Planning Wedding Alcohol: How Much To Buy?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out how much alcohol to buy. The last thing you want is to run out of drinks halfway through your wedding reception. The amount of alcohol needed depends on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the event, the type of alcohol, and your budget. To help you calculate the right amount, various online wedding alcohol calculators can provide estimates based on your specific needs and preferences. These tools consider factors such as guest count, drinking habits, and the ratio of different alcoholic beverages. By using these calculators, you can ensure you have enough drinks for your guests and avoid the stress of last-minute shortages or excessive purchases.

Guest count and drink preferences

The first step in determining how much alcohol to buy for a wedding is to establish the guest count. It is important to know how many guests will be attending the event and are of drinking age. If there are non-drinkers, they can be subtracted from the list. The number of children at the wedding will also impact the number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages needed.

The type of alcohol served is another key consideration. A full bar will require a variety of liquors, mixers, wines, and beers. Couples can choose to offer a limited selection of spirits, such as vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum, to avoid buying more alcohol than will be used. For beer, it is recommended to offer at least one well-known domestic brand and one imported brand. If the couple has a preference for craft beer, they can include a few favourites and some obscure options. When it comes to wine, it is typically a 50/50 split between red and white.

The duration of the event and the time of day will also impact alcohol consumption. The average party drinker in the US consumes two drinks in the first hour and one drink per hour after that. However, this may vary depending on the time of day, temperature, and whether food is being served. If the wedding takes place in the afternoon, fewer drinks will be needed compared to an evening event. Similarly, if dinner is included, wine consumption will be higher, and beer consumption lower. Warmer temperatures will also lead to higher drink consumption.

It is also important to consider the drink preferences of the guests. If the guests are light drinkers, a pared-down alcohol list with plenty of non-alcoholic options may be suitable. On the other hand, if the guests include connoisseurs with expensive tastes or heavy drinkers, higher-quality drinks and a larger quantity may be needed.

Type and ratio of alcohol

The type and ratio of alcohol you should buy for your wedding depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the event, and your guests' drinking preferences.

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect each adult guest to consume two drinks in the first hour and one drink for each additional hour of the event. However, this may vary depending on factors such as the time of day, the temperature, and whether food is being served. If your wedding takes place in the afternoon, you will need fewer drinks than if it's at night. Similarly, if your guests are eating, they will drink less. If dinner is included, you can expect wine consumption to be higher and beer consumption to be lower. Adjust your calculations accordingly.

The recommended mix of alcohol for a wedding is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. Typically, it's a 50/50 split between red and white wine. However, you can adjust these ratios based on your guests' preferences. If you know your guests prefer wine over beer, for example, you can increase the amount of wine and decrease the amount of beer in your calculations.

When it comes to liquor, it's best to offer a limited selection of spirits to avoid buying more alcohol than you'll use. Vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum are adequate offerings. Choose good-quality, mid-priced brands over bottom-shelf or top-shelf spirits to satisfy the majority of your guests.

If you want to serve cocktails, it's recommended to offer two to three craft cocktails, with no more than five options to avoid complicating orders and slowing down bar service. Include a popular classic, such as an Old Fashioned, and consider offering a mocktail as well. Don't forget to include the costs of mixers and garnishes in your calculations.

In addition to the type and ratio of alcohol, other factors that can impact your calculations include your location and budget. Alcohol prices can vary depending on your area's cost of living, with high-density urban areas like Los Angeles or New York typically having higher prices. Your budget will also determine whether you opt for more expensive or cheaper brands.

Budget and brand

When it comes to budgeting for alcohol at your wedding, it's important to consider the type of alcohol you'll be serving. The cost of alcohol can vary depending on the brand and type of drink. Spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey are generally more expensive than beer and wine, while soft drinks are typically the most affordable option. If you're working with a caterer or venue, they may require a minimum purchase amount for beverages, and there may be additional service fees and gratuities to consider.

To make the most of your budget, it's a good idea to choose good-quality mid-priced brands over premium or top-shelf spirits. This will ensure you have enough alcohol for your guests without breaking the bank. If you're serving wine, you can opt for a mix of red and white, and if you're offering beer, include a selection of well-known domestic and imported brands to cater to different tastes.

If you're working with a professional bar service, they may be able to provide you with a price list or package deals, which can help streamline your budgeting process. Alternatively, if you're stocking a DIY wedding bar, you can compare prices at local retailers or online to find the best deals on beer, wine, and liquor. Don't forget to include the costs of mixers, garnishes, and any other extras in your budget.

When it comes to brands, it's essential to strike a balance between quality and affordability. Opt for well-known brands that are known for their consistency and quality. If you're serving wine, look for reputable wineries or vineyards that offer good value for money. For spirits, consider popular brands that your guests are likely to recognize and appreciate. Remember, you don't have to offer a wide variety of brands or types of alcohol. Keeping your options limited can help you stay within your budget and ensure that you have enough of each drink for your guests to enjoy.

Timing and duration

The time of day can also impact how much your guests drink. The average party drinker consumes two drinks in the first hour and one drink per hour after that. However, this may vary depending on individual drinking habits, so it's a good idea to know your crowd. If you have many non-drinkers or light drinkers attending, you can reduce the amount of alcohol on your list and provide plenty of non-alcoholic options. On the other hand, if your guests include connoisseurs with expensive tastes or heavy drinkers, you may need to offer higher-quality drinks and a larger quantity.

The duration of drinking also depends on whether you plan to serve alcohol throughout the wedding or only at certain times. For example, you may choose to offer a champagne toast and then have a cash bar, or you might prefer to provide an open bar for a set number of hours. If you're working with a professional bar service, they may allow you to set a cap on the number of drinks served, notifying you when you've reached that amount so you can decide whether to buy more or switch to a cash bar.

When estimating how much alcohol to buy, it's essential to consider the number of guests and their drinking preferences. Approximately 40% of your guests might drink beer, and it's recommended to offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes. If you're serving wine, it's typically a 50/50 split between red and white. You can also offer cocktails, but it's best to limit the number to two to three craft cocktails to avoid complicating orders and slowing down bar service.

In addition to the type and duration of alcohol service, other factors can influence the quantity of alcohol needed. These include the season and wedding style, and whether food is served. If dinner is included, wine consumption is typically higher, and beer consumption is lower. The weather can also play a role, as guests tend to drink more when it's hot outside. By considering all these factors and using a wedding alcohol calculator, you can estimate the amount of alcohol needed for your wedding while staying within your budget.

Venue and service

When it comes to your wedding venue and service, there are a few things to consider that will impact the amount of alcohol you need. Firstly, some venues may have restrictions on bringing your own drinks, so check with your venue to see if you need to hire an authorised caterer or if the venue will serve and charge for beverages. This may impact your budget, so it's important to factor in any additional service fees and gratuities that may be charged.

If you are allowed to bring your own drinks, you'll need to estimate how much alcohol to buy. The duration of your event is a significant factor – a longer reception will require more alcohol. The time of day also matters; afternoon events generally require less alcohol than evening events. If your wedding is outdoors, the weather will also impact consumption, with guests likely to drink more when it's hot.

Consider your guest list and their drinking preferences. If you know your guests well, you can estimate the types and quantities of drinks they are likely to consume. For example, if your guests are wine lovers, ensure you have a good selection of reds and whites. Alternatively, if your friends love craft beer, you might want to offer a unique collection. Don't forget to include non-alcoholic options for any non-drinkers or children.

The type of alcohol you serve will also impact the quantity needed. The recommended mix is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. If you're serving cocktails, it's best to limit the number of options to avoid complicating orders and slowing down service. Two to three craft cocktails are recommended, with one being a classic, such as an Old Fashioned, and perhaps a mocktail. For spirits, vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum are adequate, and it's best to choose good-quality mid-priced brands.

Finally, decide if you will have a champagne toast. This will add to your overall alcohol quantity, and you may also want to include champagne for a wedding toast.

Frequently asked questions