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Wedding Drink Calculator: How Much Alcohol Do You Need?
Plan on two drinks per guest in the first hour and one drink per guest for every hour after that. For 100 adults at a 5-hour reception, that is about 600 drinks: with a mix of 50% wine, 30% beer and 20% liquor, buy about 60 bottles of wine, 8 cases of beer and 8 bottles of liquor.
How does the wedding drink calculator work?
The calculator uses the common party-planning rule: two drinks in the first hour, then one drink an hour. A 750 ml bottle of wine pours 5 glasses of 5 ounces, a 750 ml bottle of liquor pours about 16 drinks of 1.5 ounces, and a 750 ml bottle of champagne fills 6 flutes. Your three percentages can add up to any number: the calculator shares the drinks in the same proportions.
Questions people ask
How much wine do you need for 100 wedding guests?
For 100 adults at a 5-hour reception with half of all drinks being wine, you need about 60 bottles of 750 ml wine. If you serve only beer and wine, plan on 70 to 80 bottles.
How many drinks does each wedding guest have?
Most planners count on about one drink per guest per hour, plus one extra in the first hour. Your crowd may drink more or less, so lower the percentage of guests who drink if many people will skip alcohol.
Should you buy extra alcohol for a wedding?
Yes, a small buffer helps, and many stores take back unopened bottles. Ask about the return policy before you buy, and check whether your venue allows you to bring your own alcohol.