Wedding Alcohol Calculator

- May 12, 2025
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Estimate how much alcohol you need for your wedding based on guest count, event duration, and drinking preferences.

Event Details

Guest Drinking Profile

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Beverage Preferences

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Budget Options

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Wedding Alcohol Planning Tips

Planning alcohol for a wedding can be tricky. Here are some helpful tips:

General Guidelines
  • Standard Pour Sizes: Beer (12 oz), Wine (5 oz), Spirits (1.5 oz), Champagne toast (4 oz)
  • Bottles Yield: Wine (5 glasses per 750ml bottle), Liquor (17 drinks per 750ml bottle), Champagne (6 glasses per 750ml bottle)
  • 80/20 Rule: Typically about 80% of guests will drink alcohol
  • Consumption Rate: On average, guests consume 2 drinks during the first hour and 1 drink each hour after
Money-Saving Tips
  • Consider buying from stores that offer bulk discounts and allow returns of unopened bottles
  • Skip the full open bar and offer a limited selection of beer, wine, and perhaps 1-2 signature cocktails
  • Champagne is only needed for the toast - not throughout the entire event
  • Ask about corkage fees if bringing your own alcohol to a venue
  • Consider seasonal drink options which may be more affordable

What is the Wedding Alcohol Calculator?

The Wedding Alcohol Calculator is a helpful tool designed to assist couples in planning the alcohol for their wedding. With just a few inputs, like the number of guests and the event's duration, this calculator provides an estimate of how much alcohol you'll need. It factors in guests' drinking habits and preferences, making it easier to prepare for the big day without over or underestimating your supplies.

How Does It Work?

To use the calculator, you begin by entering the number of guests and how long the event will last. From there, you can specify the percentage of guests who will be drinking and how many Drinks each person is likely to consume per hour. The calculator then does the calculations for you, giving you a breakdown by drink type, including beer, wine, spirits, and champagne.

Input Your Event Details

  • Number of Guests: Specify how many people will be attending your wedding.
  • Event Duration: Input the total hours for your celebration.
  • Drinking Guests Percentage: Estimate the percentage of guests who will drink.
  • Drinks Per Person: Decide how many drinks, on average, each guest will enjoy per hour.

Customising Beverage Preferences

Every wedding has its own unique vibe, and so do guests' drink preferences. The calculator allows you to customise the types of beverages you'll offer. You can enter the desired percentages for beer, wine, spirits, and champagne to ensure you have the right mix. Just remember that the total must equal 100%!

Budget Considerations

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and managing your alcohol budget is crucial. The calculator includes options for setting a total alcohol budget and an additional buffer percentage. This helps you understand how much you'll spend on drinks and keep your finances in check while ensuring your guests have a memorable experience.

See the Results

Once you've entered all the needed information, the calculator generates a detailed summary of your alcohol needs. You'll get the total number of drinks required, a breakdown by type, the estimated cost, and even a cost per guest. This way, you can easily plan and adjust based on your budget and preferences.

Helpful Planning Tips

  • Standard Drink Sizes: Know the typical pour sizes for different beverages.
  • Consumption Rates: Expect guests to drink more in the first hour and less later on.
  • Bulk Buying: Look for stores that offer discounts for bulk purchases.

Make Your Wedding a Success

Using the Wedding Alcohol Calculator is a simple yet effective way to ensure your wedding alcohol planning goes smoothly. By entering the specifics of your event, you can take the guesswork out of how much to buy. This calculator helps you create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for your guests without the stress of over or underestimating your needs.