Wedding Alcohol Calculator.
Tell us your guest count, reception length, and drink mix. We'll estimate exactly how much beer, wine, and spirits to buy — so you walk into your event stocked, not stressed.
Estimate how your crowd splits between beer, wine, and spirits. Must total 100%.
Quantities, deposits & minimums.
The questions we get most often from couples and event planners using the calculator. Don't see yours? Send it over in your inquiry — we'll answer in 24 hours.
Ask a QuestionHow much alcohol do I really need for 100 guests?+
For a 5-hour reception with 100 drinking guests, plan on about 600 drinks total — roughly 10 cases of beer, 50 bottles of wine, and 6 handles (1.75L) of liquor with mixers, if you split the crowd evenly across beer, wine, and spirits. Use the calculator above to adjust for your guest count, event length, and drink mix.
How many drinks does the average guest have?+
Plan on one drink per drinking guest per hour, plus one extra for the cocktail hour. That covers most weddings comfortably. Heavy-drinking crowds or open-bar weekends may run 10–15% higher, so always round up.
Should I buy beer in cans or bottles?+
Cans chill faster, weigh less, are cheaper per ounce, and almost never break — we recommend cans for outdoor events and tented receptions. Bottles look more upscale on a styled bar; either works.
How do I split red vs white wine?+
A 60/40 red-to-white split works for most evening weddings. Flip it (60/40 white-to-red) for daytime or summer events. If you're serving sparkling for toasts, plan one 750ml bottle of bubbles per 6 guests.
What about non-drinkers and guests under 21?+
Subtract them from the guest count you enter into the calculator. Then stock non-alcoholic options separately: plan 2 mocktails, sodas, or sparkling waters per non-drinking guest across the event.
Do you have a guest count or event minimum?+
Proof & Proper books events from about 30 guests up. There's no hard maximum — we scale bartenders, bar builds, and prep to match your headcount. Smaller, intimate events are welcome.
What deposit do you require to hold a date?+
We hold your date with a signed contract and a 25% retainer. The remaining balance is due two weeks before your event. Dates are first-come, first-served — peak Saturdays book out quickly.
What's included in the package price?+
Every package includes bartenders, the bar build, mixers, garnishes, ice, glassware or cups, and full setup and teardown. You provide the alcohol. Travel beyond our standard radius and premium add-ons are quoted separately.
Can you help me buy the alcohol?+
Yes. After you book, we send a customized shopping list based on your guest count, package, and signature cocktails — quantities, brands, and where to source them locally. The calculator above gets you a head start.
The math behind the pour.
Drinks per guest: Plan on one drink per drinking guest per hour, plus one extra drink for the cocktail hour. A 5-hour reception with 120 guests works out to roughly 720 drinks.
Beer: One drink equals one 12 oz bottle or can. There are 24 bottles in a standard case.
Wine: A standard 750ml bottle pours about five 5 oz glasses. Cases hold 12 bottles. Split your wine roughly 60/40 red to white for an evening event, or flip it for a daytime celebration.
Spirits: A 1.75L handle yields about 39 cocktails at a 1.5 oz pour. Add roughly one mixer pour per spirits drink for sodas, tonics, and juices.
Always round up. Most liquor retailers will accept returns on unopened bottles. Running out is the only real risk — buy a little extra and enjoy the leftovers.
Proof & Proper is a dry-hire mobile bar — you provide the alcohol, we bring the bartenders, bar build, mixers, garnishes, glassware, and full setup. Use this calculator for your shopping list, then let us pour it properly.
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