Planning a wedding involves a million details—and making sure there’s enough alcohol for your guests is one you definitely don’t want to get wrong. Too little, and the bar runs dry. Too much, and you’re stuck with cases of wine and beer long after the honeymoon.
At National Bartender Staffing, we help couples throw unforgettable celebrations, and that includes getting the drinks just right. Here’s how to calculate the perfect amount of alcohol for your wedding—and a few trusted tools to make it easy.
🍾 The Basics: What You Need to Know
Before you plug any numbers into a calculator, here’s what you should gather:
- Number of guests
- Length of the reception
- Type of bar (beer & wine only, full bar, specialty cocktails)
- Time of day & location (a brunch wedding drinks differently than an evening reception)
- Guest preferences (more wine drinkers? Big beer crowd?)
The general rule of thumb:
One drink per person per hour, plus a little buffer for enthusiastic guests.
📊 Recommended Alcohol Calculators
Here are some of the best free online tools to help you plan:
1. The Knot Drink Calculator
Easy to use and customizable for wine, beer, and spirits.
👉 The Knot Wedding Alcohol Calculator
2. Evite Party Drink Calculator
Great for both weddings and smaller events, with breakdowns by drink type.
👉 Evite Drink Calculator
3. Wedding-Spot.com Alcohol Guide
Not a calculator, but an excellent reference for portioning based on crowd size and bar type.
👉 Wedding Spot Alcohol Guide
4. Total Wine Wedding Calculator
Total Wine’s tool helps you estimate what to buy and shows you how much it might cost.
👉 Total Wine Wedding Drink Calculator
🍸 Pro Tips from National Bartender Staffing
- Always round up. It’s better to have extra than run out mid-reception.
- Don’t forget mixers. Tonic, soda water, juice, garnishes, and ice are just as important.
- Have a signature cocktail. It’s a great way to control liquor usage and add a personal touch.
- Talk to your bartenders. Our team can help guide your quantities based on experience and your event’s unique vibe.
- Consider hiring us to staff your bar! We don’t just pour drinks—we help plan, prep, and serve with professionalism and flair.
🥂 Bottom Line
With a little math and a lot of experience, you can feel confident your bar will keep the party going all night. Use the tools above, chat with your vendors, and trust your bartenders—they’ve done this before.
Need help figuring it all out or want expert bartenders for your big day?
Contact National Bartender Staffing today—and let’s raise a glass to a perfectly planned party. 🍾