How It Works
The calculator uses the bartender's rule of thumb: approximately 1 drink per person per hour for moderate drinkers. It adjusts for light or heavy crowds, then splits the total across your chosen bar type.
- Enter the number of drinking-age guests.
- Set event duration (reception hours, not total wedding time).
- Choose drinking level based on your crowd.
- Pick bar type — this determines the beer/wine/spirits split.
Alcohol Per Person Guide
| Event Duration | Light Drinkers | Moderate | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 hours | 2-3 drinks | 3 drinks | 4-5 drinks |
| 4 hours | 3 drinks | 4 drinks | 6 drinks |
| 5 hours | 4 drinks | 5 drinks | 7-8 drinks |
| 6 hours | 4-5 drinks | 6 drinks | 9 drinks |
Drink Ratio Formulas
| Bar Type | Beer | Wine | Spirits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Bar | 35% | 35% | 30% |
| Beer & Wine Only | 50% | 50% | -- |
| Wine Only | -- | 100% | -- |
FAQ
How many bottles of wine per person at a wedding?
For a 5-hour reception with moderate drinkers and a full bar, plan for about 1 bottle of wine per 3 guests. For wine-only events, plan 1 bottle per guest.
Should I count non-drinkers in the calculation?
No. Only count drinking-age guests who will actually drink alcohol. Typically, 10-20% of guests will not drink. Subtract them from your guest count before using the calculator.
Is it cheaper to buy alcohol myself or use the venue bar?
Buying your own alcohol is usually 30-50% cheaperthan a venue bar package. However, check your venue's corkage fee and licensing rules. Some venues require you to use their bar service.
How much ice do I need?
Plan for 1.5 lbs of ice per guest. A 150-person wedding needs about 225 lbs of ice — for both drinks and keeping bottles chilled.
Related Tools
- Party Drink Calculator — full beverage planning including mixers and non-alcoholic options
- Catering Calculator — how much food per person for your event
- Party Punch Calculator — non-alcoholic punch quantities and ingredients
- Cake Size Calculator — recommended tier sizes for your guest count
- Wedding Budget Calculator — allocate your total budget by category