How Many Drinks Do You Need Per Person at Your Wedding?

First and foremost, let’s establish that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount of alcohol you should provide per guest depends on a variety of factors such as the length of the reception, the time of day, the number of guests, and the type of alcohol you plan on serving. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can estimate that each guest will consume about two drinks per hour.

Now, let’s break it down by category of alcohol. If you’re serving beer, a good estimate is to provide one to two beers per hour, per person. This means if your reception is four hours long, you should provide each guest with four to eight beers. Keep in mind that beer can be a great budget-friendly option, but it can also fill up guests quickly, leaving less room for other beverages.

If you’re serving wine, you can estimate that each guest will consume about half a bottle of wine over the course of the reception. This means that for a 100 person wedding, you’ll need around 50 bottles of wine. Of course, this can vary depending on the type of wine you choose, as some varieties are more popular than others. A great way to save money on wine is to offer one or two types of wine, rather than a full selection.

If you’re serving liquor, it’s important to note that each drink contains about one and a half ounces of alcohol. A standard bottle of liquor contains around 17 drinks, so plan accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to provide two to three drinks per person, per hour. This means if your reception is four hours long, you’ll need eight to twelve drinks per person. Keep in mind that if you’re serving mixed drinks, guests may consume more than two to three drinks per hour, as the alcohol is often diluted with mixers.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about some other factors to consider. If you’re having a daytime wedding, you may want to consider serving lighter, lower alcohol-content drinks such as mimosas or sangria. If you’re having an evening wedding, you may want to offer more substantial drinks such as whiskey or bourbon. Additionally, if you’re having a summer wedding, guests may consume more drinks than they would in cooler weather, so plan accordingly.

Another important factor to consider is the number of non-drinkers or underage guests at your wedding. While it’s important to provide alcohol for your adult guests, it’s also important to offer non-alcoholic beverages for those who choose not to drink or are unable to drink legally. A good rule of thumb is to offer one non-alcoholic drink option for every alcoholic drink option.

Lastly, it’s important to consider your budget when planning the amount of alcohol to provide at your wedding. Alcohol can be a major expense, so it’s important to find a balance between offering enough drinks for your guests and staying within your budget. A good way to save money is to purchase alcohol in bulk or to choose a venue that allows you to bring your own alcohol.

In conclusion, the amount of alcohol you should provide at your wedding depends on a variety of factors. As a general rule of thumb, you can estimate that each guest will consume about two drinks per hour. It’s important to consider the type of alcohol you plan on serving, the length of the reception, the time of day, and the number of guests. Additionally, it’s important to offer non-alcoholic drink options for non-drinkers or underage guests and to consider your budget when planning the amount of alcohol to provide.

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating with your loved ones and creating memories that will last a lifetime. While alcohol can certainly add to the celebration, it’s important to drink responsibly and ensure that your guests are safe and comfortable throughout the reception. By following these guidelines and taking into account the individual needs and preferences of your guests, you can create a fun and memorable wedding reception that everyone will enjoy. Cheers to a happy and hydrated wedding day!