How Much Alcohol Do I Need for My Event? A Foolproof Guide

How Much Alcohol Do I Need for My Event? A Foolproof Guide

Planning a wedding or special event in the Vancouver area? One of the biggest questions (and potential headaches!) is figuring out how much alcohol you need. Too little, and you risk running dry. Too much, and you're left with a surplus. Don't worry, we have made a simple and quick guide for you. As your local expert in event bartending, we've poured countless drinks and have the inside scoop on calculating your beverage needs.

This guide will give you a simple formula and some pro tips to ensure your guests are happy and your bar is well-stocked.

The Basic Calculation:

A good starting point is the "1-1-1" rule per guest, per hour:

• 1 Cocktail: Think mixed drinks, like a gin and tonic or a margarita.

• 1 Glass of Wine: A standard 5oz pour.

• 1 Beer: A typical 12oz bottle or can.

So, for a 100-guest event lasting 4 hours, you'd roughly need:

• 100 guests x 4 hours x 1 cocktail = 400 cocktails worth of liquor

• 100 guests x 4 hours x 1 wine = 400 glasses of wine

• 100 guests x 4 hours x 1 beer = 400 beers

Important Considerations (Because It's Never Quite That Simple):

• Guest Preferences: Do you know your crowd? If they're big wine drinkers, adjust the ratio. A younger crowd might favor cocktails or beer.

• Event Type: A formal wedding might require more wine and cocktails, while a casual backyard BBQ might call for more beer.

• Event Duration: The longer the event, the more drinks you'll need. Our formula is a starting point – add a buffer for longer celebrations.

• Non-Drinkers: Don't forget about guests who don't consume alcohol! Have plenty of non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, sparkling water, and maybe even a signature mocktail. This is a thoughtful touch your guests will appreciate.

• The "Plus One" Factor: Always add a little extra. It's better to have a bit leftover than to run out. A 10-20% buffer is a good idea. Having to run and grab more is an avoidable headache.

• Returning Alcohol: Another factor is to consider when ordering. A good bar team will control how much you want going out. This helps later with returning alcohol for cash back.

Fizz Functions Pro Tip: We can help you create a custom drink menu tailored to your event and guests' preferences. We'll take the guesswork out of ordering and ensure you have the perfect amount of alcohol.

Beyond the Basics:

• Signature Drinks: A signature cocktail adds a special touch and can simplify your alcohol order.

• Open Bar vs. Cash Bar Vs Toonie: This will impact how you manage your alcohol supply. For a cash bar, you might not need to purchase as much upfront. An open bar can run dry quickly.

• Local Suppliers: [Mention any local suppliers you work with – this reinforces your local focus.] We partner with the best local breweries and distributors to offer a wide selection and competitive pricing.

• Trends in Drinking Habits: People are drinking a little less nowadays and looking for healthier options. Consider asking about healthy drinks that can be offered.

Let Fizz Functions Handle the Drinks!

Planning a wedding or an event in Vancouver? Contact us today for a free consultation! We'll help you determine the perfect amount of alcohol, create a custom drink menu, and provide professional bartending services to make your event a success. We're your local experts, dedicated to making your event unforgettable. Cheers!