How Much Alcohol for 150 Guests?
Planning a wedding, corporate event, or big party? Here is exactly what you need to stock the bar for 150 people.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For 150 guests at a 4-hour event: 20 cases of beer (or 3 kegs), 42 bottles of wine, and 9 bottles of liquor. Total budget: approximately $1,500-2,000 for mid-range options.
Get exact numbers for your eventThe Math for 150 Guests
At 150 guests, you are in large event territory. The same 1-drink-per-person-per-hour rule applies, but the stakes are higher. Running out of alcohol at a 150-person wedding is a memorable disaster you want to avoid.
For a 4-hour event with 150 guests:
600 total drinks
Here is the breakdown using a standard split:
Shopping Lists by Event Length
Not every event is 4 hours. Here is what you need for different durations:
Planning a wedding?
Our calculator accounts for champagne toasts, cocktail hour, and reception - all in one.
Try the Wedding CalculatorKegs vs. Cases: Which is Better?
At 150 guests, kegs become a serious option. Here is the comparison:
Full-Size Keg (15.5 gallons)
When to Choose Kegs
When to Stick with Cases
Budget Breakdown for 150 Guests
Here is what to expect for a 4-hour event at different quality levels:
Budget-Friendly
Mid-Range
Premium
Logistics for Large Events
With 150 guests, logistics matter as much as quantities. Here is what most people forget:
Ice Requirements
Plan 1.5-2 lbs per person. For 150 guests: 225-300 lbs (8-10 large bags).
Chilling and Storage
Bartender Ratio
For 150 guests, plan for 2-3 bartenders. Standard ratio: 1 per 50-75 guests for efficient service.
Pro Tips for 150 Guest Events
Add a 15-20% buffer
Many planners use lower ratios and regret it. Add extra to be safe.
Plan for cocktail hour
Cocktail hour drinking is heavier. Plan 2 drinks per person for that first hour.
Offer enough variety
With 150 people, you will have varied tastes. Offer at least 2 beer options, 2 wines, and basic spirits.
Never run out of ice
Ice runs out before alcohol. Assign someone to ice duty and have a backup plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cases of beer for 150 guests?
For a 4-hour event with 150 guests, plan for 20-25 cases of beer. This assumes about 40% of drinks are beer. A keg (165 servings) can replace roughly 7 cases and may be more cost-effective for larger events.
How many bottles of wine for 150 guests?
Plan for 40-45 bottles of wine for 150 guests at a 4-hour event. Each bottle serves 5 glasses. For weddings, a common split is 60% white, 40% red - but adjust based on your menu and season.
How much liquor for 150 guests?
For 150 guests over 4 hours, 8-10 bottles of liquor (750ml each) will cover cocktails. If offering a full bar with vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, and tequila, plan 2 bottles of each.
Should I rent a keg for 150 guests?
Yes, kegs make sense at this scale. One full-size keg (15.5 gallons) serves about 165 beers - nearly your entire beer allocation. You save money and reduce waste. Just make sure you have proper tap equipment and ice to keep it cold.
What is the budget for alcohol for 150 guests?
Expect to spend $1,200-2,500 on alcohol for 150 guests, depending on quality. Mid-range estimate: $500-700 for beer, $400-600 for wine, $300-500 for liquor, plus $100-200 for mixers and ice.
Get Your Exact Shopping List
Our free calculator gives you personalized quantities for 150 guests based on your event type, duration, and crowd preferences.
Calculate for 150 Guests