Planning an open bar for your wedding or event? Calculate exactly how much beer, wine, and liquor you need - plus get a cost estimate.
Calculate My Open BarBased on 4-hour event. Use our calculator for exact numbers.
How many people are coming?
How long is the bar open?
Beer lovers? Wine crowd?
Quantities + cost estimate
Standard estimates for common guest counts (4-hour event)
| Guests | Beer | Wine | Liquor | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 7 cases | 15 bottles | 3 bottles | $500-800 |
| 100 | 14 cases | 28 bottles | 6 bottles | $1,000-1,500 |
| 150 | 20 cases | 42 bottles | 9 bottles | $1,500-2,200 |
| 200 | 27 cases | 56 bottles | 12 bottles | $2,000-3,000 |
Estimates based on mid-range pricing. Get exact numbers for your event.
For a DIY open bar, plan $20-40 per person for a 4-hour event, depending on drink quality. This covers beer, wine, liquor, mixers, and ice. Professional bartending service adds $150-300 per bartender.
Use the 1-drink-per-person-per-hour rule. Multiply guests by hours to get total drinks. Split that into beer (40%), wine (35%), and liquor (25%), then convert to bottles and cases. Our calculator does this math for you.
An open bar costs more upfront but is generally preferred by guests. For a DIY open bar with returned unopened bottles, you can control costs. Many couples find it worth the investment for guest experience.
Plan 1 bartender per 50-75 guests. For 100 guests, 2 bartenders keeps lines short. For 150+ guests, consider 3 bartenders and possibly a dedicated beer/wine station.
A standard open bar includes: 2-3 beer options, red and white wine, vodka, whiskey/bourbon, rum, and basic mixers (tonic, soda, juice). Premium bars add gin, tequila, and top-shelf options.
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Calculate My Open Bar