Your wedding bar should be one less thing to worry about. With a bring-your-own-alcohol setup you control the alcohol spend, but you also need to know how much to buy. Here's a straightforward guide.
The wedding formula
Weddings usually run longer and livelier than other parties. Assumption used here: about one drink per guest per hour, with a little extra for cocktail hour. If you add a dedicated cocktail-hour or toast allowance, count those drinks once rather than adding them on top of the hourly total.
Most wedding bars split roughly 50% wine, 30% beer and 20% liquor. Adjust based on your crowd. If your friends are cocktail people, lean into spirits.
100 guests, 5-hour reception
At one drink per guest per hour, that's 500 drinks, for your drinking-adult count. With a 50/30/20 split: about 50 bottles of wine (750 mL, 5 oz pours), seven 24-packs of beer and seltzer (six packs give 144, so seven covers the 150 servings), and 7 bottles of liquor.
150 guests, 5-hour reception
At the same ratio, that's 750 drinks: about 75 bottles of wine, ten 24-packs of beer and seltzer (nine packs give 216, so ten covers 225 servings), and 10 bottles of liquor.
Smart ways to simplify
- Pick one or two signature cocktails. Instead of a full bar, offer a couple of drinks that reflect you as a couple. Fewer bottles, faster service and a personal touch.
- Choose wine by color, not variety. Guests mostly want "red or white." A crowd-pleasing red and a crisp white cover most needs.
- Skip the champagne toast if budgets are tight. Many couples now let guests toast with whatever they're drinking.
- Ask about return policies before you buy. They vary by store, so confirm the terms rather than assuming. Unopened bottles are yours to keep.
Don't forget the extras
Plan for mixers, citrus, ice (about 1 to 2 pounds per guest), water and non-alcoholic options.
We'll help you plan it
Shake & Gather builds custom shopping lists for every wedding we serve, written out with the assumptions so you buy with a clear plan. Reach out at info.shakeandgather@gmail.com or 217-374-9985.
