How Much Alcohol for 100 Guests Wedding?
The complete guide to wedding bar quantities - with exact shopping lists and budget breakdowns.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For 100 guests at a 5-hour wedding: 10 cases of beer, 28 bottles of wine, 5 bottles of liquor, and 15 bottles of champagne for the toast. Total budget: $1,500-2,500 depending on quality.
Get exact numbers for your weddingThe Math Behind 100 Wedding Guests
Wedding receptions typically run 4-6 hours with heavier drinking in the first 2 hours (cocktail hour and early reception). The standard formula is:
Here's how we split those 600 drinks:
Wedding Bar Styles for 100 Guests
Full Open Bar
Most generous - guests can order anything
Beer, Wine & Signature Cocktails
Elegant and cost-effective
Beer and Wine Only
Simple, elegant, and budget-friendly
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Try the Wedding CalculatorBudget Breakdown for 100 Guests
Here is a detailed cost estimate for a mid-range wedding bar:
Selection Guides
Wine Selection (28 bottles)
Pair heavier reds with beef, lighter whites with fish and chicken.
Beer Variety (10 cases)
2-3 varieties covers different tastes.
Champagne Toast Planning
15 bottles
~105 glasses
Pre-pour
10-15 min before
Prosecco/Cava
Half the price
Veuve/Moët
Special touch
Pro Tips for 100 Guest Wedding Bar
Bartender ratio
1 per 50 guests. For 100 guests, hire 2 bartenders minimum.
Buy returnable
Purchase 15-20% extra. Return unopened bottles with receipt.
Warehouse savings
Costco, Sam's Club, Total Wine offer bulk discounts.
Chill time
Start 6+ hours before. Serious cooler space needed.
Non-drinkers
15-20% won't drink alcohol. Stock sparkling water, sodas, and mocktail ingredients.
Timeline for Ordering
Decide on bar style and create your drink list
Place orders for specialty items or large quantities
Pick up or receive delivery of all alcohol
Begin chilling, organize bar setup
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bottles of wine for 100 wedding guests?
For 100 guests at a 5-hour wedding reception, plan for 25-30 bottles of wine. Each bottle serves about 5 glasses. Split roughly 60% white and 40% red for warm weather, or 50/50 for cooler seasons.
How many cases of beer for a 100 person wedding?
Plan for 8-10 cases of beer (24-packs) for 100 guests at a 5-hour reception. This assumes about 30% of drinks are beer. For a beer-loving crowd, increase to 12-14 cases.
How much champagne for 100 guests wedding toast?
For a champagne toast with 100 guests, you need 13-15 bottles. Each 750ml bottle pours about 7 flutes. Add 2-3 extra bottles as a buffer for spillage and seconds.
How much does alcohol for 100 guests wedding cost?
Budget $1,500-3,000 for alcohol for 100 guests depending on quality. Mid-range estimate: $400-500 for beer, $400-600 for wine, $200-400 for liquor, and $100-150 for champagne. Costco and warehouse stores can save 20-30%.
Should I have an open bar or limited bar for 100 guests?
An open bar offers more variety but costs 30-50% more. A limited bar (beer, wine, 2 signature cocktails) is elegant and budget-friendly. Most couples serving 100 guests choose a limited bar with champagne for toasts.
How much ice do I need for 100 wedding guests?
Plan for 150-200 lbs of ice for 100 guests. This covers drink chilling, coolers, and ice buckets. Order extra if it is a summer outdoor wedding - ice melts fast in the heat.
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