Alcohol for wedding?

Question

I'm having a hard time figuring out what and how much to buy for our wedding? Our guest list is about 90 people, most of whom are younger and social drinkers. The reception will be 3-4 hours on a boat, there is no sit down dinner so it will be more like a cocktail party. I have a budget of $1500 but am having a hard time deciding how to divy that up. Any suggestions would be great! Approximate costs where i am are $20 per dozen beer, $7 per bottle wine, $30 per litre spirits. Thanks!

Answer 1

I can't tell you really how much to get, but don't feel obligated to go into debt to provide a lot of booze.  I'm only providing wine for a toast; otherwise it will be coffee, tea, pop and punch. If they are that hung up on alcohol, they can leave my party.

Answer 2

I am paying 20 per person  for a 3 hour package of unlimited beer and wine.

Answer 3

i would be tasteful and spend a bit more on the good stuff then get sparkling water or something to fill in the betweens.... it is still pretty and good to drink, you don't want the guests getting drunk and falling in the water but you don't want them to think you're cheap either.... calculate a drink per hour per guest maybe? they're going to be talking and paying attention to the newly weds anyways.

Answer 4

Two drinks per guest, per hour.  90 guests x 2 = 180 x 3 hours = 540 drinks.

540 drinks if they are all beer = 45 dozen = 900 bucks.  Not everybody will drink beer so you'll need wine.  There is about 4-5 glasses in a bottle so get 40 bottles (usually half red and half white) which will be about $240 bucks.  Considering that you do need to have some non alcoholic beverages available like tea and sodas you need to add another two hundred or so.  Any remaining would go towards the champagne, or you can choose to just have guests toast with whatever they are drinking at the time.

That brings you up to $1500 so it looks like you are having a beer and wine bar only.  Make sure beforehand that you talk with the manager at where you are buying the booze.  Usually you can arrange to have them let you return any unopened bottles or cases after the wedding is over.  And, make sure you check with your venue that you aren't responsible for the bar items like glasses and ice as well.