How the wedding beverage calculator works
The tool estimates total drinks from your guest count and reception length, then splits them across wine, beer, and spirits based on whether you are serving a full bar or beer and wine only. It converts those into bottles and cans to buy, and adds champagne for a toast at about six flutes per bottle. A buffer is included so you do not run dry late in the night.
How much to plan per guest
A common planning figure is about one drink per guest per hour, often a little higher early in a reception as guests arrive and during dinner. Not everyone drinks, and some drink more, so the average smooths out across the room. Buying where you can return unopened bottles takes the pressure off getting the split exactly right.
Beer and wine versus full bar
Beer and wine only is simpler and usually cheaper, splitting roughly evenly between the two. A full bar adds spirits and cocktails, which shifts some share away from wine and beer. Wine runs about five glasses per bottle, a 750 ml spirit bottle gives around sixteen 1.5 ounce pours, and beer is counted per bottle or can.
The toast and not running out
For a champagne toast, plan roughly one flute per guest, about six per bottle, and a little extra for refills and spills. Offer an appealing non-alcoholic option too, which this estimate does not count. If you are close on quantities, round up and favor the drinks your crowd actually prefers rather than spreading thin across everything.
Frequently asked questions
How much alcohol for 100 wedding guests? Over a four hour reception, roughly 480 drinks, which a full bar might split into about 34 bottles of wine, 168 beers, and 9 bottles of spirits.
How many bottles of champagne for a toast? About one per six guests, so roughly 17 bottles for 100 guests.
How many glasses in a bottle of wine? About five standard pours per 750 ml bottle.
Related calculators: Party Beverage, Punch, Keg.