Wedding Alcohol & Bar Calculator

For a 5-hour reception with 100 guests (70% drinkers), plan for about 350 total drinks: 140 beers, 140 glasses of wine, and 70 cocktails. For the full bottle-by-bottle buying list and cost breakdown, see our guide on how much alcohol to buy for a 100-guest wedding.

Open bar packages typically range from $25-$60 per person for a 4-5 hour reception, depending on your location and spirit selection.

Buying your own alcohol can save 30-50%, but check if your venue allows BYOB and factor in corkage fees.

Open bar charges a flat per-person rate. Consumption bar charges based on actual drinks served, which can be cheaper for afternoon weddings or events with lighter drinkers.