How Much Alcohol for 400 Guests?
Planning a major wedding, gala, or corporate event? Here is exactly what you need to stock the bar for 400 people.
Professional Coordination Required
Events of 400+ guests typically require professional bar services or licensed caterers. Many venues mandate this for liability reasons. If planning DIY, verify local licensing requirements and insurance coverage.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For 400 guests at a 4-hour event: 8-10 kegs (or 54 cases), 112 bottles of wine, and 25 bottles of liquor. Total budget: approximately $4,200-5,500 for mid-range options.
Get exact numbers for your eventThe Math for 400 Guests
400 guests puts you in gala territory. This is not a DIY operation for most people - professional bar services are standard at this scale. But understanding the math helps you budget and evaluate vendor proposals.
For a 4-hour event with 400 guests:
1,600 total drinks
Here is the breakdown using a standard split:
Critical Considerations at 400 Scale
Professional Bar Services
At 400 guests, most venues require licensed bar service:
- • Liability insurance included
- • Trained bartenders provided
- • Alcohol purchasing handled
- • Setup and cleanup managed
DIY Considerations
If your venue allows DIY bar at this scale:
- • Check local permit requirements
- • Get event liability insurance
- • Hire professional bartenders
- • Arrange commercial delivery
Planning a major event?
Our calculator handles events of any size. Get exact quantities for your specific needs.
Calculate for 400 GuestsBudget Breakdown for 400 Guests
These are DIY alcohol costs only. Professional bar service typically costs $35-75 per person, all-inclusive.
Budget-Friendly
Mid-Range
Premium
Major Logistics for 400 Guests
Ice: 600-800 lbs
20-26 large bags. Commercial ice delivery required. Have backup source.
6-8 Bartenders
3-4 bar stations. Add servers for passed drinks during cocktail hour.
8-10 Kegs
Multiple taps, CO2 tanks, jockey boxes. Professional setup essential.
112 Bottles of Wine
Refrigerated trailer or walk-in cooler required. Start 48-72 hours ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kegs for 400 guests?
For a 4-hour event with 400 guests, plan for 8-10 full-size kegs (serving 1,320-1,650 beers). At this scale, kegs are absolutely essential - cases would require 55+ cases and create massive logistics issues.
How many bottles of wine for 400 guests?
Plan for 112-120 bottles of wine for 400 guests at a 4-hour event. That is about 10 cases. Work with a distributor who can provide case discounts and handle delivery logistics.
How much liquor for 400 guests?
For 400 guests over 4 hours, plan for 25-28 bottles of liquor (750ml) or 12-14 handles (1.75L). Signature cocktails are strongly recommended to control inventory and speed service.
What is the budget for alcohol for 400 guests?
Expect to spend $3,800-7,500+ on alcohol for 400 guests. Mid-range estimate: $1,400-1,900 for beer (kegs), $1,100-1,600 for wine, $800-1,200 for liquor, plus $300-500 for mixers, ice, and supplies.
How many bartenders for 400 guests?
You need 6-8 bartenders for 400 guests, distributed across 3-4 bar stations. During cocktail hour, add servers passing trays. Consider dedicated stations for beer/wine and cocktails.
Do I need a liquor license for 400 guests?
Many venues require events this size to use licensed caterers or the venue bar. If DIY, check local regulations - some areas require permits for events over 100-200 guests. Consult with your venue.
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