How Much Alcohol for 80 Guests Wedding?
The perfect mid-size wedding - intimate enough to feel personal, large enough for a great party. Here is your complete bar planning guide.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For 80 guests at a 5-hour wedding: 8 cases of beer, 24 bottles of wine, 5 bottles of liquor, and 12 bottles of champagne for the toast. Total budget: $1,200-2,000 depending on quality.
Get exact numbers for your weddingWhy 80 Guests is a Great Wedding Size
An 80-person wedding sits in the sweet spot between intimate and grand. It's large enough to create an energetic atmosphere and justify bulk buying discounts, but small enough that one bartender can handle the bar comfortably. Many couples find this size allows them to invite everyone they truly want while keeping costs manageable.
The Math Behind 80 Wedding Guests
Using the standard wedding formula (heavier drinking early, tapering off):
Here's how we split those 480 drinks:
Wedding Bar Styles for 80 Guests
Full Open Bar
Maximum flexibility for your guests
Beer, Wine & Signature Cocktails
Elegant and cost-effective
Beer and Wine Only
Simple and classic
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Try the Wedding CalculatorBudget Breakdown for 80 Guests
DIY Bar Tips for 80 Guests
At 80 guests, you're still in manageable DIY territory. Here's how to pull it off:
One bartender plus helper
A skilled bartender can serve 80 guests, but add a helper for the first hour when it's busiest.
Pre-batch cocktails
If offering signature drinks, make them in advance. Pitchers or dispensers keep lines short.
Self-serve beer and wine
Set up a clearly labeled station where guests can pour their own. Saves bartender time for cocktails.
Buy returnable
Most stores accept returns on unopened bottles. Buy 15% extra and return what you don't use.
Shopping List for 80 Guests
Beer (8 cases)
Wine (24 bottles)
Liquor (5 bottles)
Logistics Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bottles of wine for 80 wedding guests?
For 80 guests at a 5-hour wedding reception, plan for 22-26 bottles of wine. Each bottle serves about 5 glasses. Split roughly 60% white and 40% red for warm weather, or 50/50 for cooler seasons.
How many cases of beer for an 80 person wedding?
Plan for 7-8 cases of beer (24-packs) for 80 guests at a 5-hour reception. This assumes about 30% of drinks are beer. For a beer-loving crowd, increase to 10-11 cases.
How much champagne for 80 guests wedding toast?
For a champagne toast with 80 guests, you need 12-13 bottles. Each 750ml bottle pours about 7 flutes. Add 1-2 extra bottles as a buffer for spillage and seconds.
How much does alcohol for 80 guests wedding cost?
Budget $1,200-2,400 for alcohol for 80 guests depending on quality. Mid-range estimate: $225-350 for beer, $350-500 for wine, $150-300 for liquor, and $150-250 for champagne.
How many bottles of premium whiskey are recommended for a wedding with 80 guests?
For 80 guests with a full bar, plan for 1-2 bottles of premium whiskey (750ml each). Each bottle yields about 16-17 standard drinks. If whiskey is popular with your crowd, go with 2 bottles. For a whiskey-focused bar or signature bourbon cocktail, increase to 3 bottles.
How much ice do I need for 80 wedding guests?
Plan for 120-160 lbs of ice for 80 guests. This covers drink chilling, coolers, and ice buckets. Order extra if it is a summer outdoor wedding - heat can double your ice needs.
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