Beer Buying Guide For Your Wedding Day

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to the drinks. You don't want to run out of alcohol, but you also don't want to be left with heaps of leftovers. So, how much beer should you buy for your wedding?

The general rule of thumb is to assume that each guest will have at least one alcoholic drink per hour. Other sources suggest two drinks in the first hour and one drink for each additional hour. You'll also need to consider the duration of your wedding, the drinking habits of your guests, and whether you're serving other types of alcohol.

For a wedding with 100 guests that lasts four hours, you can expect to need around 133 beers. This calculation is based on the assumption that a third of wedding guests will prefer beer. If you know your guests are big beer drinkers, you may want to order more.

When choosing the type of beer to serve, consider the season. Lagers and session ales are better suited to summer, while darker beers are more popular in autumn and winter. It's also a good idea to provide a variety of beers to cater to different tastes. Finally, opt for beers with a lower percentage of alcohol to prevent guests from becoming too inebriated.

How much beer to buy for different wedding sizes

When it comes to wedding planning, it's essential to ensure you have enough drinks for your guests. Here is a guide on how much beer to buy for different wedding sizes:

For 30 guests

Assuming a four-hour-long reception, you will need 40 beers. This calculation is based on the average consumption of one drink per hour per guest, with about a third of guests preferring beer.

For 50 guests

For a four-hour reception, you will need approximately 67 beers. This takes into account that some guests may not drink at all, while others may have more than one drink per hour.

For 100 guests

If you're inviting 100 guests and expect the reception to last four hours, you'll need around 133 beers. This calculation is a rough estimate and can be adjusted based on your knowledge of your guests' drinking habits.

For 150 guests

For a four-hour reception with 150 guests, plan to have about 200 beers. This will ensure that your guests have enough drinks throughout the event, with some likely consuming less and others more than the average.

For 200 guests

To cater to 200 guests at a four-hour wedding reception, consider purchasing 267 beers. This calculation is a general guideline, and you may need to adjust it based on other factors, such as the season and your guests' preferences.

Tips for Choosing Beer Types

When selecting the types of beer to serve, consider the following:

• Seasonal variations: Lighter, more floral beers like lagers and session ales are ideal for summer, while darker, maltier beers tend to be preferred in autumn and winter.
• Variety: It's a good idea to provide at least two different styles of beer to cater to different tastes. A safe bet is to offer one lager and one pale ale.
• Alcohol strength: Opt for beers with a lower percentage of alcohol to help guests pace themselves and avoid dehydration during the extended celebration.
• Creativity: Get inventive with beer cocktails. For instance, try mixing a chilled bottle of lager with 25 ml of Campari for a unique, memorable drink.

Remember, these calculations are just estimates, and it's always better to have a little extra than to run out. You know your guests best, so adjust your purchases accordingly, and cheers to a fun and well-stocked wedding!

How to serve beer at a wedding

There are a few different options for serving beer at your wedding. Bottles are easy to store and can be kept cool in a fridge or vintage ice buckets. Cans are even easier to store and transport but may not match the mood you're trying to set.

The benefit of bottles and cans is that if you have any unopened beers at the end of your wedding, you can pack them up and take them home. If you'd prefer to serve draught beer, you could rent a keg from a local brewery or get in touch with a specialist company that arranges keg hire. A keg typically contains up to 50 litres or around 88 pints of beer (you can also buy half kegs). For smaller wedding parties, mini beer kegs are a good option and can be easily poured without any special equipment. If you want a beer keg, you will also need to stock up on reusable cups.

When it comes to the type of beer, it's a good idea to think about the season. Crisper, more floral-flavoured beers such as lagers and session ales are better suited to summer, while darker beers and maltier flavours tend to be more popular in autumn and winter. It's also worth considering the alcohol strength – a lower percentage of alcohol will help your guests to pace themselves and avoid dehydration. If you're catering for a large number of guests, it's a good idea to provide at least two different styles of beer. If you're unsure, you can't go wrong with one lager and one pale ale.

• 30 guests: 40 beers
• 50 guests: 67 beers
• 100 guests: 133 beers
• 150 guests: 200 beers
• 200 guests: 267 beers

How Much Beer to Buy for a Wedding

As a rule of thumb, about a third of wedding guests will likely drink beer, a third will prefer wine, and the rest will consume spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. You'll want to order drinks in these proportions while also considering how long your wedding will last.

On average, guests consume about one drink per hour, but this may seem less than you'd expect as people tend to drink faster in the first hour of a reception and then slow down. There will also be several guests who won't drink at all. Using the formula: (No. of adult guests X No. hours) / 3, you can estimate how much beer to buy.

Other Factors to Consider

• Guest preferences: It's important to know your crowd. If you know that your guests are big beer drinkers, you'll want to have more available.
• Time of day: People will probably drink less at daytime weddings, so you may need less alcohol.
• Duration: The longer your party lasts, the more alcohol you will need.
• Season: The time of year will impact the amount and type of alcohol you need. For example, you might want more white and rosé wine in summer, and more red wine in winter.
• Location: The location of your wedding can also influence the type of alcohol served.
• Glassware: Consider the size of your glassware and how much a serving will look like in the glasses. Large glasses will encourage large servings.
• Non-alcoholic options: It's important to have good non-alcoholic options available, such as water at self-serve stations.
• Communication: It's crucial to have clear communication between your bar staff, catering staff, and day-of coordinator to ensure a smooth service.
• Insurance: If you're providing your own alcohol, you may not be covered by your caterer's liquor liability policy. It's important to consider the potential risks and get the necessary insurance.
• State liquor laws: Be sure to check the state liquor laws and Dram Laws in your area to comply with any regulations.

How to calculate the amount of beer needed

There are many factors to consider when calculating how much beer to buy for a wedding. The duration of the wedding, the number of guests, and the drinking habits of the guests will all play a role in determining the amount of beer needed. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the amount of beer required:

• Estimate the number of guests who will be consuming alcohol. Not all guests may drink, so it is important to make an educated guess based on your guest list.
• Determine the duration of your wedding reception. The longer the reception, the more drinks your guests are likely to consume. As a rule of thumb, guests tend to consume about one drink per hour on average.
• Decide on the drink options you will provide. If you offer a full bar with various drink options, your guests may consume less beer. However, if you only serve wine and beer, you may need a larger quantity of each.
• Use the following formula to estimate the number of beers needed: (Number of adult guests x Number of hours) / 3. This formula takes into account that approximately a third of wedding guests will prefer beer.
• Adjust the calculation based on your knowledge of your guests' drinking habits. If you anticipate a higher proportion of beer drinkers or heavier drinkers in attendance, increase the quantity accordingly.
• Consider the season and temperature. Lighter, crisp beers are often preferred during summer, while darker beers are more popular in autumn and winter.
• Offer a variety of beer styles. Provide at least two different types of beer to cater to different tastes. A safe option is to offer one lager and one pale ale.
• Think about the alcohol strength. Lower-percentage beers are recommended for wedding receptions to prevent excessive intoxication and dehydration.
• Don't forget to include non-alcoholic options. Some guests may prefer non-alcoholic beverages, so ensure you have a good selection available.
• Round up your estimate. It's better to have a little extra than to run out, so always round up your calculations to ensure you have enough beer for your guests.

By following these steps and considering the specific details of your wedding, you can estimate the amount of beer needed for your special day.

Beer varieties to consider

When it comes to choosing beer varieties for your wedding, it's important to consider the preferences of your guests, the season, and the alcohol content. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect beers for your big day:

• Think about the season: Lighter, crisp, and floral beers such as lagers and session ales are ideal for summer weddings, while darker beers with maltier flavours are better suited for autumn and winter nuptials.
• Provide a variety: It's likely that your guests will have different tastes, so it's a good idea to offer at least two styles of beer. A safe bet would be to have one lager and one pale ale, but you can also add more options if you want to cater to specific tastes.
• Consider alcohol strength: Opt for beers with a lower percentage of alcohol to help your guests pace themselves and avoid dehydration during the lengthy wedding reception.
• Get creative with cocktails: Beer cocktails are a unique way to impress your guests. For example, you can mix a bottle of chilled lager with 25 ml of Campari for a memorable drink.
• Think about your guests' preferences: If you know your guests are fans of a particular type of beer, try to include it in your selection. You can also create a friendly competition with regional brews or choose beers that reflect your and your partner's tastes.
• Local options: Depending on your location, you may be able to source local beers from nearby breweries or beer shops. Supporting local businesses can add a unique touch to your wedding and provide a memorable experience for your guests.

When it comes to serving beer, you have several options, including bottles, cans, or draught beer from a keg. Bottles and cans are easy to store and transport, while a keg might be a better option for a more stylish presentation. Remember to also stock up on reusable cups if you go with a keg, as they are more suitable for the dance floor than glass bottles.

Where to buy wedding beers from

There are several places you can order your wedding beers from, including:

Your wedding venue

Depending on where you're hosting your reception, your wedding venue may be able to source the beers for you.

Local supermarkets

If you're looking to buy in bulk and want a nice variety, supermarkets can be a good option for buying wedding beers. You can also get them delivered to your home or wedding venue.

Beer shops

Why not support your local beer shop? Speak to the owners about cans or bottles in bulk as they might be able to offer you a deal.

Breweries

If there's a particular brewery that you really like, you may be able to order batches of wedding beer from them. Some breweries also offer special rates for customers spending over a certain amount.

Online

There are online retailers that offer bulk ordering for events such as weddings. Some offer free delivery over a certain amount, and you can also calculate how much you need with their wedding calculators.

DIY

If you're going the DIY route, you can buy your own alcohol, mixers, and garnishes and hire bartenders to serve it.

Frequently asked questions