How many drinks do I need for my wedding?

Short answer

There is no exact number that suits every wedding, because it depends on your guests, the length of the day and the weather. A good starting point is to plan for about one drink per guest per hour, then adjust for your crowd and the occasion.

Planning drinks for a wedding is about matching the amount to your guests and your day. A summer afternoon with lots of water and soft drinks will need less alcohol. A long evening with dancing will need more. Some guests drink more, some less, and some do not drink at all.

A common approach is to think in terms of drinks per hour. For a typical wedding, you might allow one drink per guest for each hour of the reception. That includes the welcome drink, the toasts, and the drinks with the meal. You can then add extra for the evening, especially if you have a bar.

Think about the types of drinks too. Wine with the meal, a sparkling toast, beer for some, and a range of soft drinks, water and juice. You do not need every guest to have every drink. Many couples choose to have a free bar for a set time, then switch to a cash bar. That can help control cost.

Ask your venue or caterer for advice, as they will know what is typical for your guest count. You can also ask a local off licence for a sale or return arrangement, so you do not pay for unopened bottles. Always have plenty of water available, especially in warm weather.