How Much Alcohol Do You Really Need for Your Wedding or Event?
Planning a wedding or special event in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia comes with a long list of details, but one of the most confusing aspects is figuring out how much alcohol to buy. No one wants to run out of drinks before the party is over, but overbuying can be a costly mistake—especially since responsible bartenders (like us!) won’t and legally can’t over-serve guests.
So how do you strike the perfect balance? The right amount of alcohol depends on several factors, including the number of guests, the length of your event, and your crowd’s drinking habits. At On The Fly Tapsters, we’re here to take the guesswork out of it. Keep reading for expert tips and use our handy Alcohol Calculator to ensure your bar is stocked just right.
The Key Factors That Determine How Much Alcohol You Need
Before making a trip to the liquor store, consider these key factors:
1. Guest Count and Drinking Preferences
• A typical guest will have 1 to 1.5 drinks per hour at a wedding or event.
• If your event is four hours long, expect each guest to consume about 4-6 drinks in total.
• Take into account whether your guests are light drinkers, moderate drinkers, or heavy drinkers. A brunch wedding will have a different drinking pattern than an evening cocktail party.
2. Event Length
The longer your event, the more drinks your guests will consume. However, drinking slows down after the first couple of hours, so you may not need to budget the same amount per hour throughout the night.
3. Type of Bar You’re Offering
• Full Bar (Liquor, Beer, and Wine): Plan for a mix of 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine unless your crowd leans toward one category.
• Beer and Wine Only: Adjust the split to about 60% wine and 40% beer, unless your crowd is more beer-loving.
• Signature Cocktails Only: If offering just a couple of cocktail choices, you can cut down on excessive liquor variety and waste.
4. What’s Being Served?
• A signature cocktail with multiple spirits or liqueurs may run out faster than standard mixed drinks.
• Cocktails served in large glasses with more mixer (like margaritas) will use less alcohol per drink than spirit-forward cocktails (like Old Fashioneds).
How to Calculate the Right Amount of Alcohol for Your Event
We’ve made it easy for you! Use our Alcohol Calculator to enter your guest count, event length, and drink preferences for an instant recommendation on how much to buy.
The Risks of Overbuying Alcohol (and Why We Can’t Over-Serve)
It might seem like a good idea to buy extra alcohol “just in case,” but there are a few major downsides to over-purchasing:
1. Leftover Alcohol = Wasted Money
Many venues do not allow you to return unused alcohol. While some unopened bottles can be saved for later, kegs, opened wine, and batched cocktails cannot be stored for long periods.
2. Our Bartenders Follow Legal & Ethical Standards
No matter how much alcohol is available, our team cannot and will not over-serve guests. We take responsible bartending seriously and ensure that every event remains safe and fun.
3. Too Much Alcohol Can Lead to Unwanted Situations
Overconsumption accidents—whether it’s a guest who drinks too much or an intoxicated driver leaving your event—can ruin an otherwise perfect celebration. Our job is to create a memorable, enjoyable atmosphere where everyone has a great time without excess.
At On The Fly Tapsters, we believe in quality over quantity. We ensure your guests get exceptional drinks, great service, and a night to remember—for the right reasons.
Final Tips for a Well-Stocked Bar
• Use our Alcohol Calculator to get an accurate estimate.
• Consider signature cocktails to control liquor costs while still offering a curated experience.
• Plan for a variety of drinks to cater to all guests, including non-drinkers with great mocktail options.
• Trust your bartenders! We’re here to make sure your event is fun, safe, and stress-free.
Need expert bar service for your event in DC, Maryland, or Virginia? Contact On The Fly Tapsters today to book your mobile bar and let’s craft an unforgettable experience together!
