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Long Distance Bride
Devoted June 2017

How much booze for a Sunday lunch reception?

Long Distance Bride, on February 28, 2017 at 6:15 PM Posted in Planning 0 10

So, we're doing a lunchtime reception on a Sunday, which starts at noon. It's going to be pretty casual, with around 80 people, so we're sticking with hiring a bartender and providing a variety of wine and beer. Probably going to do a red, white and prosecco, and then a few options for the beers.

Where it's earlier in the day and won't have the party vibe of a Saturday night reception,do you think the general estimation of 1 drink per guest per hour is too much? FH is convinced that estimating 1 drink per person for the entire reception will be more than enough- he comes from a family that very rarely drinks. I think if we do that, we're gonna run out of alcohol by the time lunch is served. What do you all think?

10 Comments

Latest activity by Roxanne, on March 1, 2017 at 2:26 PM
  • Kathleen Smith
    Kathleen Smith ·
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    I agree with you. Perhaps compare the numbers of a consumption bar vs. what the venue charges per person tab.

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  • Rachel DellaPorte
    Rachel DellaPorte ·
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    I don't think one drink per hour is substantial, especially if that hour is cocktail hour. Most guests will grab two drinks during cocktail hour, and in the hours that follow, at least one, if not two more drinks. That's my experience at my family's top shelf open bar weddings. Don't run out of alcohol by the time lunch is served. That's the best life advice I can offer (and as a guest who dislikes both wine and beer, if you could offer a signature drink, I'd really appreciate it. If not, no judgment).

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  • Jane38
    VIP September 2018
    Jane38 ·
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    Lol the time of day doesn't usually matter when it comes to celebrating a wedding and alcohol. I'd say 2 drinks for cocktail hour and then 1-2 drinks per hour past that per guest. Worst case you have leftovers right?

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  • Long Distance Bride
    Devoted June 2017
    Long Distance Bride ·
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    @rachel, thank you for the insight! I'll definitely look into having a signature cocktail, too!

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  • Alicia v.
    Super March 2017
    Alicia v. ·
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    We are a 80guest Sunday brunch wedding that has a 1hr cocktail and 3-4hr reception. We estimated 4drinks per person and then bought for 5per person just in case

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  • Mrs. Knolle
    Master July 2016
    Mrs. Knolle ·
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    If cost is a factor, look around for liquor stores that let you return unopened cases. That way if you overbuy then you can get some money back.

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  • Long Distance Bride
    Devoted June 2017
    Long Distance Bride ·
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    Thanks all! Definitely gonna increase our booze estimation!!

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  • Shayna
    Super June 2016
    Shayna ·
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    All the mimosas!

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  • Jane38
    VIP September 2018
    Jane38 ·
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    Lol yes I second Shayna about mimosas haha!

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  • Roxanne
    Expert April 2017
    Roxanne ·
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    Mimosas, Yes!

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