{"id":832177,"date":"2025-03-28T01:50:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T06:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/?p=832177"},"modified":"2025-03-21T11:53:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T16:53:47","slug":"wedding-alcohol-all-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-alcohol-all-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Wedding Alcohol 101: All You Need to Know about Planning, Purchasing, and Pouring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Image by Jordan Jankun Photography<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

If you’re wondering how much alcohol to buy for a wedding, you’re not alone. While many <\/span>venues<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>caterers<\/span><\/a>, or bar services provide alcohol as part of their packages, there are plenty of scenarios where you might need to purchase it yourself. That can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easier. From deciding on the type of bar to calculating how much to buy and where to purchase in bulk, here’s everything you need to know about wedding alcohol.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Type of Bar Should I Have?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before stocking up on bottles, you need to decide which kind of bar setup best suits your wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Open Bar<\/span><\/h3>\n

An open bar allows guests to order any drink they’d like, as many times as they please. This typically includes top-shelf selections and a variety of liquors, wines, and beers. Because of the unlimited nature of an open bar, it’s the most <\/span>expensive<\/span><\/a> option and usually requires professional bartenders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Limited Bar<\/span><\/h3>\n

A limited bar features a pre-set drink menu, often including two signature cocktails, a selection of wine (red and white), and beer. This option gives your guests variety while keeping costs more manageable.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image by Lynn Shapiro Photography<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

What Alcohol Should I Serve?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A good starting point is a mix of 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. Typically, wine is split evenly between red and white. But of course, you can adjust these ratios based on your personal preference or wedding style.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signature Cocktail<\/span><\/h3>\n

Signature cocktails are a fun way to personalize your wedding drinks. Choose a cocktail that reflects your taste and theme—for example, mai tais for a tropical wedding or spiked cider for a cozy <\/span>autumn celebration<\/span><\/a>. You can even get creative and name the drinks after your pet or an inside joke.<\/span><\/p>\n

Champagne Toast<\/span><\/h3>\n

A champagne toast is a classic wedding tradition. If you plan on having one, factor in the additional bottles needed. For larger weddings (over 50 guests), individual pours can quickly become a logistical headache. You could instead opt for a modern, trendy champagne tower which is perfect for photo opps. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Image by Grace Torres Photo<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Mocktails <\/span><\/h3>\n

Don’t forget about the non-drinkers! If you have guests who prefer <\/span>mocktails<\/span><\/a>, offering a thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic option is a great way to make everyone feel included. Instead of just water or soda, consider something festive like a virgin sangria or a sparkling lemonade—perfect for a summer celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Much Alcohol to Buy for a Wedding? <\/span><\/h2>\n

The golden rule: It’s always better to have too much than too little.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>To estimate how much to buy, consider:<\/span><\/p>\n