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Just Said Yes May 2021

Open bar

Elizabeth, on June 9, 2020 at 1:06 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 11
Hello!! My fiancé and I are getting married 5/29/2021 and we are sooo excited!! I’m trying to plan the whole thing without a wedding planner (🥴) I have been on the move with booking my venue, photography, videography and everything else needed! I feel I am way ahead of the game so far which is making things a lot easier! My question is something that might be way to in advanced but I’m just looking for estimates so I can start saving! We’re looking at about 210 (maybe just a tad less) and I have Noo idea how much alcohol is needed! I would say our guest definitely know how to drink which makes me nervous on having too little! What are some of my fellow bride-to-be’s and brides who have dealt with this best advice? We’re thinking just 2 types of beer (Miller lite & michelob) and red and white wine! Nothing too expensive because it all does the same! Thanks in advance!!

11 Comments

Latest activity by Elizabeth, on June 9, 2020 at 3:15 PM
  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    There are some online calculators but they’re usually over estimates from what I’ve seen.
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  • Elizabeth
    Super June 2021
    Elizabeth ·
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    Open bar 1

    I think this is generally good representation of what you'll need. One drink per person per hour is a pretty standard estimate, but you can alter the percent drinking beer vs. wine for your crowd. You should also consider who's serving. If you're hiring a bartender, they may have their own estimates they want you to use. If you're letting people self-serve or asking a family member or friend to do it, then you'll need to talk to them about how many servings you're trying to get out of each bottle of wine. A standard glass of wine is 5 oz-8oz, but when pouring for ourselves or for friends, or when you have someone who isn't a pro pouring, they tend to come out a little higher than that. You don't want them pouring heavy and then going through the bottles quicker than you intended.

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  • mrswinteriscoming
    VIP December 2021
    mrswinteriscoming ·
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    I think you need to give some serious thought to who your crowd is that you’re inviting. We have about 110-130 coming (won’t know until RSVPs are in) and we are doing a full bar of red and white wine, light and full strength beer, and 3 spirits. Our crowd can drink and ours will definitely be doing multiple shots or drinks per hour so we will be buying a LOT of booze! Online calculators can help as a basic starting point but if your friends drink more than average, you’ll need more.
    In my book anyway it’s better to have leftover alcohol than not enough.
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  • J
    Expert May 2021
    Jaime ·
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    I can't answer your question, but I have heard the idea that you should buy from a retailer that will let you return any unopened bottles. That might be a way to make sure you have enough to cover the night plus some, and then just return what doesn't get used.

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  • Taran
    Expert September 2020
    Taran ·
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    Definitely agree with PP. My family is still drinking wine from my sister's wedding in 2018 because we weren't able to return anything. The online calculators are great. The other thing I suggest is hiring a bar tending company to serve the drinks because they cover the liability insurance required and they could also help give an idea of how much of each to provide.

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  • E
    Just Said Yes May 2021
    Elizabeth ·
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    Thank you so much!!
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  • E
    Just Said Yes May 2021
    Elizabeth ·
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    Thank you!!!
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  • E
    Just Said Yes May 2021
    Elizabeth ·
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    Oh I didn’t know they did that! Thank you!
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  • E
    Just Said Yes May 2021
    Elizabeth ·
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    Love this advice! Thank you!
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  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
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    Here is a great calculator to help with this. https://www.evite.com/pages/party/drink-calculator

    You can put in the amount of people, the types of drinkers they are (light, average, heavy), the length of time, and the type of alcohol. It will calculate what you need Smiley smile .

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  • E
    Just Said Yes May 2021
    Elizabeth ·
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    This is awesome!! Thank you!
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