How to Calculate Wedding Food & Alcohol Requirements
Never run dry at the bar and never overpay for extra sheet cakes. Use proven hospitality equations.
1. The Standard 1-Drink-Per-Hour Formula
Wedding guests drink at an accelerated pace during cocktail hour, then stabilize to one drink per hour:
Example for 150 Guests (5-Hour Reception): (150 × 2) + (150 × 4) = 900 Drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many drinks per person should you plan for a wedding reception?
The industry standard formula is 2 drinks per guest during Cocktail Hour (Hour 1), plus 1 drink per guest for every subsequent hour of the reception. For a 5-hour reception with 150 guests, plan for approximately 900 total servings.
How many 750ml bottles of wine and liquor do you need for 100 guests?
For a standard 4-hour open bar with 100 guests (500 total drinks): plan for roughly 50 bottles of wine (25 red, 25 white/rosé), 150-200 beers, and 12-14 bottles of 750ml spirits (or 6-7 large 1.75L handle bottles).
How much does a custom wedding cake cost per slice?
Artisanal custom wedding cakes range from $4.50 to $12.00+ per slice depending on intricate fondant detailing, sugar flowers, labor hours, and delivery setup fees.