Drinks by guest count
How much alcohol for 100 wedding guests?
A starting bar estimate for 100 adult guests over a 5-hour reception.
Estimated result
Pre-calculated from the example inputs below. Adjust them in the calculator for your own numbers.
- Wine
- 66 x 750 ml bottles
- Beer
- 231 bottles or cans
- Spirits
- 6 x 750 ml bottles
- Mixers
- 15 litres
For 100 adult guests over about 5 hours with an average drinking profile and a 50/35/15 split, the estimate below gives a starting bar list. Confirm venue corkage and supplier return policies before buying.
How to use this guest-count example
This example uses 100 adult guests, 5 hours of bar service, and a average drinking profile. The calculator produces a shopping-list estimate, so the result should be reviewed against the actual schedule, guest mix, and venue rules.
- Count adult guests who may drink alcohol, not the total invitation count.
- Use the hours when drinks are served, not automatically the full venue hire period.
- Change the profile if the group is clearly lighter or heavier than average.
Before turning it into an order
The example splits 660 estimated drinks into wine, beer, and spirits using the entered percentages. Convert the rounded bottles and cans into supplier case sizes before buying.
- Plan water, soft drinks, alcohol-free options, ice, glassware, and garnishes separately.
- Ask whether unopened bottles or cases can be returned.
- Follow venue rules, licensing requirements, and responsible-service limits.
100 guests bar-planning checks
| Decision | Example value | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Adult guests | 100 | Remove children and known non-drinkers where appropriate. |
| Bar service time | 5 hours | Separate welcome drinks, dinner wine, or evening-only guests if needed. |
| Drink split | 50/35/15 | Make sure wine, beer, and spirits add to 100%. |
| Rounded order | 66 wine, 231 beer, 6 spirits | Convert to cases, packs, and supplier minimums. |
Example inputs used
- Adult guests: 100
- Event length: 5
- Drinking profile: average
- Wine share: 50
- Beer share: 35
- Spirits share: 15
These are starting values for this example. Measure or confirm your own figures, then open them in the wedding alcohol calculator.
Assumptions and limits
- Assumes adult guests only and a 5-hour reception.
- Uses an average drinking profile and a 50/35/15 split.
- Includes a 10% buffer; remote venues may want a larger buffer if returns are not possible.
Follow local alcohol laws and venue rules. Do not use this to encourage overconsumption.