How Much Alcohol Do You Need for Your Wedding?

One thing you definitely want to avoid at your celebration? Running out of alcohol — particularly if it’s a central part of your celebration. Alcohol may well be one of the pricier line items in your wedding budget, but knowing how much to put down will go a long way to helping your wedding day go smoothly, whether you’re hosting a ceremony, reception or an after-party — or all three.

So, just how much alcohol do you need? The response is based on your guest attendance and how you set the flow of your event. As a rule of thumb, allow for one drink per guest per hour. And that's why it's so important to know what list you're working off before you start purchasing things or collaborate with your bartending team.

To make it all a little less confusing, we solicited formulas and tips from two experienced hosts: Marco Perez and Julian Ortega. This is how to keep the liquid part of partying flowing along.

Wedding Alcohol Formulas

No perfect formula exists, but Clare Spiezio quotes the hospitality expert Marco Perez with a useful ratio:

Beer: 0.5 bottle per guest per hour

Wine: 1 bottle per 2.5 guests

Champagne (toast): 1 bottle to 6 guests

Spirits: 1 bottle per 5 guests (if you are having a 3-hour open bar)

After-party: 1.5 drinks per person per hour Escort — 1 drink per person per hour Town Car — 1 drink per person per hour

Diversify within each category: a range of beer types (lager, IPA), wine varietals (white and red) and assortment of liquors and mixers.

Sample Breakdown:

For 100 guests:

• Beer: 50 bottles
• Wine: 40 bottles
• Champagne: 16 bottles
• Liquor: 20 bottles

Double or halve to accommodate your guest count.

Key Factors to Consider

Event Flow and Drink Strategy

“One thing to consider is guests are often on the move,” Perez says. “They don’t finish drinks and get a new one after they get up to dance or chat.” His tip: begin with stronger picks during cocktail hour and then move to lower-alcohol ones as the night progresses — beer, wine or lighter cocktails.

Also, tell your venue ahead of time if you’ll be serving champagne to greet guests or for toasting.

Effect of Time of Day, Season and Duration

The time of day you’re hosting and the season will also shape the event. Lunch parties generally require less alcohol; dinner parties more. White wine and rosé are probably best for a summer wedding, and red for a colder season.

“I’d say most of the events I handle are about seven hours,” Julian Ortega said. “We tend to recommend a five-hour open bar to take care of hospitality, cocktail hour, reception and after-party.”

Also think about whether any alcohol-related traditions, such as a toast or ceremonial pour, are in your plans — and stock up accordingly.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Keep in mind that not all guests are drinking. Feature soft drinks, juices, seltzer and water to be sure everyone is covered. It's a nice convenience to have a water station too, especially in hot temps.

Mixers and Garnishes

Your alcohol package should provide the mixers and seasonal garnishes. For winter celebrations, think cranberries, cinnamon sticks or preserved citrus. Think lemonade, fresh herbs and tropical fruit — all sour components and all-pro ingredients for a sour to set you up for a summer cocktail season at home.

If you’re hiring a complete bar team, ask if they will provide mixers and garnishes that match your vision.

Choose Your Bar Style

Will you provide your guests with a full open bar or keep the menu limited to a few curated cocktails? “There’s a difference between a full bar and a signature menu of drinks,” says Perez. A smaller menu can save you money and keep things efficient.

Is there an open bar, or do you have to pay for your own drinks? “Since cash bars limit intake, total consumption goes down,” Ortega says. “We typically halve the alcohol order for cash bars.”

One Last Tip

Avoid shots. “Like cancer, they eat through your stock.” And they can lead to messes, notes Perez.

With the right preparation and strategy, your bar will be one of the most seamless — and enjoyable — elements of your wedding day.