Raise a Glass to a Perfectly Stocked Wedding: How to Calculate the Right Amount of Alcohol to Order

Planning a wedding is an exciting but daunting task. There are many important aspects to consider, including the amount of alcohol you need to order for your guests. You want to ensure that there is enough alcohol to keep your guests happy, but you also don't want to have too much or run out of drinks. In this article, we will break down how to calculate how much alcohol to order for a wedding.

Step 1: Determine the Number of Guests

The first step is to determine the number of guests attending your wedding. Make sure to take into account any plus ones or last-minute changes. Once you have a solid guest list, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Determine the Length of the Wedding

The length of your wedding reception is an important factor to consider when calculating how much alcohol to order. On average, a wedding reception lasts for about four hours. If your reception is longer or shorter, adjust your calculations accordingly.

Step 3: Calculate the Alcohol Consumption

The amount of alcohol consumption per guest varies depending on factors such as age, gender, and the type of event. As a general rule of thumb, assume that each guest will have two drinks in the first hour and one drink per hour after that. This means that for a four-hour wedding reception with 100 guests, you will need around 500 drinks (2 drinks x 100 guests x 1 hour) + (1 Drink x 100 guest x 3 hours).

Step 4: Determine the Types of Alcohol to Serve

Now that you know how many drinks you need, you can start deciding on the types of alcohol to serve. It is best to offer a variety of options, including beer, wine, and liquor. Keep in mind that some guests may prefer non-alcoholic beverages, so make sure to have those options available as well.

Step 5: Calculate the Amount of Alcohol to Order

To calculate the amount of alcohol to order, you will need to determine the serving size of each drink. A standard serving of wine is 5 ounces, while a standard serving of beer is 12 ounces. A shot of liquor is typically 1.5 ounces. Use these serving sizes to determine how many bottles or cans of each drink you need to order.

Step 6: Order Extra

It is always a good idea to order extra alcohol, especially if you have an open bar. You never know when your guests might want to celebrate a little too much or when unexpected guests might show up. As a general rule of thumb, it is better to have too much than too little. You can always return unopened bottles, but it is impossible to order more drinks in the middle of the wedding.

In conclusion, calculating how much alcohol to order for a wedding requires careful planning and consideration of several factors. By following these steps, you can ensure that you have enough alcohol to keep your guests happy and avoid any unwanted surprises. Cheers to a successful wedding reception!