Wedding Alcohol Calculator
Planning a wedding bar means guessing how many cases to order before the caterer asks. This calculator turns guest count, drinking share, and reception length into a shopping list with beer cases, wine bottles, and spirits — rounded up so you do not run dry.
The worked example uses 100 guests, a four-hour reception, and a full bar split. Use the controls below to match your crowd and download a PDF checklist.
Estimates only — adjust the per-guest rates for your crowd. Serve responsibly.
Browse themes and presets, then come back here to download.
100 guests · 4 hours · Full bar · 75 drinking · 25 not drinking
| Category | Needed | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | 150 drinks | 7 cases |
| Wine | 112.5 drinks | 23 × 750 ml |
| Spirits | 112.5 drinks | 8 × 750 ml |
Assumptions
- Drinking share: 75% of headcount (75 drinking guests)
- Duration: 4 hours → 5 drinks per drinking guest
- Bar split: 40% beer, 30% wine, 30% spirits
- Pour sizes: 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz spirits, 4 oz sparkling
- Ice: 1.5 lb per guest (60% chilling, 40% serving)
- Mixers: 2 L per 750 ml spirits bottle
Supplies checklist
- Ice — 8 bags (20 lb each)
- Cups — 200 (2 per guest)
- Napkins — 300 (3 per guest)
- Mixers — 16 L
- Garnish (citrus, olives, cherries)
- Serving utensils and bar tools
- Coolers and ice tubs
Estimates only. Adjust the per-guest rates for your crowd.
The Handy Pages · thehandypages.com
More wedding bar presets
What you need behind the bar
- Clear disposable cups sized for wine and mixed drinks (opens in new tab)
- Ice buckets and tongs for bottles on the bar (opens in new tab)
- Bar spoon and jigger for measured pours (opens in new tab)
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