Wedding Alcohol Budget Guide
Everything you need to plan and manage your wedding bar budget - from cost per person to money-saving strategies that don't sacrifice quality.
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TL;DR - Budget Quick Guide
Budget bar: $15-25 per person
Mid-range bar: $25-40 per person
Premium bar: $40-60+ per person
For 100 guests, expect to spend $1,500-4,000 on alcohol depending on bar style and quality.
Beer & wine, basic liquor
Full bar, quality brands
Top shelf, craft cocktails
Detailed Budget by Guest Count
These estimates assume a 5-hour reception with cocktail hour, full bar service, and champagne toast. All prices are for DIY/self-purchased alcohol.
50 Guests Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer (5 cases) | $120-150 | $175-225 | $250-350 |
| Wine (14 bottles) | $110-170 | $175-250 | $280-420 |
| Liquor (3 bottles) | $60-90 | $90-150 | $150-250 |
| Champagne (8 bottles) | $80-120 | $120-200 | $200-400 |
| Mixers & Ice | $50-75 | $75-100 | $100-150 |
| Total | $420-605 | $635-925 | $980-1,570 |
| Per Person | $8-12 | $13-19 | $20-31 |
100 Guests Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer (10 cases) | $250-320 | $350-450 | $500-700 |
| Wine (28 bottles) | $225-340 | $350-500 | $560-840 |
| Liquor (6 bottles) | $120-180 | $180-300 | $300-500 |
| Champagne (15 bottles) | $150-225 | $225-375 | $375-750 |
| Mixers & Ice | $100-150 | $150-200 | $200-300 |
| Total | $845-1,215 | $1,255-1,825 | $1,935-3,090 |
| Per Person | $8-12 | $13-18 | $19-31 |
150 Guests Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer (15 cases/2 kegs) | $350-480 | $500-675 | $750-1,000 |
| Wine (42 bottles) | $340-500 | $525-750 | $840-1,260 |
| Liquor (9 bottles) | $180-270 | $270-450 | $450-750 |
| Champagne (22 bottles) | $220-330 | $330-550 | $550-1,100 |
| Mixers & Ice | $150-225 | $225-300 | $300-450 |
| Total | $1,240-1,805 | $1,850-2,725 | $2,890-4,560 |
| Per Person | $8-12 | $12-18 | $19-30 |
Get Your Exact Budget
Our calculator gives you precise costs based on your guest count and preferences.
Calculate BudgetDIY Bar vs. Venue Bar Packages
Cost: $15-35 per person
30-50% savings vs. venue packages
Pros:
- Significant cost savings
- Full control over selection
- Return unopened bottles
- Keep leftovers
Cons:
- More planning and effort
- Need to hire bartenders separately
- Transportation and storage needed
Cost: $40-80 per person
Convenience premium included
Pros:
- Everything handled for you
- Professional bartenders included
- No leftover management
- Insurance and licensing covered
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive
- Limited selection control
- May require minimums
Money-Saving Strategies
- Costco/Sam's Club
Save 15-25% vs. regular stores
- Buy by the case
10-15% case discounts at most stores
- Ask for event discounts
Many stores offer 10% for large orders
- Beer & wine only
Save 30-40% vs. full bar
- Signature cocktails only
2 cocktails is cheaper than full bar
- Prosecco over champagne
Save 40-50% on toast sparkling
- Return unused bottles
Buy 15% extra, return what's unopened
- Use kegs for 100+ guests
Save 25-30% per serving vs. bottles
- Limit variety
2-3 options per category is plenty
- Mid-tier brands
Guests won't notice in party setting
- Daytime wedding
Guests drink 20% less during the day
- Shorter reception
Each hour is ~15% of drink budget
Hidden Costs to Consider
Bartender Fees
$150-300 per bartender for 4-6 hours. Plan 1 per 50-75 guests.
Bar Equipment Rental
$100-300 for bar table, glassware, ice bins, and accessories.
Glassware
$0.50-1.50 per glass rental, or $1-3 per quality disposable.
Ice
$50-150 for ice depending on guest count and weather.
Corkage Fee
Some venues charge $10-25 per bottle if you bring your own.
Delivery/Transportation
Vehicle rental or delivery fees for large orders.
Bar Style Cost Comparison
Here's how different bar styles affect your bottom line for 100 guests:
Lowest cost, still elegant
- • 10 cases beer
- • 35 bottles wine
- • 15 bottles champagne
Most popular choice
- • 10 cases beer
- • 30 bottles wine
- • 2 signature cocktails
- • 15 bottles champagne
Maximum flexibility
- • 10 cases beer
- • 28 bottles wine
- • 10+ bottles liquor
- • 15 bottles champagne
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget per person for wedding alcohol?
Budget $15-25 per person for a basic bar, $25-40 for mid-range, and $40-60+ for premium. This includes beer, wine, liquor, mixers, and ice. Add $15-25 per person if hiring bartenders.
Is it cheaper to buy your own alcohol for a wedding?
Usually yes - DIY bars cost 30-50% less than venue bar packages. A $40/person venue package might cost only $20-25/person DIY. However, factor in your time, storage, and the need to handle returns.
How much does a full open bar cost for 100 guests?
A DIY full open bar for 100 guests costs $2,000-4,000 depending on quality. Venue-provided open bars typically run $4,000-6,000. Beer and wine only reduces costs by 30-40%.
What is the cheapest wedding bar option?
Beer and wine only is the most budget-friendly option at $12-18 per person. Limiting to 2-3 beer varieties and 2 wine options keeps costs low while still providing good variety.
How can I save money on wedding alcohol?
Buy from warehouse stores (Costco, Sam's Club), purchase by the case for 10-15% discounts, choose beer and wine over full bar, use prosecco instead of champagne, and return unopened bottles.
Should I have a cash bar at my wedding?
Cash bars are increasingly uncommon and may frustrate guests. Alternatives: limited hosted bar (beer/wine free, cocktails paid), drink tickets, or consumption bar (pay per drink after event).
Related Resources
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