Wedding Liquor Calculator
Calculate exactly how much beer, wine, champagne, and liquor you need for your wedding. Get a complete shopping list with bottles, cases, and cost estimates.
Event Details
âšī¸ Separate from main bar drinks, for toasts only
đģ Total Drinks Needed
â
Enter details to calculate
đ Quick Reference (5-hour reception)
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the 2-1 rule: plan for 2 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for each additional hour. For a 5-hour reception with 100 guests, that's 600 drinks total. If serving a full bar (30% liquor), you'd need about 180 liquor drinks, which equals roughly 11-12 bottles of spirits (750ml each, 16 drinks per bottle).
For a 5-hour reception with 100 guests, expect to spend $1,500-$4,500 on alcohol if you're buying it yourself (DIY bar). This breaks down to $15-$45 per person. Beer and wine only options cost less ($1,000-$2,500), while full bars with premium spirits cost more. Buying from wholesale stores like Costco can reduce costs by 20-30%.
For 100 guests at a 5-hour reception with a full bar (30% liquor consumption), you'll need approximately 10-12 bottles of liquor (750ml). A good mix includes: 3 bottles vodka, 2 bottles whiskey/bourbon, 2 bottles rum, 2 bottles tequila, and 2-3 bottles of other spirits (gin, etc.). Always buy 10-15% extra.
The 3-2-1 rule is a helpful guideline for wedding bar planning: 3 types of alcohol (beer, wine, spirits), 2 drinks per person during the first hour, and 1 drink per person for each subsequent hour. This formula helps ensure you have enough variety and quantity without over-buying.
A champagne toast is traditional but optional. If you include one, plan for 1 glass per guest (about 4oz pour). A 750ml bottle yields 6 toast-sized pours. For 100 guests, you'll need about 17 bottles of champagne or sparkling wine. Many couples skip the formal toast to save money, letting guests toast with whatever they're drinking.