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Savvy October 2019

Budgeting for an Open Bar

Cady, on November 8, 2018 at 3:30 PM Posted in Planning 0 12

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Hey everyone!

I've been working on fine-tuning our budget and I'm not certain how much we should be looking to spend on drinks. We're having an open bar, but we have to provide the alcohol ourselves at our venue. Does anyone know a good way to calculate how much you should spend per person on drinks? Or is there a good rule of thumb to follow?

Side note - both sides are BIG drinkers so I expect to need a decent amount (don't worry we factored in safe ways for everyone to get where they need to be after and already have that portion covered).

Thanks in advance!

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12 Comments

Latest activity by Tonia, on November 21, 2018 at 2:05 PM

Champion June 2019
Kenisha · on November 8, 2018 at 3:39 PM
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Here’s a couple of pictures that can hopefully help you.
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Champion October 2018
Kelly · on November 8, 2018 at 3:42 PM
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As far as what you’ll spend it depends on what kind of wine/beer/liquor you’re serving. Serving 2 buck chuck and Smirnoff is going to cost you less than serving a $50 bottle of wine and grey goose. Figure out what type of alcohol you want to serve and then price things out at your local liquor store or Costco. I know places like BevMo will allow you to return unopened bottles if you overbuy.
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on November 8, 2018 at 3:43 PM
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I've heard one drink per person per hour. I'm not sure how to calculate what they will drink between options, but I know there are a ton of party alcohol calculators online!
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Savvy October 2019
Cady · on November 8, 2018 at 4:08 PM
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Oh my gosh, this is amazing! Thank you so much!
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Savvy October 2019
Cady · on November 8, 2018 at 4:10 PM
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Thanks! And That's kind of another thing, there are specific brands the family drinks so unfortunately, "2 buck chuck" (which I love that phrase, never heard it before) won't cut it.

Also appreciate the part about returning unopened bottles, that's a good thing to know!
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Savvy October 2019
Cady · on November 8, 2018 at 4:11 PM
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Thanks so much, I think that's probably a good rule of thumb!
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Champion June 2019
Kenisha · on November 8, 2018 at 5:42 PM
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You’re welcome. Hope that helps!
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Champion June 2019
Kenisha · on November 8, 2018 at 5:43 PM
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She mentioned her family was heavy drinkers so that may not apply lol
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Just Said Yes May 2019
Blaire · on November 8, 2018 at 8:26 PM
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If you buy the alcohol from like a Costco, I know they allow for returns on any unopened alcohol so just keep that in mind if you over buy a little!
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Savvy October 2019
Cady · on November 8, 2018 at 10:42 PM
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Thanks so much! I'm thinking we'll end up getting stuff from them, they seem like a pretty great option.
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Super September 2019
Will & Tiara · on November 8, 2018 at 10:53 PM
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Three thumbs up, girlfriend!
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Expert October 2019
Tonia · on November 21, 2018 at 2:05 PM
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We are providing the liquor for our open bar as well and I found this calculator that takes into account light, medium and heavy drinkers. https://www.evite.com/pages/party/drink-calculator
Also, Total Wine & Beverage allows you bring back unopened bottles and you can pre-order as well, if you're having wine that it.
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