Many couples want to know how much beer and wine to provide for their wedding guests. A common rule is to plan for about one drink per guest per hour, with roughly half of those drinks being wine and the other half beer. For example, if you have 100 adult guests at a four-hour event, plan for around 200 servings of wine and 200 servings of beer.
Choosing the right mix of beer and wine helps keep guests happy and can fit your budget. The selection also depends on the time of day, whether you’re serving liquor, and your guests’ preferences. Some guides suggest one-third beer, one-third wine, and one-third liquor if you’re offering a full bar. If serving only beer and wine, adjust the amounts as needed. For more details, check out this helpful wedding alcohol calculator.
Key Takeaways
- Plan about one drink per person for each hour of the event.
- Adjust amounts based on whether other drinks are offered.
- Pick the right mix to fit the couple’s budget and guests’ preferences.
Determining How Much Beer and Wine to Buy
Buying the right amount of beer and wine for a wedding takes planning. The key is to know how many people are attending, understand their preferences, and use helpful tools to avoid running out or wasting alcohol.
Estimating Guest Count
The first step in deciding how much beer and wine to purchase is getting an accurate guest count. This number guides all alcohol calculations. Wedding RSVPs and a finalized guest list are essential for accuracy.
For example, if 100 guests are expected, plan enough drinks for everyone. Not all will drink the same amount, but the total guest number is the base for calculations. Remember to include the wedding party, family, vendors, and any extra attendees.
Children and non-drinkers should not be counted in alcohol estimates. Tracking attendees closely helps prevent buying too much or too little. If the guest count changes before the event, update the totals.
Using a Drink Calculator
A wedding drink calculator makes it easier to decide how many bottles or cans to buy. These calculators factor in guest count, event time, and drink choices. For example, they may suggest planning for about two drinks per person per hour, including both beer and wine.
A typical wedding bar may offer about one-third beer, one-third wine, and one-third spirits, but many weddings stick to just beer and wine. Websites like The Knot offer a wedding drink calculator that does the math for you. Most calculators estimate beer in bottles or cans (usually 12 oz each) and wine in 750 ml bottles.
Adjust the number of drinks if the reception is longer or shorter. Drink calculators help avoid guessing and reduce waste.
Assessing Guest Preferences
Knowing your guests’ tastes helps decide the split between beer and wine. If most guests enjoy craft beer, buy more beer. If the group prefers wine, especially specific types like red or white, plan accordingly.
Ask a few key guests about their preferences or review past event trends. In warmer seasons, people often choose cold beer or white wine. In cooler months, red wine might be more popular. A common guideline is to provide about 60% wine and 40% beer, but adjust this based on your group.
Offer a balanced selection, such as domestic and craft beers, as well as both red and white wines. A mix helps satisfy a diverse crowd and reduces the chance of running out of one type of drink.
Types of Alcohol to Serve at Your Wedding
Planning drinks for a wedding reception means considering guest preferences, the menu, and the style of the event.
Best Wine for a Wedding
When choosing wedding wine, couples often select a mix of red and white wine. Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are popular reds, while Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are reliable whites. For most weddings, plan for about one bottle of wine per 2.5 guests, which covers both cocktail hour and the full reception.
Consider the season and the menu. Lighter wines like white and rosé work well in spring or summer and with lighter foods. Richer red wines pair well with fall or winter weddings and heartier meals. Make sure each table has both red and white wine available. For more specific quantities and tips, see this wedding wine guide.
Choosing the Right Beer Selection
Beer is a staple at many receptions because it appeals to a broad audience. Offer a variety, such as a light lager, an IPA, and a wheat beer. Consider including at least one non-alcoholic beer. Planning for about one bottle or can per guest per hour is a common estimate.
Keep beer cold and display choices on a printed menu or sign. Serving local craft beer can add a personal touch. Coordinate the selection with the style of the wedding. Review more details on making a beer selection for your wedding.
Bar Service Options
There are several ways to set up a wedding bar. The choice impacts how much beer and wine are needed and the final alcohol bill.
Open Bar vs Cash Bar vs Limited Bar
An open bar means guests can order any drinks they want without paying. This is popular but usually leads to higher costs since guests are more likely to drink more.
A cash bar requires guests to pay for their own alcohol. This can reduce costs for the couple, but some guests may not like it. Fewer drinks are typically consumed when people have to pay.
A limited bar offers a smaller menu, such as just beer, wine, and a few signature cocktails. This is easier to plan and helps control the alcohol bill.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Option | Cost to Couple | Drink Variety | Guest Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Bar | High | Full | Usually high |
| Cash Bar | Low | Full/Limited | Usually lower |
| Limited Bar | Medium | Limited | Typically medium-high |
Calculating the Alcohol Bill
The alcohol bill depends on bar type, guest count, and event length. With an open bar, couples should expect higher costs. Industry experts recommend planning for about 2 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person every hour after that.
For beer and wine, a common split is 50% wine, 25% beer, and 25% liquor if serving all types, or equal parts beer and wine if not serving liquor. Some suggest a 35% beer, 35% wine, 30% liquor mix. Adjust these amounts if you know your guests prefer one type over another.
Budgeting for alcohol often means allocating 8–20% of the total wedding budget to cover the wedding bar. Learn more about building a budget for a wedding bar. For more details on splitting beer, wine, and liquor, see these bar ratio suggestions.
Alcohol Quantities Per Person
Planning the right amount of beer and wine for a wedding relies on knowing how much each guest will likely drink. Accurate estimates help make sure everyone has enough and keeps the event budget on track.
Wine Serving Guidelines
A standard guideline is about half a bottle of wine per guest for the entire event. This means every two guests will finish one 750ml bottle. For 100 guests, expect to need roughly 50 bottles of wine.
Most couples serve a mix of red and white wine. If unsure about preferences, split evenly. So, for 100 guests, plan for about 25 bottles each of red and white.
One 750ml bottle serves about five glasses. Wine is often most popular during the meal and toasts.
Use simple math to adjust for your event size. For fewer or more guests, keep to the half-bottle-per-person rule. Adjust the amount up if your group are big wine drinkers. For more info, visit this wedding wine guide.
Beer Serving Guidelines
Estimate around one 12-ounce serving per guest per hour. For a five-hour wedding with 100 guests, plan for about 500 servings (or 5,000 ounces) of beer.
Most weddings offer beer as a mix of bottles, cans, or kegs. One case (24 beers) covers 24 servings. A full-size keg (about 15.5 gallons) gives about 165 twelve-ounce pours.
Some groups drink more beer, especially at outdoor or casual weddings. Adjust amounts if you expect higher demand. For a breakdown on beer needs, check this wedding drink calculator.
Factoring in Additional Drinks
Planning drinks for a wedding goes beyond just beer and wine. Other beverages like soft drinks, mixed drinks, and champagne are also important.
Soft Drinks and Non-Alcoholic Options
Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic choices are important at any wedding. They give options to guests who do not drink alcohol, including children, pregnant guests, and designated drivers. Common choices include cola, lemon-lime soda, sparkling water, lemonade, and iced tea.
A standard rule is to plan for about one non-alcoholic drink per guest per hour. For a four-hour reception with 100 guests, that adds up to roughly 400 non-alcoholic drinks. It also helps to offer water stations so guests can easily stay hydrated.
Consider providing a cooler or self-serve drink station where guests can help themselves. This can reduce lines at the bar and make things easier for servers. Offering both caffeine-free and sugar-free options is a good idea.
Mixed Drinks and Signature Cocktails
Many weddings serve mixed drinks alongside beer and wine. Common liquors used are vodka, gin, tequila, and bourbon. Some couples feature one or two signature cocktails for a personal touch.
To plan the amount of liquor needed, estimate that about one-third of alcoholic drinks served will be mixed drinks, according to many bar calculators, such as those described by The Wine Cellar Group. For a 100 guest, four-hour event, expect to serve around 130-150 mixed drinks.
Offer a short list of popular mixers, such as tonic, club soda, cranberry juice, and cola. A custom cocktail can be promoted with a small chalkboard sign at the bar. Bartenders should be prepared with the right tools and enough ice.
Champagne Toast
Many couples include a champagne toast during their wedding reception. Only a small pour is needed—about half a glass, or 3–4 ounces, per person. One standard 750ml bottle of champagne holds about five to six pours.
For a wedding with 100 guests, plan on about 18–20 bottles of champagne. If only the wedding party joins the toast, buy less and inform servers ahead of time.
Consider offering non-alcoholic sparkling wine for guests who do not drink alcohol. Some couples use prosecco, cava, or another sparkling wine as a less expensive option than French champagne. Make sure there are enough glasses and that bottles are chilled before serving.
Budgeting for Beer and Wine
Many couples want to serve beer and wine at their wedding without spending too much. Careful planning can help control the alcohol bill and avoid surprise costs.
Managing Your Alcohol Bill
The total cost for beer and wine at a wedding depends on guest count, drink preferences, and event length. For a wedding with 150 guests, couples might pay between $2,250 and $6,750 just for alcohol according to an average cost breakdown.
Choosing house wine and standard beer instead of premium brands can lower the bill. Some venues allow couples to select cases from wholesale retailers like Total Wine, which often saves money. Limiting the number of drink options can reduce expenses.
Bulk buying is sometimes cheaper. When building a budget, remember to include tips for bartenders and possible waste from opened bottles. Ask about package deals or per-person rates to clarify expected costs.
Corkage Fees and BYOB Policies
Some venues let couples bring their own alcohol but charge a corkage fee to open and serve it. This fee can range from $10 to $30 per wine or champagne bottle, which can add up quickly. Couples should always ask for a written policy up front.
Check if beer is charged per can, per bottle, or by keg. Certain venues require licensed bartenders for liability reasons. Ask about storage, chilling, and leftover alcohol policies early to avoid unexpected charges.
A venue’s BYOB policy may allow shopping at stores like Total Wine, giving more control over selection and price, but sometimes it comes with added fees. Add up the corkage fees when comparing the cost of bringing your own drinks versus using the venue’s list.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Serving alcohol at a wedding involves more than just choosing drinks. Couples should know about important legal responsibilities and ways to keep guests safe.
Liability Insurance for Your Wedding
Liability insurance protects the couple and venue in case an accident happens during the wedding. Many venues require proof of this coverage, especially when alcohol is served. If a guest causes harm after drinking too much, the couple or hosts could be held responsible without insurance.
Hosts should check if their venue already carries event liability coverage. If not, they can often buy single-event policies from an insurance provider. This type of insurance can cover property damage or injuries that happen because of alcohol use. Always read the policy details to know what is included and excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying the right amount of beer and wine for a wedding can help avoid wasted money and empty glasses. Planning is easier with average estimates, careful budgeting, and useful online tools.
What is the average amount of beer and wine needed per guest at a wedding?
Most planners recommend about two drinks per person for each hour of the event. If beer and wine are served with liquor, it is common to split total alcohol by thirds between beer, wine, and liquor.
For just beer and wine, plan on about one drink per person per hour of each type. Read more details in this wedding wine guide.
How do you calculate the total cost of alcohol for a wedding?
First, estimate the number of drinks needed based on your guest count and event length. Find the average price per bottle or case of beer and wine in your area.
Multiply the number of items by the price. Include tax, service charges, and corkage fees if using a venue.
What factors should be considered when buying beer and wine for a large number of wedding guests?
Check guest preferences, age, and drinking habits. Think about the time of day, weather, and the type of food being served.
Dinner weddings often require more wine, while summer events might need more beer. Consider your venue’s rules for buying or serving alcohol.
How can you determine the appropriate quantities of beer and wine for a wedding without overspending?
Use estimates per guest per hour, and round up only a little to avoid running out. Track response rates and RSVPs to adjust your order closer to the wedding date.
Stick to popular options and avoid too many choices, which can increase costs. Try an alcohol calculator for more exact numbers.
What are some reliable alcohol calculators for planning wedding beverages?
Several websites offer drink calculators based on guest count and event hours. A popular choice is the Wine Cellar Group’s wedding alcohol calculator.
The Epic Thyme bar planning guide is also helpful for breakdowns between beer, wine, and liquor.
How does the size of the guest list impact the alcohol budget for a wedding?
Each additional guest increases the number of drinks needed and the total cost. Larger guest lists may allow for bulk discounts or wholesale pricing.
Venues may offer drink packages to help manage the budget for large weddings.