Trying to figure out how much alcohol to buy for your wedding without overspending (or running out mid-toast)? You’re in the right place. This is the most helpful wedding alcohol calculator guide you’ll find: clear, realistic, and zero guesswork. Read on, and subscribe for planning tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Let’s be honest: wedding alcohol math feels weirdly high-stakes. You want guests happy. You want the bar flowing. You do not want 30 leftover bottles of vodka haunting your garage.
This guide walks you through exactly how to calculate how much alcohol you need for a wedding, whether you’re hosting 100, 150, 200, or even 250 guests. We’ll cover beer, wine, spirits, budgets, bar styles, and the best wedding alcohol calculator to make this painless. We’ll also tell you where to buy wedding alcohol in bulk. It’s all right here… let’s get started!
→ Just serving wine? Head to how much wine you need for a wedding.
Before You Calculate: Set Your Bar Up for Success
Before we crunch numbers, make sure the logistics won’t sabotage your beautifully planned bar.
Keep Drinks Cold (This Matters More Than You Think)
Summer wedding? Outdoor reception? You’ll need more ice and chill space than you expect. Stainless steel beverage tubs are clutch and look great in photos.
You can find excellent beverage tubs at Chilled Designs.
Ice: Buy More Than You Think
If you’re debating whether you have enough ice… you don’t. Ice melts. Drinks warm. Guests notice. Overbuy.
Hire a Bartender (Yes, Really)
A good rule of thumb is 1 bartender per 50 guests. Some say 1 per 100, but that usually means long lines and impatient dancers.
Happy guests = short lines = more time on the dance floor.
How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Alcohol?
Quick answer: To calculate how much alcohol you need for a wedding, plan for one drink per guest per hour. Multiply your guest count by reception length, then divide drinks between wine, beer, and spirits based on your bar style.
On average, an open bar accounts for 10–15% of your total wedding budget. That includes alcohol, mixers, ice, garnishes, and bartending.
If you’re supplying alcohol yourself, the big question becomes:
How Do You Calculate How Much Alcohol for a Wedding?
It’s simpler than it feels. Everything is based on three decisions.
1. Estimate One Drink Per Guest Per Hour
This is the gold standard for wedding alcohol calculations.
5-hour reception = ~5 drinks per guest
Some guests will drink less. A few will drink more. It evens out.
2. Adjust for Your Crowd
You know your people. If your guest list leans:
- Older → drink a bit less
- Younger → drink a bit more
- Many non-drinkers → adjust downward
3. Decide on Your Bar Style
Choose one:
- Beer & wine only
- Beer, wine & spirits
- Limited bar with signature cocktails
Don’t forget non-alcoholic options: water, soda, mocktails.
Wedding Alcohol Calculator Formula
Guest Count × Hours = Total Drinks Needed
- 100 guests × 5 hours = 500 drinks
- 150 guests × 5 hours = 750 drinks
- 200 guests × 5 hours = 1,000 drinks
- 250 guests × 5 hours = 1,250 drinks
Wedding Alcohol Calculator (Free & Accurate)
Use the helpful alcohol calculator for quick results here.
→ Don’t forget: here’s how to keep drinks cold at a wedding.
Quick Reference: Wine, Beer & Kegs
How Many Glasses of Wine Are in a Bottle?
One standard bottle = 5 glasses of wine.
How Many Beers Are in a Keg?
- ½ barrel: 165 beers
- ¼ barrel: 83 beers
- ⅙ barrel: 55 beers
Rule of thumb: 1 full keg per 100 guests.
Pro Tip: Planning ahead? Here’s how many guests usually attend a wedding.
Wedding Alcohol Calculator: Beer, Wine & Spirits Breakdown
Beer & Wine Only
Plan for 75% wine / 25% beer.
Full Bar
Plan for 50% wine / 25% beer / 25% spirits.
For the best wedding alcohol calculator, we recommend the professional planner from Total Wine.
Why we recommend this: flexible ordering, expert guidance, and in select areas, returns on unopened bottles.
Use their wedding drink calculator here or download the free spreadsheet.
Wedding Alcohol Calculator Reality Check
Here’s the truth: wedding alcohol calculators give averages, not absolutes.
Your final numbers may change if:
- Your crowd prefers cocktails over wine
- The wedding is outdoors or during summer
- You’re serving signature drinks
- The reception runs long (they always do)
That’s why we recommend using a calculator and buying slightly extra when returns are possible.
Exactly How Much Alcohol to Buy by Guest Count
100 Guests
3–4 Hours
50 wine bottles
6 spirits bottles
150 beers
5+ Hours
60 wine bottles
8 spirits bottles
180 beers
150 Guests
3–4 Hours
75 wine bottles
8 spirits bottles
225 beers
5+ Hours
90 wine bottles
10 spirits bottles
270 beers
200 Guests
3–4 Hours
100 wine bottles
10 spirits bottles
300 beers
5+ Hours
120 wine bottles
12 spirits bottles
360 beers
Already ran the numbers? Double-check your totals with the wedding alcohol calculator, then order everything you need in one place.
Ready to shop? Use your results to order confidently from
Total Wine & More: our favorite place to buy wedding alcohol in bulk.
What Couples Forget to Buy for the Wedding Bar
- Mixers (tonic, soda, juice)
- Limes, lemons, garnishes
- Non-alcoholic options
- Bar tools (openers, shakers)
- Extra ice for late-night drinks
Pro tip: When you shop in one place, it’s easier to avoid missing essentials.
Where to Buy Wedding Alcohol in Bulk
The easiest, most flexible option is Total Wine & More.
You can:
- Shop by price
- Read reviews
- Schedule a consultation
- Order online or pick up locally
Pro tip: In select areas, unopened alcohol may be returnable (check your location first).
Most Popular Wedding Bar Drinks
- Gin & Tonic
- Rum & Coke
- Martini
- Mojito
- Piña Colada
- Whiskey on the Rocks
Wedding Alcohol FAQs
How much do you tip wedding bartenders?
Standard tipping is 20% of the final bar bill.
Is it better to overbuy or underbuy?
Overbuy slightly, especially if returns are possible.
And that’s it. You now know how to calculate how much alcohol for a wedding, exactly how much to buy, and which wedding alcohol calculator actually works.
If you still have questions, leave a comment… we’re happy to help.
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Happy planning 🥂
xo
Emma
Updated for 2026: Fresh tips, expert advice, and practical suggestions to plan the perfect wedding bar.
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