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout an evening event. This means that for a 3- to 4-hour reception, a beer drinker might consume between 4 and 6 beers. Of course, some guests will drink less, but others may drink more, especially if there is an open bar.
To estimate the number of beer drinkers among your guests, go through your guest list and mark each person's drinking preferences. Consider whether they usually drink regular or light beer and take note of any brand preferences. This information will help you determine the quantity and type of beer to purchase.
If you're getting married in an area with microbreweries, you might consider adding one or two craft beers to your selection. However, be cautious as these unique beers may be outside your guests' comfort zones, potentially resulting in leftover inventory.
In addition to beer, it's a good idea to offer a variety of other beverage options, such as wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. This ensures that all your guests, including those who don't drink beer, have something to enjoy.
By considering the number of beer drinkers and their preferences, you can make informed decisions about the quantity and type of beer to serve at your wedding, ensuring a well-stocked bar and a memorable celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, people will likely drink beer at a day wedding. Beer is a popular drink choice at weddings, and some sources suggest that it is generally safer to assume that each guest will consume one drink per hour, or about five drinks throughout the evening. However, it is important to consider that a day wedding may not require as much alcohol as an evening affair.
The amount of beer you should plan to serve at your day wedding depends on the number of guests you expect and the duration of your event. As a general guideline, hospitality expert Patrick Davila suggests allowing for 0.5 beers per guest. Another source recommends allowing for 4-6 beers per beer drinker.
In addition to beer, you may want to consider serving wine, cocktails, liquor, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages. Wine and beer are often considered safer choices than liquor, which has a higher alcohol concentration and can lead to intoxication more quickly. Mocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and a coffee bar can also be great options for guests who prefer to avoid alcohol or want to take a break from drinking.











































