How Much Alcohol Do I Need for My Wedding?
How much alcohol do I need for my wedding? It's a question that can bring on stress, uncertainty, and even a bit of panic. Whether you're trying to stick to a tight budget, dealing with heavy drinkers, or planning for guests who prefer mocktails, the task of figuring out how much to buy can be overwhelming.
But don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. With years of experience providing alcohol for weddings, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need, tailored to your budget and guests' preferences. From drink choices to serving options, we'll make sure you’re fully prepared so you can relax and enjoy the whole planning process without the stress.
Table of Contents
How Much Alcohol is Needed for a Wedding?
On average, you’ll need around 1 bottle of wine per 2 guests and approximately 1.5 pints of beer per guest per hour. However, quantities will vary based on factors like drink preferences and the event duration.
For a more precise estimate, our wedding alcohol chart below will help.
Ready to order booze for your wedding? Let’s chat and get your drinks sorted for your big day!
Customising Your Wedding Alcohol List
Every wedding is unique, and your alcohol choices should reflect your guests, style, and budget - as well as what you both like, (above all)! Here are some key things to consider:
Guest Preferences:
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Light drinkers vs. heavy drinkers: You might need more options for heavier drinkers, while lighter drinkers may need less.
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Special drink needs: Don’t forget non-drinkers, kids, or those who prefer mocktails. Make sure there’s something for everyone!
Alcohol Types to Consider:
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Gin-infused cocktails: These trendy and easy-to-serve drinks are a fantastic choice for a wedding or party. Think gin-infused prosecco cocktails, like our collection of Sloeberry Gasm, Raspberry Gasm, and Plum Gasm.
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Wine: Red wine, white wine, and sparkling varieties to suit all tastes.
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Beer: Offer lagers, ales, or craft beers for beer aficionados.
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Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum – make sure you’ve got something for the cocktail lovers.
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Soft drinks and mocktails: A must for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
When it comes to alcohol choices, it’s important to consider your guests’ preferences and the overall vibe of your wedding. Gin-infused cocktail bottles are an excellent option for a fun, modern twist, but don't forget about classic favourites like wine, beer, and spirits. Make sure to also provide non-alcoholic options like soft drinks and mocktails to cater to all your guests, ensuring everyone feels included and has a great time.
Wedding Alcohol Calculator/Chart
Here's a helpful guide/alcohol calculator for weddings to give you an idea of how much alcohol you'll need based on your guest count and event type:
How Many Drinks Per Person For A Wedding Reception
|
Number of Guests |
Gin-infused Sparkling Fizz or Wines (Bottles) |
Beer (Pints) |
Spirits (Bottles) |
Non-Alcoholic Drinks |
|
50 Guests |
25 bottles |
75 pints |
10 bottles |
30-40 servings |
|
100 Guests |
50 bottles |
150 pints |
20 bottles |
60-80 servings |
|
150 Guests |
75 bottles |
225 pints |
30 bottles |
90-120 servings |
Adjustments for Event Type:
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Cocktail Hour: You'll need more spirits (e.g., gin, vodka, rum) for cocktail-style receptions.
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Full Evening Reception: More wine and beer, fewer spirits. Keep in mind the length of the event - more drinks will be consumed over several hours.
Use this as a starting point, and adjust based on guest preferences and your wedding style.
Setting Your Wedding Itinerary and Alcohol Requirements
The timeline of your wedding plays a key role in determining how much alcohol for a wedding you'll need. Here's a breakdown of how your itinerary might impact your alcohol consumption:
Timing and the Type of Celebration:
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Micro Weddings: With fewer guests, you may need less alcohol.
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Formal Sit-Down Dinners: Serve wine with the meal for a sophisticated touch.
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Outdoor Events or Buffets: Consider easy-to-serve options like cocktail cans, which are practical for outdoor celebrations.
Pre-Ceremony vs. Post-Ceremony Drinking:
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If alcohol is served before the ceremony, you'll likely need less, as drinking usually increases after the ceremony and during the reception.
Customising Drink Options by Event Type:
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Casual Drinks: Serve light beverages during the pre-ceremony or cocktail hour.
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Formal Meals: Pair wines with the wedding breakfast for a refined experience.
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Late-Night Drinks: Add fun after-dinner cocktails or drink stations for a memorable end to the celebration.
Different Ways to Serve Alcohol for Weddings
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Pre-Mixed Bottles and Cans: Easy and convenient, especially for larger guest lists, reducing the need for bartenders.
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Open Bar: Offers a wide range of drinks but can significantly impact your budget due to unlimited servings.
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Cash Bar: Guests pay for their drinks, keeping costs down, but this can lead to dissatisfaction if not well-received.
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DIY Bar: Guests serve themselves, a fun option for less formal weddings, but you need to estimate quantities carefully.
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Signature Cocktail Stations: Custom drinks that can be fun, help reduce alcohol waste, and keep consumption under control.
Impact on Quantities:
Each option affects how much alcohol you'll need. For example, an open bar usually requires more than a DIY bar, while pre-mixed bottles, such as Gasm Drinks Mixed Cases can streamline the process and reduce waste.
The Pros and Cons of Wedding Bar Options:
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Open Bar: Pro – great for guest satisfaction. Con - can be expensive.
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Cash Bar: Pro – budget-friendly. Con - may lead to guest dissatisfaction.
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DIY Bar & Pre-mixed Bottles: Pro - cost-effective with less waste. Con - requires careful planning of quantities (which we can help you with!).
Final Thoughts on Wedding Alcohol Planning
With the right approach, estimating how many drinks you’ll need per person for a wedding reception can be a breeze. By factoring in your guest list, drink preferences, and the type of celebration you're hosting, you'll be able to find the perfect balance. And remember, if you need a hand, we're always here to offer personalised advice and product recommendations to make your day unforgettable.