Wedding Guest Alcohol Calculator

How This Tool Works

This calculator estimates alcohol quantities needed for weddings and events based on guest count, event duration, and drink preferences. The calculation uses the industry standard of 1.5 drinks per person per hour as an average consumption rate. This accounts for non-drinkers, light drinkers, and heavier drinkers in the overall average.

The calculator then splits total drinks by your specified percentages for wine, beer, and liquor. It converts drinks to bottles and cases using standard serving sizes: wine bottles (750ml) = 5 glasses, beer bottles/cans (12 oz) = 1 drink, liquor bottles (750ml) = ~17 drinks (1.5 oz per drink). Results are rounded up to ensure you have enough, and you should add 10-20% extra as a safety buffer.

Standard Serving Sizes

• Wine: 1 bottle (750ml) = 5 glasses (150ml per glass)
• Beer: 1 bottle/can (12 oz) = 1 drink
• Liquor: 1 bottle (750ml) = ~17 drinks (1.5 oz per drink)
• Champagne: 1 bottle (750ml) = 6-8 glasses (for toasts)
• Wine Cases: 12 bottles per case
• Beer Cases: 24 bottles/cans per case

Planning Tips

• Know Your Crowd: Younger guests typically drink more; older guests may drink less
• Time of Day: Evening events see higher consumption than afternoon events
• Weather: Hot weather increases consumption, especially beer
• Open vs. Cash Bar: Open bars see 20-30% higher consumption
• Buy Extra: Always purchase 10-20% more than calculated
• Check Return Policy: Many venues/stores allow returns of unopened bottles
• Don't Forget: Mixers, ice, garnishes, non-alcoholic options, and water
• Signature Cocktails: Simplify bar service with 2-3 signature drinks
• Designated Drivers: Ensure non-alcoholic options are available

FAQ

• How much alcohol do I need for 100 guests?
  For 100 guests at a 4-hour event, you'll need approximately 600 total drinks (1.5 drinks per person per hour). With a typical 40% wine, 40% beer, 20% liquor split: 48 bottles of wine (4 cases), 240 bottles of beer (10 cases), and 7 bottles of liquor. Adjust based on your crowd - younger guests may drink more, older guests may drink less. Always buy 10-20% extra to ensure you don't run out.
• How many bottles of wine do I need for a wedding?
  Wine calculation: 1 bottle (750ml) = 5 glasses. For 100 guests at 4 hours with 40% wine preference: 240 wine drinks needed = 48 bottles = 4 cases (12 bottles per case). For 50 guests: 24 bottles = 2 cases. For 200 guests: 96 bottles = 8 cases. Adjust percentages based on your crowd's preferences. Many venues allow returns of unopened bottles.
• How much beer do I need for a wedding?
  Beer calculation: 1 bottle/can (12 oz) = 1 drink. For 100 guests at 4 hours with 40% beer preference: 240 beer drinks = 240 bottles = 10 cases (24 bottles per case). For 50 guests: 120 bottles = 5 cases. For 200 guests: 480 bottles = 20 cases. Consider offering both light and regular beer options. Don't forget to account for non-drinkers and designated drivers.
• How much liquor do I need for a wedding?
  Liquor calculation: 1 bottle (750ml) = ~17 drinks (1.5 oz per drink). For 100 guests at 4 hours with 20% liquor preference: 120 liquor drinks = 7 bottles. For 50 guests: 3-4 bottles. For 200 guests: 14 bottles. Stock popular spirits: vodka, whiskey, rum, gin. Don't forget mixers (soda, juice, tonic), garnishes, and ice. Consider signature cocktails to simplify bar service.
• What percentage split should I use for wine, beer, and liquor?
  Typical wedding split: 40% wine, 40% beer, 20% liquor. Adjust based on your crowd: Wine-focused events (older crowd, formal): 50% wine, 30% beer, 20% liquor. Beer-focused events (casual, younger): 30% wine, 50% beer, 20% liquor. Cocktail-focused events: 30% wine, 30% beer, 40% liquor. Consider your venue, time of day, and guest demographics when deciding.
• Should I buy extra alcohol?
  Yes, always buy 10-20% extra alcohol to ensure you don't run out. Running out of alcohol at a wedding is a major party killer. Better to have leftovers (many venues allow returns of unopened bottles) than to run short. Factors to consider: Younger crowds drink more, longer events need more, open bars consume more than cash bars, hot weather increases consumption. When in doubt, round up.