If you're planning a wedding in Erie, PA, you're likely thinking about many details, including the amount of alcohol you'll need for your guests. Determining the right amount of alcohol for your wedding is essential to ensure that everyone has a good time and stays safe.
So how do you determine how much alcohol to serve at your wedding? Here are some helpful tips to guide you.
1. Consider Your Guest List
The first step is to consider how many guests you're expecting at your wedding. The more guests you have, the more alcohol you'll need. A general rule of thumb is to estimate one drink per person per hour of the reception. So, if you have 100 guests and your reception is five hours long, you'll need at least 500 drinks.
Other factors when looking at your guest list is the actual guests. Are you 23 with a lot of frat brothers coming to your event and hotel rooms for all? Do you have a lot of families with kids coming? This can lead to very different alcohol needs
2. Determine Your Drink Menu
Once you have an estimate of how many drinks you'll need, it's time to determine your drink menu. Will you be serving only beer and wine, or will you be offering a full bar with liquor, beer, and wine? This decision will impact how much alcohol you'll need.
For example, if you're only serving beer and wine, you'll need about two bottles of wine per five guests and one keg of beer per 50 guests. If you're offering a full bar, you'll need to consider how many different types of liquor you'll be serving and how much of each.
Our sales rep can help you determine what you need. With that being said, you know your guests best. Are they wine drinkers? Shot and a chaser people? Knowing this information will help greatly.
We at Erie Catering and Events can also help you design signature cocktails around the theme of your wedding!
3. Factor in Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Remember to factor in non-alcoholic beverages, such as water, soda, and juice, for guests who don't drink or prefer not to drink alcohol. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one non-alcoholic option for every alcoholic option.
4. Consult with Your Caterer or Bartender
If you're working with a caterer or bartender, they can provide guidance on how much alcohol you'll need based on your guest list and drink menu. They can also help you estimate the cost of alcohol for your wedding.
One thing to note: most venues will REQUIRE a ramp certified bartender if you are serving alcohol. This is for liability reasons. We at Erie Catering and Events can help with that, as we have multiple bartenders available that can serve your wedding in the Erie, PA and Chataqua County, NY areas.
5. Be Prepared for Leftovers
It's always better to have too much alcohol than not enough, but you don't want to go overboard either. Keep in mind that you can always return unopened bottles of wine and liquor to the store, but you won't be able to return kegs of beer. If you do end up with leftovers, you can always save them for another event or give them away as favors.
In conclusion, determining the amount of alcohol you'll need for your wedding requires careful planning and consideration. Keep your guest list, drink menu, and non-alcoholic beverages in mind, consult with your caterer or bartender, and be prepared for leftovers. By following these tips, you can ensure that your guests have a great time and stay safe on your special day.
Other factors when looking at your guest list is the actual guests. Are you 23 with a lot of frat brothers coming to your event and hotel rooms for all? Do you have a lot of families with kids coming? This can lead to very different alcohol needs.
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