Wedding Planning

How Much Alcohol for 120 Guests Wedding?

A 120-guest wedding is the perfect balance of grand celebration and manageable logistics. Here is your complete bar planning guide.

Rachel MorganNov 202510 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

For 120 guests at a 5-hour wedding: 11 cases of beer (or 1 keg + 5 cases), 38 bottles of wine, 7 bottles of liquor, and 18 bottles of champagne for the toast. Total budget: $1,800-2,800 depending on quality.

Get exact numbers for your wedding

11 cases

Beer (264 bottles)

38 bottles

Wine (190 glasses)

7 bottles

Liquor (112 drinks)

18 bottles

Champagne (toast)

Why 120 Guests is a Popular Wedding Size

A 120-guest wedding hits the sweet spot between intimate and grand. It's large enough to require some professional help (2 bartenders) but small enough that you won't need a massive bar setup. At this size, bulk buying really pays off - you'll qualify for case discounts on almost everything.

The Math Behind 120 Wedding Guests

Using the standard wedding formula (heavier drinking early, tapering off):

First hour (cocktail hour): 2 drinks per person240 drinks

Hours 2-5: 1 drink per person per hour480 drinks

Total for 5-hour reception720 drinks

Here's how we split those 720 drinks:

Beer (30%):216 drinks = 11 cases (or 1 keg + 5 cases)

Wine (35%):252 drinks = 38 bottles (5 glasses per bottle)

Liquor (20%):144 drinks = 7 bottles (16-17 drinks per 750ml)

Champagne (15%):120 toast pours = 18 bottles (7 pours per bottle)

Wedding Bar Styles for 120 Guests

Full Open Bar

Maximum flexibility for your guests

1 keg + 6 cases of beer (3 varieties)

40 bottles of wine (red, white, rosé)

9-10 bottles liquor (full selection)

18 bottles champagne (toast)

Estimated cost:$2,800-4,000

Beer, Wine & Signature Cocktails

Elegant and cost-effective

1 keg + 5 cases of beer

42 bottles of wine

2 signature cocktails (160 drinks)

18 bottles champagne (toast)

Estimated cost:$1,800-2,500

Beer and Wine Only

Simple and budget-friendly

1 keg + 8 cases of beer

48 bottles of wine

18 bottles champagne

Estimated cost:$1,400-2,000

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Budget Breakdown for 120 Guests

Beer (11 cases or keg combo)$350-500

Wine (38 bottles)$480-760

Liquor (7 bottles)$200-380

Champagne (18 bottles)$220-450

Mixers & Garnishes$75-130

Ice (200 lbs)$45-70

Non-Alcoholic Options$60-100

Total Estimate$1,430-2,390

Key Considerations for 120 Guests

At 120 guests, you're transitioning from small DIY territory to a mid-size event. Here's what changes:

Two bartenders needed

One bartender per 50-60 guests. Budget $150-300 per bartender for the evening.

Kegs become viable

One keg serves 165 beers. At 120 guests, a keg covers most beer needs and saves 20-30%.

Case discounts matter

You'll need 3+ cases of wine and beer. Case discounts (10-20% off) add up at this scale.

Storage space

You'll need significant cooler space. Consider renting a beverage cooler or multiple large coolers.

Common Mistakes at 120 Guests

Underestimating ice: Plan for 200+ lbs. Summer weddings need more.
Single bar station: With 120 guests, consider a second bar or self-serve station for beer/wine.
Not buying returnable: Buy 15-20% extra and return unopened bottles.
Forgetting non-alcoholic options: 10-20% of guests will want mocktails, soda, or sparkling water.

Shopping List for 120 Guests

Beer (11 cases)

Light lager5 cases

Craft / IPA4 cases

Import or seasonal2 cases

Or: 1 keg + 5 cases for savings

Wine (38 bottles)

White16 bottles

Red14 bottles

Rosé8 bottles

Order 4 cases (48 bottles) for returns

Liquor (7 bottles)

Vodka2 bottles

Whiskey/Bourbon2 bottles

Rum1 bottle

Gin1 bottle

Tequila1 bottle

Logistics Checklist

Bartenders2 bartenders + 1 bar back

Ice200+ lbs (8-10 large bags)

Cooler space20+ cubic feet or multiple coolers

Glassware250 glasses (2 per person + backup)

Bar stations1 full bar + 1 beer/wine station

Trash/recyclingMultiple bins - lots of bottles!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bottles of wine for 120 wedding guests?

For 120 guests at a 5-hour wedding reception, plan for 36-42 bottles of wine. Each bottle serves about 5 glasses. At 3-4 cases, you will qualify for case discounts at most retailers.

How many cases of beer for a 120 person wedding?

Plan for 10-12 cases of beer (24-packs) for 120 guests at a 5-hour reception. This assumes about 30% of drinks are beer. For a beer-loving crowd, increase to 14-16 cases or consider adding a keg.

How much champagne for 120 guests wedding toast?

For a champagne toast with 120 guests, you need 17-18 bottles. Each 750ml bottle pours about 7 flutes. Order 2 cases (24 bottles) to have a comfortable buffer for seconds.

How much alcohol should I budget for a wedding with 120 guests?

Budget $1,800-3,600 for alcohol for 120 guests depending on quality. Mid-range estimate: $400-550 for beer, $500-700 for wine, $250-450 for liquor, and $250-350 for champagne. Buying in bulk at warehouse stores can save 15-20%.

Should I get kegs for a 120 person wedding?

At 120 guests, kegs start making sense. One standard keg (15.5 gallons) serves about 165 beers. For 120 guests, one keg could cover your beer needs if your crowd is 30% beer drinkers. Kegs cost 20-30% less per serving than cases.

How many bartenders for a 120 person wedding?

Plan for 2 bartenders for 120 guests (one bartender per 50-60 guests). During cocktail hour, the rush can be intense, so having a third person as a bar back to handle restocking is recommended.

How Much Alcohol for 100 Guests?Slightly smaller celebration How Much Alcohol for 150 Guests?Scaling up your wedding bar Wedding Bar ChecklistEverything you need for the perfect bar Open Bar CalculatorFull bar planning tool

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