Quantity of Alcohol Required at a Wedding
Wedding planning is exciting, but it comes with plenty to organise. One of the most common questions is: how much alcohol will we actually need?
It’s not always easy to judge. Run short, and guests may be left waiting; over-order, and you’ll end up with bottles sitting in storage. The goal is balance – ensuring a steady flow of drinks without unnecessary waste.
Most guests ease into drinking slowly, so keeping a consistent supply available throughout the day works best. The right quantity of alcohol keeps everyone happy and helps the celebrations flow smoothly.
How Much Alcohol Should You Budget for a Wedding?
Working out how much alcohol you need for a wedding doesn’t need to feel like guesswork. Start by looking at three key factors:
- Guest count – more guests naturally means a higher quantity of alcohol.
- Drink preferences – wine lovers, beer drinkers, and cocktail fans should all be catered for.
- Event length – the longer the reception, the more drinks you’ll need.
As a guide, plan for around 1–2 drinks per guest per hour. A shorter drinks reception may only need a couple of glasses of wine or fizz per person, while a full-day celebration with dinner and dancing will require more.
Remember variety – a selection of wine, beer, and a few cocktail options ensures everyone finds something they like. And don’t forget non-alcoholic choices such as sparkling water, juices, or mocktails for guests who don’t drink.
For example, wondering how many bottles of Pimm’s for 100 guests? A good starting point is 1.5 drinks per person, per hour, then scale based on your guest list and the flow of the day.
Planning the Right Amount Without Waste
Nobody wants to run dry, but equally, nobody wants to overspend. A smart way to plan is to consider:
- Who is drinking – some guests will stick to soft drinks, others may only sip occasionally.
- The flow of the event – a long reception needs more stock than a short dinner.
- Standard serving sizes – pour consistently so everyone gets a fair share.
By using a wedding drinks calculator, you can estimate quantities more accurately. For example, if you’re asking how much alcohol do you need for 100 guests? – the calculator will factor in your guest numbers, preferences, and timings.
Choosing a few popular drinks, rather than buying everything in bulk, helps minimise leftovers and keeps things simple.
Making the Experience Special
At VIP Bars & Cocktails, we believe drinks are more than just refreshment – they’re part of the celebration. Presentation, service, and variety all add to the atmosphere.
A well-stocked and stylish bar with garnishes, glassware, and a skilled bartender for weddings makes a huge difference. From serving the perfect cocktail ideas for weddings to ensuring every guest has something they enjoy, drinks help create memories that last.
With the right planning, you’ll have the perfect balance: enough alcohol to keep the celebration flowing, without overspending or waste.