Wedding Drink & Alcohol Calculator
Compare venue all-inclusive beverage packages vs. paying per drink (tally), or generate an exact shopping list for DIY, barn, and festival weddings in seconds.
Package vs. Per-Drink
Adjust guest count, hours, and preferences to update the calculations live.
Moderate (Average Crowd)
Paying per glass saves you approx. €1,408
Pro Tips for Couples & Planners
Return Policy on Unopened Drinks
In the Netherlands and across Europe, wholesale suppliers (Sligro, Makro, local beverage suppliers) allow returning unopened beer crates and full wine boxes for a full refund. Buy with a 15% buffer with zero risk.
🍷 Glassware Buffer
Guests misplace glasses throughout the party. Rent 1.5 to 2 glasses per guest for beer and wine to prevent running dry mid-evening.
💡 Exclude Children & Non-Drinkers
When negotiating venue packages, ask for a reduced non-alcoholic rate (€15-€20) for pregnant guests, teenagers, and designated drivers.
Collect Drink & Diet Preferences Easily
Chapter Wedding's interactive digital invitations collect guest RSVPs, meal choices, and dietary wishes in real time—in multiple languages.
Open Bar Package vs. Consumption Tally: Which is Better?
When planning your wedding reception bar, beverage costs can make up 15% to 25% of your total wedding budget. Couples generally face two pricing structures:
- Per-Person Package (Open Bar): You pay a set fee per guest regardless of how much they drink. It provides peace of mind and budget predictability.
- Consumption / Tally: The venue tracks every bottle opened or glass poured. If your crowd drinks lightly, this can lead to thousands in savings.
Use the calculator above to find your exact break-even point. If your guests need to drink more than 2.5 drinks per hour for the package to make sense, paying on consumption is almost always the smarter financial choice.
What is a Corkage Fee and How Can You Negotiate It?
A corkage fee is a charge levied by a venue or caterer for opening and serving bottles of wine or champagne brought in by the couple. Fees typically range from €8 to €20 ($10 to $25) per 750ml bottle.
Bringing your own wine can often save money or elevate wine quality significantly, especially if you source directly from vineyards or wholesale importers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many glasses of wine are in a bottle?
A standard 750ml bottle yields 5 standard 150ml glasses or 6 catering pours of 125ml.
How many bottles of champagne do I need for a wedding toast?
Each 750ml bottle pours 6 to 7 toast flutes. For 100 guests having a dedicated toast, you will need approximately 15 to 17 bottles.
How much ice do I need for an outdoor / festival wedding?
Calculate 0.8 kg to 1.2 kg of ice per guest. This provides enough ice for chilling tubs, wine buckets, and serving drinks in warm weather.