The Ins and Outs of Alcohol

Hello Gorgeous!

Things can get a little confusing and convoluted when discussing the bar at your wedding, we know! Purchasing enough, however, is soo critical! After all, no couple wants to run out of drinks OR overspend on an unnecessary surplus. We sat down with Candace Duncan of Candy Bar Bartenders to get some expert insights on tackling this challenge. Whether you’re handling it on your own or hiring a professional, here are a few tips and considerations!

Step 1: Ask the Right Questions!

When helping clients determine their alcohol needs, Candy Bar Bartenders starts by asking a few key questions:

How many guests are attending the wedding?
Will you serve beer and wine only, or will there be a full bar? (A full bar requires a more diverse selection of drinks)
How long is the reception scheduled to last?

Step 2: Use a Tried-and-True Formula!

A fairly standard formula that our CWPs have seen used is this:

Number of Drinks = Number of Guests × Number of Hours × Drinks per Guest

As a general guideline, plan for 2 drinks per guest during the first hour and 1 drink per guest for each additional hour. For example, a 4-hour reception with 100 guests would require approximately 400 drinks.

Then, break it down! The following is a typical breakdown, but the CWPs at Infinity Events encourage each couple to stop and take a look at your guest list. You know your people best! If you feel that you should adjust these percentages accordingly, we trust your judgement there!

Beer: 40% of total drinks
Wine: 30% of total drinks
Spirits/Cocktails: 30% of total drinks

Don’t forget mixers, garnishes, and non-alcoholic options for guests who don’t drink!

Step 3: Keep It Simple!

Candace advises couples to avoid overthinking. “People will drink whatever at an open bar,” she says. “Stick to a streamlined selection—it’s easier on your budget.” While offering a mix of beer, wine, and a couple of signature cocktails is ideal, you don’t need to cater to every taste. This is YOUR special day, and the menu should reflect YOUR preferences.

Step 4: Avoid Common Mistakes!

According to Candy Bar Bartenders, overbuying is one of the most frequent errors couples make. To prevent this, they provide clients with a detailed shopping list tailored to their event.

Additionally, don’t stress about trying to please everyone. “You can’t satisfy every guest’s taste buds,” says Candace. Focus on serving drinks you love and throw in a few crowd-pleasers.

Why Hiring a Pro Is Worth It!

Something we say a lot at Infinity Events is simply this: ‘Just because you CAN do it, doesn’t mean you should.” While calculating alcohol needs is possible to do yourself, hiring professionals like Candy Bar Bartenders can save you significant stress and ensure flawless execution. Here are three reasons to let experts handle it:

Professional Presentation and Aesthetics: A well-designed bar elevates your reception and can be a major piece of the wedding design.
Exceptional Services and Expertise: Professionals handle everything from inventory to mixing, so you don’t have to.
Unique and Fresh Mixers: Candy Bar Bartenders use fresh fruits and herbs for unparalleled flavors.

By entrusting your cocktail bar to professionals, you can enjoy your wedding day without worrying about math, logistics, or last-minute mistakes. Let them take care of the details while you sip and celebrate.

The CWPs at Infinity Events’ main job is to help you curate the amazing vendor team that you deserve! We encourage you, if you haven’t already, to hire a Certified Wedding Planner for your day. The education and expertise they provide is second to none! We are here to help!