How many drinks per person should I plan for a wedding?

A common rule is one drink per person per hour for moderate drinkers. Light events average 0.5 drinks per hour, while heavy celebrations can reach 1.5 drinks per hour.

What is the standard wine/beer/spirits split?

A typical wedding uses 50% wine, 30% beer and 20% spirits. You can adjust this based on your crowd. Summer weddings tend to shift more toward beer and cocktails.

How many glasses are in a bottle of wine?

A standard 750ml wine bottle yields about 5 glasses (150ml per glass). For champagne toasts, plan one bottle per 6-7 guests as flutes hold less.

Should I buy more than the calculated amount?

We recommend adding 10-15% extra to account for spillage, heavier-than-expected drinking and unexpected guests. Most retailers accept returns on unopened cases.

When should I buy wedding alcohol?

Buy 2-4 weeks before the wedding. This gives time for exchanges if needed. Look for bulk discounts, sale-or-return policies and case deals from wholesalers.

What is the standard drink ratio for a wedding?

A common split is 50 percent wine, 30 percent beer, and 20 percent spirits. Adjust based on your guests' preferences and whether you offer cocktails.

How many bottles of wine do I need per guest?

Plan for approximately half a bottle of wine per guest for a 4 to 5 hour event with moderate drinking. Heavier events may need up to one bottle per person.

Should I offer a full bar or limited bar at my wedding?

A limited bar with 2 to 3 signature cocktails, wine, and beer is both cost-effective and elegant. Full bars are more expensive but offer more choice.

How much champagne do I need for a toast?

Plan for one glass per guest for the toast. A standard 750ml bottle pours about 5 to 6 flute glasses, so divide your guest count by 5.

Can I buy alcohol on a sale-or-return basis?

Many wine merchants and wholesalers offer sale-or-return on unopened cases. This is an excellent way to avoid waste. Check the policy before purchasing.

Last updated: 28.03.2026

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500

100 guests, 5h

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Beer cases (24pk)

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