Wedding Alcohol Calculator
Calculate how much wine, beer, and liquor to buy for your wedding reception based on guest count and event duration.
Total attendance
How long the reception lasts
Not everyone drinks — 70% is a common estimate
Results
Bottles of Wine
35
Cases of Beer (24-pack)
3
Bottles of Liquor
7
Estimated Alcohol Cost
$685.00
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Wedding Budget Tracker
Planning a wedding is more than one calculation. Our Wedding Budget Tracker covers your full budget, guest list, vendor payments, timeline, and seating chart.
How This Calculator Works
Planning alcohol for a wedding reception is part math, part art. The industry standard formula assumes one drink per guest per hour, but not all guests drink. The default 70% estimate accounts for non-drinkers, designated drivers, and guests who prefer soft drinks.
The calculator splits total drinks across wine (50%), beer (20%), and liquor (30%), which reflects the typical consumption pattern at wedding receptions. Wine is the most popular choice, especially during dinner, while liquor consumption rises during dancing. Beer is a steady background option throughout.
Cost estimates use moderate retail prices — $12 per wine bottle, $30 per 24-pack of beer, and $25 per bottle of liquor. You can likely do better at wholesale clubs. Always check your venue's alcohol policy before purchasing independently, and ask about corkage fees if you are bringing your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many drinks per person should I plan for?
The standard rule is one drink per guest per hour. During cocktail hour, consumption is usually higher (1.5 drinks), and it tapers off later. For a 5-hour reception, plan for about 4-5 drinks per drinking guest.
What if my crowd is mostly beer drinkers?
Adjust the split. The default 50/20/30 (wine/beer/liquor) works for a typical crowd. For beer-heavy groups, flip it to 20/50/30. You can also skip liquor entirely and just serve beer and wine to simplify and save money.
Should I buy extra just in case?
Buy 10-15% more than the calculator suggests. Most stores accept returns on unopened bottles and cases. Running out of alcohol at a wedding is much worse than having a few extra bottles.
Is it cheaper to buy my own alcohol vs. open bar?
Usually yes, significantly. Buying wholesale from a warehouse store can save 40-60% compared to venue bar pricing. Check if your venue allows outside alcohol — many charge a corkage fee but it is still cheaper.
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