Are you planning a wedding and wondering how much liquor to buy? It’s a common question that many couples have when planning their big day. Buying too little liquor can leave guests thirsty and unhappy, while buying too much can lead to unnecessary expenses. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how much liquor to buy for your wedding.

Weddings are an occasion to celebrate and let loose, and having a well-stocked bar is a crucial part of the celebration. But with so many different types of liquor and guests with varying tastes, it can be challenging to determine how much liquor to buy for your wedding. Factors such as the number of guests, the length of the event, and the type of liquor you plan to serve can all affect the amount you need.

Before diving into the specifics of how much liquor to buy for your wedding, it’s essential to understand the different types of alcohol and what they’re typically used for. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Wine: Typically served with dinner and for toasting.
• Beer: Popular for cocktail hour and throughout the reception.
• Liquor: Used for cocktails and mixed drinks.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the different types of alcohol let’s dive into how much liquor to buy for your wedding.

How Much Liquor to Buy for Wedding

Determining how much liquor to buy for your wedding can seem overwhelming, but with a little bit of math and planning, you can easily figure out the right amount. Here are some things to consider:

• Number of guests: The more guests you have, the more alcohol you’ll need.
• Length of the event: A longer event means more time for guests to drink, so plan accordingly.
• Type of event: A cocktail-style reception will require more liquor than a sit-down dinner.

As a general rule of thumb, plan for each guest to have two drinks during the first hour of the reception and one drink for each hour after that. Here’s an example:

• 100 guests
• 5-hour reception
• 2 drinks per guest for the first hour, 1 drink per guest for each hour after that

100 guests x 2 drinks x 1 hour = 200 drinks for the first hour 100 guests x 1 drink x 4 hours = 400 drinks for the remaining hours Total = 600 drinks

How Much Wine to Buy for Wedding

Wine is a popular choice for weddings, and it’s typically served with dinner and for toasting. Here’s how much wine to buy for your wedding:

• One bottle of wine serves five glasses.
• Plan for each guest to have two glasses of wine with dinner.
• If you’re serving champagne for toasting, plan for each guest to have one glass.

Here’s an example:

• 100 guests
• 2 glasses of wine per guest
• 5 glasses per bottle

100 guests x 2 glasses = 200 glasses of wine 200 glasses / 5 glasses per bottle = 40 bottles of wine

How Much Beer to Buy for Wedding

Beer is a popular choice for cocktail hour and throughout the reception. Here’s how much beer to buy for your wedding:

• Plan for each guest to have two to three beers for the entire event.
• If you’re serving a variety of beer, plan for half of the beer to be light beer and half to be dark beer.

Here’s an example:

• 100 guests
• 2.5 beers per guest
• 12 beers per case

100 guests x 2.5 beers = 250 beers 250 beers / 2 (light and dark) = 125 cases of

How Much Liquor to Buy for Cocktails

Cocktails and mixed drinks are a staple at weddings, but how much liquor do you need to make them? Here’s a general guideline:

• One bottle of liquor makes approximately 18-20 drinks.
• Plan for 2-3 cocktails per guest for the entire event.

Here’s an example:

• 100 guests
• 2.5 cocktails per guest
• 20 drinks per bottle

100 guests x 2.5 cocktails = 250 cocktails 250 cocktails / 18 drinks per bottle = 14 bottles of liquor (round up to 15 to be safe)

How Much Champagne to Buy for Toasting

Champagne is a must-have for toasting the newlyweds. Here’s how much champagne to buy:

• One bottle of champagne serves approximately six glasses.
• Plan for one glass of champagne per guest.

Here’s an example:

• 100 guests
• 1 glass of champagne per guest
• 6 glasses per bottle

100 guests x 1 glass = 100 glasses of champagne 100 glasses / 6 glasses per bottle = 17 bottles of champagne (round up to 18 to be safe)

Other Considerations

In addition to the amount of liquor you need, there are a few other things to consider when planning your wedding bar:

• Ice: Plan for one pound of ice per person for chilling drinks and keeping beer and wine cool.
• Mixers: Don’t forget to stock up on mixers such as soda, tonic, and juice.
• Garnishes: Consider adding garnishes such as lemons, limes, and olives to dress up cocktails.
• Bartenders: Hiring professional bartenders can ensure that drinks are served quickly and efficiently.
• BYOB: Some venues allow couples to bring their own alcohol, so be sure to check with your venue before purchasing.

FAQs

1. How do I estimate the amount of alcohol I need for a wedding?

As a general rule of thumb, plan for each guest to have two drinks during the first hour of the reception and one drink for each hour after that. Take into consideration the number of guests, length of the event, and type of event.

2. Can I save money by buying in bulk?

Buying in bulk can save you money, but be sure to take into account the number of guests and their drinking habits. It’s better to have a little too much than not enough.

3. Should I serve a signature cocktail?

A signature cocktail can add a personal touch to your wedding, but it’s not necessary. Consider your budget and the number of guests before deciding.

4. What types of beer should I serve?

Offer a variety of light and dark beers to please everyone’s tastes.

5. Can I hire a bartender for my wedding?

Yes, hiring a professional bartender can ensure that drinks are served quickly and efficiently.

6. Can I bring my own alcohol to the wedding?

Some venues allow couples to bring their own alcohol, so be sure to check with your venue before purchasing.

Conclusion

When it comes to how much liquor to buy for your wedding, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Consider the number of guests, length of the event, and type of event when making your calculations. Remember to stock up on ice, mixers, and garnishes, and consider hiring professional bartenders to make your wedding bar a hit. By following these tips, you can ensure that your guests have a great time celebrating your big day.