How Much Alcohol for 200 Guests Wedding?
Planning a grand celebration? Here is your complete guide to stocking the bar for 200 guests without running dry or breaking the bank.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For 200 guests at a 5-hour wedding: 3 kegs or 18 cases of beer, 56 bottles of wine, 10 bottles of liquor, and 30 bottles of champagne for the toast. Total budget: $3,000-4,500 depending on quality.
Get exact numbers for your weddingThe Math Behind 200 Wedding Guests
At 200 guests, you are in large-scale territory. The math is straightforward, but execution requires careful planning:
Here's how we split those 1,200 drinks:
Why Kegs Make Sense at 200 Guests
At this scale, kegs become significantly more cost-effective than cases:
Keg vs Case Comparison (for 360 beers)
Cases (15 cases)
- Cost: $450-675
- Variety: Multiple options possible
- Setup: Coolers and ice needed
- Returns: Unopened cases returnable
Kegs (3 full-size kegs)
- Cost: $350-550 (save 20-30%)
- Variety: 2-3 styles max
- Setup: Tap equipment required
- Returns: Cannot return tapped kegs
Wedding Bar Styles for 200 Guests
Full Open Bar
The premium experience for large weddings
Beer, Wine & Signature Cocktails
Elegant and manageable for 200
Beer and Wine Only
Simple and budget-conscious
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Our calculator adjusts for your reception length, crowd preferences, and bar style.
Try the Wedding CalculatorBudget Breakdown for 200 Guests
Budget-Friendly
Mid-Range
Premium
Logistics for a 200-Person Wedding Bar
Staffing Requirements
4 minimum (1 per 50 guests)
2 to keep ice stocked and bottles opened
Add 1-2 extra bartenders for the rush
Equipment Needs
2-3 separate bar areas to distribute traffic
Jockey boxes or tap systems with CO2
300-400 lbs ice, multiple coolers or ice baths
400+ glasses if not using disposable
Space Planning
20-30 sq ft per bartender
100+ sq ft for backup stock
Avoid bottlenecks with multiple bar locations
Common Mistakes at 200+ Guest Weddings
Single bar station
Creates long lines. Use 2-3 bar stations spread across the venue.
Underestimating ice needs
Ice runs out before alcohol. Budget 2 lbs per person and have backup.
No backup stock accessible
Keep reserve bottles within easy reach, not locked in a distant storage room.
DIY bartending
At 200 guests, professional bartenders are essential. They're faster, know how to manage crowds, and handle the pressure.
Where to Buy in Bulk
Costco/Sam's Club
Best prices for wine and liquor. Case discounts add up at this scale.
Total Wine
Wide selection, 10-15% case discounts, knowledgeable staff.
Local distributors
At 200 guests, you may qualify for wholesale pricing. Ask about event discounts.
Brewery direct
Order kegs directly for better pricing and freshness guarantees.
Timeline for a 200 Guest Wedding Bar
Decide on bar style, get quotes from distributors
Order kegs (popular styles sell out)
Place wine and liquor orders
Confirm delivery, verify quantities
Receive delivery, organize storage
Begin chilling, prep bar stations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bottles of wine for 200 wedding guests?
For 200 guests at a 5-hour wedding reception, plan for 50-60 bottles of wine. Each bottle serves about 5 glasses. Consider buying by the case (12 bottles) for better pricing - you will need 5 cases.
How many kegs for a 200 person wedding?
Plan for 2-3 full-size kegs (each serves 165 beers) for 200 guests. This equals about 330-495 beers, covering 30-35% of total drinks. Add a few cases of bottles for variety.
How much champagne for 200 guests wedding toast?
For a champagne toast with 200 guests, you need 29-32 bottles. Each 750ml bottle pours about 7 flutes. Order 3 cases (36 bottles) to have a comfortable buffer.
How much does alcohol for 200 guests wedding cost?
Budget $3,000-5,500 for alcohol for 200 guests depending on quality. Mid-range estimate: $600-900 for beer, $650-1,000 for wine, $400-700 for liquor, and $350-500 for champagne. Bulk and wholesale buying is essential at this scale.
How many bartenders for a 200 person wedding?
Plan for 4 bartenders minimum for 200 guests (1 per 50 guests). For cocktail hour, consider adding 1-2 more to handle the rush. Professional bartenders are strongly recommended at this scale.
How much ice do I need for 200 wedding guests?
Plan for 300-400 lbs of ice for 200 guests. This is about 10-13 large bags. You will need separate ice for drinks and for chilling. Consider renting an ice machine for events this size.
How much liquor is needed for a wedding with 200 guests?
For 200 guests at a 5-hour reception with a full bar, plan for 10-12 bottles of liquor (750ml each). This breaks down to: 3-4 bottles vodka, 2-3 bottles whiskey/bourbon, 2 bottles rum, 1-2 bottles gin, and 1-2 bottles tequila. Each 750ml bottle yields about 16-17 standard 1.5oz drinks. If your crowd prefers cocktails over beer and wine, increase to 14-16 bottles total.
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