Stocking the Bar

(or expensive) part of your big day! One of the questions we get a lot is just how much alcohol should you buy? And what kind? And where should you get it?! Oh, the possibilities are endless, which is what makes this one of the trickiest parts of planning. But don’t worry, we will do our best to un-muddy the waters and tell you (almost) everything you need to know about stocking the wedding bar!

//Style Me Pretty// Let’s start with the basics: pick your menu. Full bar, featured cocktails or beer & wine only, you’ll need to know the details before you start ordering. Keep in mind, you can expect an average of one drink per hour, per guest. So, if you’re having a 100 person wedding reception that will last for five hours, that’s 500 drinks. Once you’ve decided on what type of alcohol you’re serving, use these standard rations as a starting block: • 1 bottle of wine/sparkling = 5 servings
• 1 case = 12 bottles
• 750ml bottle of liquor = 18 servings (1.5 oz pour)
• 1 bottle of beer = 1 serving of beer
• 1 full sized keg = 165 beers As for how your menu will pan out, think of it this way:
• Full bar/featured cocktails: 20% liquor, 15% beer, 65% wine
• Beer and wine only: 20% beer, 80% wine
What if my wedding is during the daytime or on a weekday? For these weddings, you will see a slight decline in the number of drinks. Keep in mind, however, that some of your guests may be making your wedding a long weekend, especially if it’s a holiday. The forecast, however can mean big changes for your bar menu! For a summer or daytime wedding, expect a sharp drop in the number of red wine drinkers. I don’t know about you, but when its 85 degrees outside I’m far from interested in a glass of red wine (and I adore a great glass of Syrah).

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What should I serve? When you’re buying your own alcohol, your best bet is to keep it simple. Offer two beers (a light and a dark), and one or two option for red wine, white wine and sparkling. If you’re serving liquor, limit it to a few featured or favorite spirits/cocktails and some great mixers! Don’t feel pressured to have a featured cocktail. Not much of a liquor person? That’s fine! Craft a menu of classics that can offer your cocktail-savvy guests something to talk about.
Where should I shop? Here in sunny California, I highly recommend BevMo! (5 cent wine sale anyone?) or Trader Joes. Unless you and your future spouse are BIG wine buffs, you can skip those $50 bottles and not let the vino break your budget. As long as the wine satisfies your taste buds, it will likely do the same for most of your guests! When it comes to buying bubbly, it can be a bit tricky. All of us WINK! girls are big fans of the bubble, and nothing breaks our hearts more than to see half full glasses left by the wayside after toasts are done. If you’re comfortable breaking tradition, feel free to let your guests toast with their existing beverages. This way they will be happy, your pocket won’t be light from buying extra champagne, and we won’t mourn for the bubbles! Everybody wins!

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But none of my friends like beer! Ultimately, all of this is just a guide! Take a close look at your guest list see where your friends and family fall. Do your mom’s gal pals only drink Chardonnay? Are your hubby’s friends big on bourbon? Keep these things in mind as you plan and craft the perfect menu and you will be all set. You’re friends and family will raise a glass to both of you and how you flawlessly put together the perfect bar! (These helpful hints will be our little secret!) See you at the end of the aisle!
XOXO
Elizabeth