How much alcohol should you plan for a wedding ?

Organizing a wedding is an art, and one of the essential questions is: how much alcohol should you plan for? You want your guests to have a good time without going overboard, and, above all, avoid unpleasant surprises (running out of stock or excessive surplus). So, here is a simple and effective guide to perfectly measure the quantities.

Basics to know !

• On average, a guest drinks 2 to 3 glasses per hour during the cocktail hour, and 1 to 2 glasses per hour afterward.

• You should adjust depending on the type of guests (a wedding with many young people will consume more than a family-oriented wedding).

• Weather also plays a role: the hotter it is, the more people will drink refreshing beverages (beer, white wine, champagne).

  
  

How to correctly calculate the amount of alcohol per person ?

Planning the right amount of alcohol is crucial for a successful party. The goal is to satisfy all guests without running out or having excess. Several factors come into play: the duration of each wedding segment, the types of drinks offered, the presence of wine or cocktail lovers, as well as the season and ambient temperature. To avoid any guesswork, here is a precise calculation of the recommended quantities for each part of the celebration.

1- Welcome drinks / Cocktail (duration : 2 hours)

Ce moment convivial est souvent accompagné de bulles et de cocktails. Voici ce qu'il faut prévoir :

• Champagne ou mousseux : 1 bouteille pour 3 personnes

• Cocktail (punch, spritz, mojito) : 1L pour 4 personnes

• Softs (eau, jus, sodas) : 1L pour 2 personnes

  
  

2- Meal (duration : 3-4h)

The meal is a key moment of the wedding, and the choice of wines should be adapted to the dishes served.

• White wine (if seafood or fish): 1 bottle for 4 people

• Red wine: 1 bottle for 3 people

• Still and sparkling water: 1L per person

  
  

3- Party

Once the meal is finished, the dancing party begins! Here are the ideal quantities:

• CChampagne for dessert: 1 bottle for 6 people

• Beer: 1 bottle (33cl) per person

• Spirits (whiskey, rum, vodka): 1 bottle for 10-12 people

• Mixers: 1 bottle for 3-4 people

Some paractical tips :

• It's better to have a bit more than too little! If you have too much, you can always bring back unopened bottles.

• Think of non-drinkers! Provide original non-alcoholic drinks (mocktails, fun fruit juices).

• Avoid self-service for hard liquors to limit overconsumption.

  
  

With these tips and well-measured quantities, you have all the keys to guarantee a festive and perfectly orchestrated atmosphere. A successful wedding relies on a beautiful balance between enjoyment and moderation, allowing everyone to fully savor the moment without excess or shortage. By managing drinks smoothly and anticipating your guests' needs, you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises and promote a convivial and unforgettable experience. Think of good service, well-chilled drinks, and safe transport options for those who can't drive.

Happy planning, and may this day be filled with magical moments! Let’s toast to your union and love!