Wedding Alcohol Calculator
Plan your wedding bar with our alcohol calculator. Enter guest count, event duration, and preferences to calculate beer cases, wine bottles, liquor amounts, and budget estimates.
Guests × Hours × Drinks per Hour
Drinks per Hour by Crowd:
• Light: 0.75 drinks/hour
• Moderate: 1.0 drink/hour
• Heavy: 1.25 drinks/hour
Conversions:
• Beer: 24 bottles per case
• Wine: 5 glasses per 750ml bottle
• Liquor: 17 shots per 750ml bottle
Distribution:
Based on preference percentages (Beer + Wine + Liquor = 100%)
Details:
• Guests: 100
• Duration: 5 hours
• Crowd: Moderate drinkers
• Preferences: 40% beer, 40% wine, 20% liquor
Calculation:
Total drinks: 100 × 5 × 1.0 = 500 drinks
Beer: 500 × 40% = 200 drinks → 9 cases
Wine: 500 × 40% = 200 drinks → 40 bottles
Liquor: 500 × 20% = 100 drinks → 6 bottles
Shopping List:
• 9 cases of beer (216 bottles)
• 40 bottles of wine
• 6 bottles of liquor
• 100 sodas
• 150 water bottles
Total cost: ~$1,075
How much alcohol do I need for 100 wedding guests?
For a 5-hour reception with moderate drinkers: 9 cases of beer (216 bottles), 40 bottles of wine, and 6 bottles of liquor. This provides 500 total drinks (5 per guest). Light drinkers need 25% less, heavy drinkers 25% more. Always buy 10% extra to avoid running out.
What is the best alcohol ratio for a wedding?
Typical ratio is 40% beer, 40% wine, 20% liquor for mixed crowds. Summer weddings: increase beer to 50%. Formal/dinner weddings: increase wine to 50%. Younger crowds (21-30): increase liquor to 30%. Older crowds (50+): 30% beer, 60% wine, 10% liquor. Poll guests beforehand for accurate preferences.
How many drinks per person at a wedding?
Plan for 1 drink per hour per guest for cocktail hour + reception. Light drinkers: 3-4 drinks total. Average: 5-6 drinks. Party crowd: 7-8 drinks. First hour (cocktail): 1.5 drinks/person. Dinner hour: 0.5 drinks/person. Dancing hours: 1.5 drinks/person/hour. Many guests won't drink - others will drink more.
Should I have an open or cash bar at my wedding?
Open bar is standard etiquette and expected at most weddings ($15-30/person). Cash bar saves money but may upset guests who traveled far. Limited bar (beer/wine only): $10-15/person, good compromise. Drink tickets (2-3 free, then cash): balances cost and hospitality. Budget $1,500-3,000 for open bar for 100 guests.
🔗 Related Calculators
📐 Formula
Guests × Hours × Drinks per Hour
Drinks per Hour by Crowd:
• Light: 0.75 drinks/hour
• Moderate: 1.0 drink/hour
• Heavy: 1.25 drinks/hour
Conversions:
• Beer: 24 bottles per case
• Wine: 5 glasses per 750ml bottle
• Liquor: 17 shots per 750ml bottle
Distribution:
Based on preference percentages (Beer + Wine + Liquor = 100%)
📝 Example Calculation
Details:
• Guests: 100
• Duration: 5 hours
• Crowd: Moderate drinkers
• Preferences: 40% beer, 40% wine, 20% liquor
Calculation:
Total drinks: 100 × 5 × 1.0 = 500 drinks
Beer: 500 × 40% = 200 drinks → 9 cases
Wine: 500 × 40% = 200 drinks → 40 bottles
Liquor: 500 × 20% = 100 drinks → 6 bottles
Shopping List:
• 9 cases of beer (216 bottles)
• 40 bottles of wine
• 6 bottles of liquor
• 100 sodas
• 150 water bottles
Total cost: ~$1,075