How Much Alcohol for A Wedding Reception? Catering with Teatime Delicacies

Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast, Middleburg VA

It’s one of the most frequent questions a caterer gets asked:  How much alcohol should we purchase for our wedding reception?
Most of Teatime Delicacies, Inc. clients purchase their own alcohol and we provide the bar tending service.  Our insurance covers the liability of serving alcohol.  That is why rarely does a venue allow guests to self serve.  It’s also why rarely does a venue allow open bottles of wine to be placed at guest tables.  We have no control over underage drinkers getting their hands on the alcohol.

So, how much alcohol to purchase?  Part of it depends on what you plan on serving for the reception.  Are you planning on doing a full bar, or keeping it simple with wine and beer only?

Lodge at Little Seneca, Boyds MD

Let’s start with the simpler scenario, wine and beer only.  For a typical 3 1/2 hour reception based on 100 guests, 5 cases of wine (12 bottles each case) and 5 cases of beer (24 bottles each case) is a very middle of the road estimate.  With the wine, split it between red and white.  CHECK with your venue to make sure they allow red wine.  A number of venues do not allow red wine to be served due to carpet damage.  A serious security deposit can be forfeited if you do not comply. 
As far as beer, select several different brands – making sure to tell us if it’s something like Blue Moon which needs orange slices for garnish.  I always ask my clients to give me a recap of what they actually purchased for that very reason. 

Private residence Leesburg VA

If you decide to opt for a full bar, again – keep it simple.  Remember this is not a bar like you find in a restaurant.  Off site catered events have a different formula. There is a finite amount being served, and a limited space to set it up.  Keep the hard stuff to the basics:  Vodka, Gin, Rum, Jack Daniels, and maybe a Blended Scotch.  Staying with the 100 guest count, you can adjust your wine/beer purchase to 4 cases wine, and 4 cases beer, adding 2 – 1.5 liters each of Vodka, Gin, Rum, Jack Daniels.  Scotch might be fine with one unless you happen to personally know Uncle Ralph with take care of one bottle completely on his own. 
We provide the basic mixers, soft drinks, tonic, juices. 
Another option is to keep it simple with wine/beer, but add a signature drink to be served during the cocktail hour. Variations of recent signature drinks have featured Mohitos, Autumnal Sangria, White Sangria.  Couples honeymooning at a beach locale may opt for a tropical concoction.  There really is no limit to what a couple can come up with when putting together ideas for a signature drink.  And what FUN in the experimenting!!

Old Town Hall, Fairfax City VA

At a recent wedding reception this fall along with the wine and beer selections, we served a hot mulled cider that was heavenly!  The aromas filled the entire dining room and was the perfect greeting as guests entered the venue.

Here in Northern Virginia,  a great resource for purchasing wine and beer is Total Wine, there are multiple locations throughout the region.  Their staff is also very helpful in suggesting particular wines and beers that can fit your budget.  They also allow you to return unopened cases.  I am a huge believer in over buying.  It’s far better to have too much than not enough.  It’s not like it goes bad.  To run out of wine during the cocktail hour is a major pain in neck, sending someone out to do a run during the party is no one’s idea of a good time.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine for the toast, again based on 100 guests, approximately 1 1/2 cases should be plenty.  Make sure to throw in a handful of sparkling cider for the non drinkers at your reception.
Keep in mind a keg might save you some money in terms of dollars per ounce, what ever is left over is not reusable, and some venues might not allow them to begin with.  Always check with your venue to see if there are any restrictions.

Thomas Birkby House, Leesburg VA

To recap for a wedding reception of 100 full bar:
4+ cases wine (minimum)
4+ cases beer (minimum)
2, 1.5 liter Vodka
2, 1.5 liter Gin
2, 1.5 liter Rum (Or Spiced Rum)
2, 1/5 Jack Daniels
Blended Scotch

Beware Shots:  Things can go badly.  IMO.
Other than that, buckle up and have a GREAT party!!!!!
www.teatimeinc.com