How Much Alcohol for 300 Guests?
Planning a very large wedding, gala, or corporate event? Here is exactly what you need to stock the bar for 300 people.
Large Event Planning Note
At 300 guests, professional coordination is essential. Consider working with a caterer or event planner who can handle alcohol logistics, licensing, and liability. Many venues also have preferred vendors.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For 300 guests at a 4-hour event: 40 cases of beer (or 6-7 kegs), 84 bottles of wine, and 19 bottles of liquor. Total budget: approximately $3,200-4,200 for mid-range options.
Get exact numbers for your eventThe Math for 300 Guests
300 guests is a major event. At this scale, you are managing hundreds of bottles, multiple kegs, and serious logistics. The math is straightforward but execution requires planning.
For a 4-hour event with 300 guests:
1,200 total drinks
Here is the breakdown using a standard split:
Why Kegs Are Essential at This Scale
Kegs (Recommended)
Cases (Alternative)
Planning a large wedding?
Our calculator handles events of any size with champagne toasts, cocktail hour, and reception calculations.
Calculate for 300 GuestsBudget Breakdown for 300 Guests
At this scale, negotiate bulk pricing. Many distributors offer 10-15% discounts for orders this size.
Budget-Friendly
Mid-Range
Premium
Critical Logistics for 300 Guests
Ice: 450-600 lbs
15-20 large bags. Arrange commercial ice delivery. Have a backup source.
5-6 Bartenders
Multiple bar stations reduce wait times. Consider 2-3 stations.
Keg Equipment
6-7 taps, CO2 tanks, ice tubs, drip trays. Rent from your supplier.
Chilling 84 Bottles
Start 48 hours ahead. Need 7+ coolers or refrigerated trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kegs for 300 guests?
For a 4-hour event with 300 guests, plan for 6-7 full-size kegs (or about 40 cases of beer). Kegs are essential at this scale - they are more cost-effective, reduce waste, and simplify logistics.
How many bottles of wine for 300 guests?
Plan for 84-90 bottles of wine for 300 guests at a 4-hour event. That is about 7 cases. Buy from a wholesale source or negotiate a bulk discount - at this volume, even small savings per bottle add up.
How much liquor for 300 guests?
For 300 guests over 4 hours, plan for 18-20 bottles of liquor (750ml each). Consider 1.75L handles to reduce cost and simplify service. Signature cocktails help manage inventory better than a full bar.
What is the budget for alcohol for 300 guests?
Expect to spend $2,800-5,800 on alcohol for 300 guests. Mid-range estimate: $1,100-1,400 for beer (kegs), $850-1,200 for wine, $600-900 for liquor, plus $200-350 for mixers, ice, and supplies.
How many bartenders for 300 guests?
You need 5-6 bartenders for 300 guests. Consider multiple bar stations to reduce wait times. During cocktail hour, have additional servers passing drinks to speed service.
How do I transport alcohol for 300 guests?
At this scale, you need a delivery truck or van. Work with your liquor store for delivery options. You will need multiple coolers or a refrigerated space. Start chilling wine and beer 48+ hours ahead.
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