Wedding Bar & Drinks Calculator
Couples commonly over-buy alcohol for their reception. Enter your guest count, reception length, and drink-type preferences — we'll tell you exactly how many bottles to buy, based on the standard '1 drink per guest per hour' bar planning rule.
Based on the industry-standard 1 drink/guest/hour rule. Add 10% buffer for summer outdoor weddings or known-heavy-drinking crowds.
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Frequently asked
How many drinks per person at a wedding?
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The industry standard is 1 drink per guest per hour for the first hour, then ~1 drink per hour after. A 5-hour reception with 100 guests works out to ~500 drinks total.
What's the typical beer/wine/liquor split?
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A safe default is 30% beer, 40% wine (split 60/40 white-to-red for most receptions), 30% liquor. Adjust based on what your crowd actually drinks.
Can I return unopened bottles?
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Most liquor stores allow returns of unopened, room-temperature bottles within 30 days. Always confirm the policy when you buy — and keep the receipt.