A Guide to Wedding Alcohol: How to Choose Your Options

Planning your wedding reception? Other than choosing what to wear, food to serve and music to play, an area you cannot overlook is the bar.

While there’s so much to consider — types, brands, price points, taste and guest enjoyment — choosing the right alcohol options for your big day doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's everything you need to know to keep your guests happy without breaking the bank.

1. Know Your Crowd’s Preferences

Start by thinking about what your guests are most likely to drink. A younger crowd may lean toward cocktails and spirits, while a mixed-age group may prefer wine or beer. Champagne is ideal for toasts and celebrations.

2. Decide on Your Bar Type

Each bar setup has a different price tag, so consider what fits your budget, style and theme best. Popular choices include:

• Full bars offer the widest variety of beer, wine, champagne, and spirits.
• Beer and wine only is a simpler setup that keeps costs down but still caters to most tastes.
• Open bars are the most generous option, with 70% of weddings in the U.S. opting for this choice. It gives guests unlimited access to servings. It’s a bit pricier but adds a special touch. An open bar is best for large or more formal weddings and if you’re working with an unlimited budget.
• Cash bars mean guests pay for their drinks. It is best for budget-conscious couples or smaller gatherings.
• Limited bars are an option that offer a selection of a few crowd favorites and a couple of signature cocktails to keep things simple and unique. This middle-ground approach works well for most budgets and wedding sizes.

3. How Much Alcohol You’ll Need

How much alcohol to buy depends on:

• Your guest count.
• Crowd consumption behavior.
• Duration of the event.
• Time the event is held — people tend to drink less at daytime vs. evening weddings.

A general rule of thumb when serving alcohol at events is to estimate one standard drink per person per hour. Here’s a quick breakdown for a guest list of 100:

• Wine: One wine bottle serves four glasses. To serve 30-40 glasses, this translates to 8–10 bottles per hour.
• Champagne: For toasts, plan one bottle per 10 guests, so 10 bottles for a single-toast
• Beer: A standard keg is the equivalent of 165 beer bottles, often enough for 100 guests at a moderate-drinking reception.

Tip:You might want to account for two drinks per person during the first hour.

Break Down Your Budget

Alcohol costs can add up fast. On average, wine and champagne might account for about 15% of your overall reception budget. Buying by the case can help lower this cost.

When deciding on your budget, prioritize drinks your guests will most enjoy. Many venues offer house wines and beers at a lower cost than name brands. These can still be high-quality and keep your budget in check. Also, consider checking with your venue to see if they allow you to bring in your own alcohol — this can save on markup costs from in-house vendors.

Limiting cocktails to one or two options makes it easier for bartenders to control consumption. Reducing the amount of mixers and spirits also lowers costs.

Make a Plan for Serving

Decide how the alcohol will be served. Will you have an open bar where guests can request drinks, or will you offer self-serve stations for wine and beer?

• Bartenders: Most venues recommend one bartender per 50-75 guests to keep lines manageable.
• Self-serve: Wine stations or champagne walls are elegant and make it easy for guests to help themselves.

If you’re offering a champagne toast, have servers pour ahead of time to avoid a last-minute rush. For intimate receptions, placing wine bottles at tables will make the experience feel more relaxed and ease traffic at the bar.

Final Tips for a Smooth Drink Service

Explore these quick tips to optimize your wedding guests’ drink experience:

• Provide non-alcoholic options:Water, soda and juice will keep guests hydrated and give non-drinkers plenty of choices.
• Label your bar:A sign indicating what’s available will guide attendees on what to expect and help them make faster choices.
• Plan for leftovers:Take unopened bottles home or gift them to family and friends. Some liquor stores and suppliers may offer a buy-back program, so inquire beforehand.

Remember, with some planning, you can create a memorable bar experience that suits your budget. Whether you choose a full open bar or go a la carte, what matters most is that you and your guests enjoy celebrating your special day.

Cheers to a beautiful celebration!