How To Use The Wedding Drink Calculator
Our calculator is designed to give you a realistic budget estimate for alcohol. This is particularly helpful if you’re planning a limited bar or will have a DIY wedding bar and serve the alcohol yourself. Catering companies will have their own estimates and may upcharge, so use our calculator to get a close range that will help you prepare your overall wedding budget.
The first thing you’ll need to do is confirm your number of guests. This is a foundational variable for our calculator. If you’re unsure, it’s better to overestimate a little to avoid running out of drinks, especially if you know you’ll have some heavy drinkers in your crowd. The type of event also matters. For example, an open bar will typically require more alcohol than a cash bar, where wedding guests are more inclined to moderate their intake due to the cost. If you’re having an open bar, please err on the high side of these ranges.
Next, consider the variety of alcohol you’d like to offer. A full bar usually includes various options like vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, and a selection of mixers. You may select which liquors you’ll want to be served, but most catering companies have a standard selection. A more limited offering might stick to red wines, white wine, and beer, perhaps with a signature cocktail or two added to the mix. If you’re working with a caterer, consult them for their expertise in what typically gets consumed at weddings they’ve serviced.
The duration of your wedding also plays a significant role. If you’re having a cocktail hour followed by the wedding reception, chances are you’ll need more alcohol than a shorter, more casual gathering. During the cocktail hour, it’s common to serve lighter drinks like cocktails and wine, which can then transition to heavier beverages like whiskey and tequila as the night progresses.
Another quintessential part of many weddings is the champagne toast. You can get approximately 5-6 full glasses from a standard 750 ml bottle of champagne. Our calculator is designed to consider all these factors to give you a tailored recommendation that ensures nobody’s glass runs dry.
Of course, it’s not just about quantity; quality matters too. Premium liquors and wines elevate the guest experience and often require less quantity as they are typically consumed slower than cheaper options. Your caterer can often help guide you through the quality options available within your budget.
Our wedding drink calculator is user-friendly. Just input your guest count, select your preferred types of alcohol, specify if you have heavy drinkers, and indicate the length of your event. Within seconds, you’ll get a comprehensive list of what and how much to order. Remember, estimating higher is better if you plan on an open bar or providing drinks yourself.
So go ahead, and make this task a breeze. Allow yourself to focus on the big day: your vows, first dance, and the people most matter to you. Cheers to the perfect wedding celebration, facilitated by the perfect amount of spirits, mixers, and joy!