Planning Guide

How Much Alcohol for 175 Guests?

Planning a large wedding or celebration? Here is exactly what you need to stock the bar for 175 people.

Rachel MorganNov 202510 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

For 175 guests at a 4-hour event: 24 cases of beer (or 4 kegs), 49 bottles of wine, and 11 bottles of liquor. Total budget: approximately $1,700-2,300 for mid-range options.

Get exact numbers for your event

24 cases

or 4 kegs (576 beers)

49 bottles

Wine (245 glasses)

11 bottles

Liquor (176 drinks)

The Math for 175 Guests

175 guests puts you firmly in large event territory. At this scale, kegs become essential and professional bartenders are a must. Planning and logistics are just as important as quantities.

For a 4-hour event with 175 guests:

700 total drinks

Here is the breakdown using a standard split:

Beer (40%):280 drinks = 24 cases or 4 kegs

Wine (35%):245 drinks = 49 bottles

Liquor (25%):175 drinks = 11 bottles

Shopping Lists by Event Length

3-Hour Event

525 drinks

Beer18 cases

Wine37 bottles

Liquor8 bottles

Most Common

4-Hour Event

700 drinks

Beer24 cases

Wine49 bottles

Liquor11 bottles

5-Hour Event

875 drinks

Beer30 cases

Wine61 bottles

Liquor14 bottles

6-Hour Event

1,050 drinks

Beer35 cases

Wine74 bottles

Liquor16 bottles

Planning a wedding?

Our calculator accounts for champagne toasts, cocktail hour, and reception - all in one.

Try the Wedding Calculator

Budget Breakdown for 175 Guests

Budget-Friendly

Beer$400-520

Wine$350-480

Liquor$180-280

Mixers/Ice$90-125

Total$1,020-1,405

Mid-Range

Beer$580-760

Wine$530-700

Liquor$350-520

Mixers/Ice$120-175

Total$1,580-2,155

Premium

Beer$820-1,050

Wine$820-1,180

Liquor$580-870

Mixers/Ice$175-235

Total$2,395-3,335

Logistics for 175 Guests

Ice: 260-350 lbs

Plan 1.5-2 lbs per person. That is 9-12 large bags.

3 Bartenders

Essential for efficient service at this guest count.

4 Kegs Recommended

More cost-effective and practical than 24 cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cases of beer for 175 guests?

For a 4-hour event with 175 guests, plan for 23-29 cases of beer (560-700 bottles). At this scale, 3-4 kegs is often more practical and cost-effective than cases.

How many bottles of wine for 175 guests?

Plan for 49-52 bottles of wine for 175 guests at a 4-hour event. Each bottle serves 5 glasses. For weddings, plan 60% white, 40% red, adjusting for season and menu.

How much liquor for 175 guests?

For 175 guests over 4 hours, 11-12 bottles of liquor (750ml each) will cover cocktails. With this many guests, consider a signature cocktail to simplify service.

What is the budget for alcohol for 175 guests?

Expect to spend $1,400-2,900 on alcohol for 175 guests, depending on quality. Mid-range estimate: $550-750 for beer, $500-700 for wine, $350-550 for liquor, plus $100-200 for mixers and ice.

How many bartenders for 175 guests?

You need 3 bartenders for 175 guests. The standard ratio is 1 bartender per 50-75 guests. During cocktail hour, consider having an additional bartender or a separate station.

Related Guides

150 Guests Guide

Slightly smaller events

200 Guests Guide

Larger wedding planning

Cost Calculator

Budget your bar

Get Your Exact Shopping List

Our free calculator gives you personalized quantities for 175 guests based on your event type, duration, and crowd preferences.

Calculate for 175 Guests