How Much Alcohol Do You Really Need for a Wedding? A Simple, Stress-Free Bar Calculator Tool

Planning a wedding bar can feel like guesswork—especially when you’re trying to avoid running out of drinks or overspending on alcohol you don’t need. At Beau Cheval, we’ve helped host hundreds of celebrations, and one thing is consistent: couples rarely know how much to buy.

So, we built an easy, no-nonsense Stress-Free Bar Calculator Tool you can use right here.

Whether you’re planning a simple beer-and-wine service or a full bar with cocktails, this tool gives you a realistic estimate based on:

• Your guest count

• Your hours of bar service

• Your bar style

• Typical drink consumption per person

  
  

It’s fast, accurate, and takes the guesswork out of stocking your bar.

---

Why This Calculator Works

Most couples underestimate how much guests actually drink at weddings. Industry averages show:

• 1 drink in the first hour

• 0.75 drinks per guest per hour after that

• Slightly higher consumption during cocktail hour and early in the reception

• Seasonal factors (summer weddings drink more water, wine, and seltzers; winter weddings drink more cocktails and beer)

  
  

We combined these averages with our own on-site experience helping couples plan their bar service every weekend.

The result? A practical tool that gives you quantities you can confidently shop from.

---

Beer vs. Wine vs. Cocktails — What Couples Should Know

Different bar styles shift how guests drink:

Beer & Wine Only

• Guests tend to split 55% beer / 45% wine

• You’ll need zero spirits or mixers

• This option keeps costs down while still offering variety

  
  

Full Bar (Beer, Wine & Cocktails)

• Guests spread consumption across beer (40%), wine (35%), and spirits (25%)

• Expect higher mixer usage (juices, sodas, tonic, etc.)

• Great for crowds that enjoy bourbon, vodka, gin, or signature cocktails

  
  

Our calculator adjusts all these ratios automatically.

---

A Quick Note on Non-Alcoholic Drinks

No matter what bar style you choose, plan to offer at least one non-alcoholic drink per guest per hour:

• Water stations

• Tea or lemonade

• Soda

• Punch

• Coffee service later in the evening

  
  

Your guests will thank you—especially during warmer months.

---

Use the Stress-Free Bar Calculator Tool Below

Slide the guest count, choose your hours, and pick your bar style. The calculator instantly tells you:

• Total expected drinks

• Beer bottles or cans

• Wine bottles (750ml)

• Spirits bottles (750ml)

• Mixers (in liters)

• 
  

This is meant to be a realistic guide, not a strict rulebook. Your group might drink a little more or a little less—but this will get you far closer than guessing.

---

Hosting Your Wedding at Beau Cheval?

If you’re getting married with us, you won’t be on your own. Our team helps every couple create a personalized bar plan as part of our all-inclusive service—so you know exactly what to buy, when to buy it, and how much to bring.

But for anyone planning their wedding bar, here’s your instant calculator: