Calculate exactly how much to budget for wedding alcohol. Get real cost estimates based on your guest count and preferences.
Typical: 4-5 hours
Adjust for guests who won't drink alcohol
Adds 20% extra (recommended)
Detailed breakdown for 100 guests, 4-hour reception
| Category | Quantity | Budget | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine (red + white) | 25-30 bottles | $250-400 | $500-900 |
| Beer | 8-10 cases | $200-300 | $350-500 |
| Liquor (vodka, whiskey, etc.) | 8-12 bottles | $200-350 | $400-800 |
| Champagne (toast) | 10-13 bottles | $150-200 | $400-600 |
| Mixers & garnishes | Assorted | $75-125 | $100-175 |
| Ice | 100-150 lbs | $25-50 | $25-50 |
| Total Alcohol | 100 guests | $900-1,425 | $1,775-3,025 |
*Does not include bartender fees ($150-300) or glassware rentals
Smart strategies to cut costs without cutting quality
Costco, Sam's Club, and Total Wine offer significant discounts.
Mid-range spirits mixed in cocktails taste the same to most guests.
Many stores accept returns. Buy extra and return what you don't use.
Open bar for cocktail hour + dinner, then beer/wine only.
For 150 guests at a 4-hour reception, expect to spend $1,500-$3,000 for a DIY bar with beer, wine, and basic liquor. This breaks down to roughly $10-20 per person. Premium selections can push this to $4,000-$6,000.
The average couple spends $2,000-$3,500 on wedding alcohol for a 100-150 guest wedding. This represents about 8-10% of the total wedding budget. Costs vary widely based on location, selection, and whether you buy retail or go through a venue.
Plan for 1 drink per person per hour, plus 1 extra drink total. For a 4-hour reception, that is 5 drinks per person. Not everyone drinks equally - about 30% will drink more, 30% will drink less, and some guests will not drink at all.
Yes, significantly. Buying your own alcohol typically costs $15-25 per person versus $50-100+ per person at venue bars. The catch is not all venues allow outside alcohol, and you will need to handle logistics like ice, bartenders, and cleanup.
Limit the bar to beer and wine (saves 30-40%), buy in bulk at warehouse stores, choose a venue that allows outside alcohol, opt for domestic over imported, skip top-shelf liquor, and serve signature cocktails instead of a full bar.
Open bars cost more but are the most popular choice (85% of weddings). Alternatives include beer and wine only, limited bar hours, or drink tickets. A beer and wine bar costs about 40% less than a full open bar.
For a premium open bar, budget $4-8 per guest specifically for spirits. Top-shelf bottles (Grey Goose, Maker's Mark, Patron) run $35-60 each versus $15-25 for mid-range. For 100 guests, premium spirits add $400-800 to your bar budget. Consider a compromise: premium vodka and whiskey (the most requested), but mid-range for rum, gin, and tequila.
Use our complete calculator for exact quantities, shopping lists, and more drink options.
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