Calculate exactly how many cases (or kegs) of beer you need for your wedding reception. No more guessing - get the right amount for your crowd.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For 100 wedding guests at a 5-hour reception, you need 8-10 cases of beer (192-240 bottles). Offer 2-3 varieties: 50% light lager, 30% craft/IPA, 20% seasonal or import.
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How long will your reception last? Most are 4-5 hours
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Beer quantities for weddings serving beer, wine, and cocktails (4-hour reception)
These estimates assume beer, wine, and cocktails are all available. Use the calculator above for personalized quantities including wine and liquor.
Expect 20-30% higher beer consumption in warm weather. Guests reach for cold, refreshing drinks.
Beer consumption drops slightly as guests prefer wine and cocktails. Offer richer styles.
Budget ranges for beer at your wedding reception
Domestic beers like Bud Light, Coors, Miller. Great for casual weddings.
Import and craft options like Blue Moon, Sam Adams, Stella Artois.
Local craft breweries, specialty imports, or custom-labeled wedding beers.
Planning a UK wedding? Beer choices, pack sizes, and even pint measurements differ from the US. Here is what you need to know.
Supermarkets offer the best value on multipacks. Look for deals like Tesco's 3-for-2 on selected beers, Sainsbury's 4-for-£6 on cans, and Aldi's award-winning own-brand lagers from £1 per bottle. For something special, order directly from a local brewery - many offer wedding packages with branded labels and sale-or-return.
Budget tip: A mix of supermarket multipacks (£1-2 per bottle) for volume and a few cases of premium craft beer (£2-3 per bottle) for variety gives the best balance of cost and quality.
For a 4-hour wedding reception with 100 guests serving beer, wine, and liquor, plan for about 3-4 cases of beer (70-96 beers). If your crowd leans toward beer lovers, increase to 5-6 cases (120-144 beers). Our calculator adjusts based on your guest preferences.
Kegs are more cost-effective for large weddings (100+ guests) and reduce waste. One standard keg (15.5 gallons) serves about 165 12oz beers. However, cases of bottles and cans offer more variety and are easier for venues without draft equipment. Consider a mix: one keg of a crowd-pleaser plus craft bottles for variety.
For a 5-hour wedding where beer, wine, and cocktails are all served, plan for about 1-2 beers per person. Beer typically accounts for 20-30% of drinks consumed. For a beer-loving crowd, increase to 3-4 beers per person. That means about 1 case per 8-12 guests for a standard crowd.
Offer 2-3 options: a light lager (Pilsner, light beer) for broad appeal, a craft option or IPA for beer enthusiasts, and optionally a seasonal choice. For summer weddings, wheat beers and lagers are popular. Fall weddings pair well with amber ales or Oktoberfest styles.
Plan for 1.5 lbs of ice per guest plus extra for beer tubs. For 100 guests, that is 150+ lbs of ice. Use galvanized tubs or coolers, and have a backup ice run scheduled mid-reception. Kegs need dedicated tap systems with CO2 and should be kept at 36-38°F.
Yes, significantly. Summer and warm-weather weddings typically see 20-30% higher beer consumption. Guests drink lighter, colder beverages when it is hot. Winter weddings tend toward more wine and cocktails. Our calculator accounts for these seasonal preferences.
For a 150-guest outdoor wedding, plan for 7-9 cases of beer (increase standard estimates by 20-30% for outdoor events). Guests drink more beer when it is warm and casual. Also factor in that outdoor weddings often run longer with extended cocktail hours, which increases consumption further.
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