Don’t Let the Bar Run Dry
One of the biggest stressors in DIY wedding planning is the bar. It’s a delicate balance: buy too little, and the party ends early with grumpy guests. Buy too much, and you’ve blown your budget on cases of wine you’ll be drinking for the next decade.
So, what is the magic formula for stocking a wedding bar?
The “One Drink Per Hour” Rule
While every crowd is different, the industry standard rule of thumb for any event is that each guest will consume roughly one drink per hour.
If you are having 100 guests for a 4-hour reception, you need to plan for roughly 400 drinks total.
The Golden Ratio of Booze
Unless you know for a fact that your family only drinks beer, a safe breakdown for a standard open bar is:
- 50% Wine: (Usually split evenly between red and white).
- 20% Beer: (Choose light, crowd-pleasing options).
- 30% Liquor/Spirits: (Vodka, gin, whiskey, and mixers).
Factors That Change the Math
Be careful—the “one drink rule” is just a starting point. You need to adjust based on your specific event:
- Day vs. Night: People drink significantly less at daytime Sunday weddings than Saturday night parties.
- The Toast: Don’t forget to buy extra champagne specifically for the speeches!
Get the Exact Numbers Instantly
Math is the last thing you want to do when you are finalizing seating charts and floral arrangements. We created the Wedding Alcohol Calculator to handle this for you. Just enter your guest count and how long the party lasts, and we will give you a shopping list broken down by beer, wine, and spirits.
Save money and ensure your guests have a great time.
