Wedding Drink Calculator
Estimated Purchase List
Total estimated drinks: 0
The Ultimate Wedding Drink Planning Guide
Planning the bar is one of the most critical aspects of wedding reception logistics. Running out of alcohol can dampen the party atmosphere, while over-ordering can lead to unnecessary expenses. This calculator uses the industry-standard "One Drink Per Hour" rule to ensure your bar stays stocked from the first toast to the final dance.
How Much Alcohol Do You Really Need?
A standard wedding reception calculation assumes that guests will consume two drinks during the first hour (to account for the initial cocktail hour rush) and one drink for every subsequent hour of the event. To calculate your needs manually, use this formula:
- Total Drinks = Number of Guests × (Duration of Reception in Hours)
For a 100-guest wedding lasting 5 hours, you should plan for approximately 500 servings of alcohol.
Breaking Down the Mix: Wine, Beer, and Spirits
The distribution of drink types depends heavily on your crowd's preferences. Our calculator uses three common profile templates:
- Balanced: A standard mix of 50% wine, 30% beer, and 20% spirits. This covers most bases for diverse age groups.
- Beer & Wine Only: Often chosen for more casual weddings or venues with liquor restrictions. We calculate 60% wine and 40% beer.
- Liquor-Heavy: Ideal for younger crowds or high-energy evening receptions. This shifts the mix to 30% wine, 30% beer, and 40% spirits.
Standard Serving Sizes for Planning
When purchasing your inventory, use these conversion rates to transform "drinks" into "bottles":
| Alcohol Type | Standard Serving | Servings per Bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Wine (750ml) | 5 oz | 5 Glasses |
| Liquor (750ml) | 1.5 oz | ~16 Mixed Drinks |
| Champagne (750ml) | 4 oz (Toast) | 6-7 Glasses |
| Beer | 12 oz | 1 Unit (Bottle/Can) |
Pro Tips for Your Wedding Bar
1. The Champagne Toast: Many guests will take a sip of champagne for the toast and then leave the glass behind. To save money, consider a "Champagne Greeting" or having servers only fill glasses halfway for the toast.
2. Return Policies: Check with your local liquor store or wholesaler (like Costco or Total Wine) about their return policy. Many allow you to return unopened, unchilled cases of beer and wine after the event.
3. Don't Forget the Ice: A common mistake is forgetting ice and mixers. Plan for 1.5 to 2 pounds of ice per guest to keep drinks cold and provide for mixed cocktails.