As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with some insights on how much alcohol you should buy for your wedding. It's important to consider the number of guests, their drinking preferences, and the duration of the event. Let's break it down.
1. Calculate the number of drinks per guest:
– A typical guideline is to plan for two drinks per person per hour. This takes into account the average consumption rate and ensures that you have enough alcohol to keep your guests satisfied throughout the event.
– Keep in mind that not all guests may drink alcohol, so you might want to adjust the quantity accordingly. You can also consider offering non-alcoholic options for those who prefer not to consume alcohol.
2. Determine the alcohol ratio:
– For a well-rounded selection, a common ratio is to serve equal portions of beer, wine, and liquor. This ratio allows guests to choose their preferred drink and caters to different tastes.
– To simplify the calculation, you can divide the total alcohol quantity by three, allocating one-third for each category. This ensures that you have a balanced selection for your guests.
3. Estimate the quantity per guest:
– Beer: Assuming a standard 12-ounce serving, you can calculate the quantity by dividing the total number of guests by three. For example, if you have 100 guests, you would need approximately 33 beers.
– Liquor: A typical 750ml (25.4 ounces) bottle of liquor contains around 17 standard 1.5-ounce shots. Divide the total number of guests by 17 to estimate the number of bottles needed. For instance, if you have 100 guests, you would require approximately six bottles of liquor.
– Wine: A standard 750ml bottle of wine serves around five 5-ounce glasses. Divide the total number of guests by five to determine the number of bottles needed. For example, if you have 100 guests, you would need approximately 20 bottles of wine.
4. Consider the duration of the event:
– If your wedding reception lasts for four hours, you would multiply the number of drinks per guest per hour (two) by four to determine the total number of drinks per guest. Using this calculation, you can adjust the quantities accordingly.
5. Keep in mind your personal preferences and experiences:
– It's always better to have a little extra alcohol than to run out during the event. Consider the drinking habits of your guests and adjust the quantities accordingly.
– If you know that your guests have a preference for certain types of alcohol, you can prioritize those selections and adjust the ratios accordingly.
Estimating the amount of alcohol for your wedding requires careful consideration of the number of guests, their drinking preferences, and the duration of the event. By following the guideline of two drinks per person per hour and using a typical ratio of 1/3 beer, 1/3 liquor, and 1/3 wine, you can ensure that you have enough alcohol to keep your guests happy and satisfied throughout the celebration.