Alcohol served at a wedding is conventionally divided into three types: champagne, which is drunk at the redemption, after registration and while visiting attractions, strong alcoholic drinks such as vodka, whiskey and cognac, as well as low-alcohol drinks, which include wine and liqueur.
The amount of one or the other depends both on traditions and on the preferences of the newlyweds and those invited to the celebration. It is important to calculate it correctly so that you do not have to buy an additional alcoholic drink from a restaurant at an inflated price.
Choice of alcohol for a wedding
In order not to make a mistake in choosing wedding alcohol, you need to know the tastes of the invited guests. Although it is impossible to accommodate everyone's individual preferences, drinks can also be selected based on gender. Women, for example, enjoy light, sweet options such as wine, cider and champagne. Men will be happy to see vodka, cognac and other strong alcoholic drinks on the festive table. When purchasing food for your wedding feast, pay attention to the following types of alcohol:
- Champagne. Most people associate this holiday with a foamy glass of champagne. By choosing champagne for your wedding, you will prevent your guests from getting too drunk and keep it light. However, champagne has a side effect - in large doses it causes headaches.
- Vodka. Drinks with a high alcohol content are only appropriate at a wedding reception, when all formalities have already been completed. Vodka is usually served to the male half of the table. Where to buy wedding vodka? Any store that sells these products. However, if you need alcohol in large quantities, it would be a good idea to negotiate directly with wholesale suppliers, so you can save a lot.
- Wine. It's best to buy several different types of wine, as most women have different tastes in this area. When choosing the type of wine for your wedding, it is best to choose a drink from this range.
- Drinks to order: cider, tequila, martini, cognac. Elite alcohol, such as 40-year-old cognac, will cost a decent amount, so putting it on the table only if one of your guests drinks only this drink is inappropriate. Your budget will directly influence which cognac is best to choose. Otherwise, regular vodka may work.
Light drinks are best served in front of young people, as they are the main heroes of the occasion and must remain sober throughout the evening. Special attention should be paid to decorating wedding bottles. Drinks can be decorated with special wedding-themed stickers to make them look festive. These stickers are sold in wedding and gift shops, and you can ask your suppliers to decorate the bottles.
When purchasing alcohol for a party, consider the number of guests and their preferences
Juice
Juice is the main focus in the purchase of soft drinks
It is important to take into account that for non-drinking guests it is necessary to increase the volume of this drink. Sour flavors are considered the best choice.
Most often, the following types are chosen in equal proportions: apple, cherry, orange, multifruit, pomegranate. It is very rare that tomato or grape juices are present at a wedding banquet.
If non-drinkers prefer a certain type of juice, then it is necessary to increase the volume of it
It is also important to consider that the presence of other non-alcoholic drinks reduces the consumption of a particular drink
Don't forget about children - they should get enough of their favorite juice so that during the event they can quench their thirst and not be capricious. Before holding a banquet, it is important to find out what allergies the guests have, otherwise some difficulties will arise in the turmoil of the celebration.
Calculation of the amount of alcohol for a wedding
To accurately calculate the amount of alcohol for a wedding table, you need to know the exact list of guests. If the majority of your wedding guests are women, order a lot of wine, while the men will need a lot of vodka. There is a rough formula for calculating how much alcohol each guest may need:
- Champagne - about 0.5 liters per person.
- Vodka - one bottle per person.
- Wine - one bottle per woman.
In reality, this amount of alcohol may not be enough, so stock up on extra alcohol. Cognac and other non-standard drinks are included in the same list. This is especially true for couples who bring their own drinks to the restaurant. If the alcohol runs out in the middle of the celebration, the bride and groom will have to order drinks from the restaurant, which will cost several times more.
How much alcohol to take to a wedding?
More attention should be paid to light drinks. If during the banquet guests switch to vodka, then on the way to the registry office they will start drinking champagne. In addition, light wines, champagne and cider will be useful during the photo shoot.
How to calculate how much alcohol is needed for a wedding of 20 people?
When inviting guests to a wedding, newlyweds usually know them well enough to get as accurate an idea as possible about the alcoholic preferences of friends and relatives. Based on this information, newlyweds should divide their guests into the following groups:
- non-drinkers;
- light drinkers
- average drinkers;
- heavy drinkers.
Of course, the list will be somewhat arbitrary, but knowing the number of guests who do not drink alcohol at all, you can avoid additional costs. If you know the approximate quantities of different types of alcohol, then you will have a total quantity for 20 people:
- Champagne - 10 liters.
- Vodka - 10 bottles.
- Wine - 10 bottles.
This is the minimum amount of alcohol that should be on the Christmas table. It's worth purchasing 10 extra bottles of champagne right away, as this drink is widely used in wedding competitions.
Weddings are always noisy; I don’t remember a single wedding where someone didn’t spill alcohol on themselves. I want to give quick ways to save clothes from wine.
When calculating alcohol, you should proceed from the number of guests at the wedding.
Alcohol calculation for a wedding of 30 people
There are several ways to determine the exact amount of alcohol for 30 people:
- Restaurant services. When organizing a celebration in a restaurant, you can transfer all responsibility for drinks to the establishment’s staff. However, a significant disadvantage of this method is the prohibitively high prices for alcohol.
- Help from the organizer. Many couples hire a special wedding planner for their wedding, who, among other things, manages the banquet. For an additional fee, the organizer will calculate the approximate amount of alcohol using his own experience and templates.
- Independent calculation. The bride and groom who know the guests well can calculate the required amount of alcohol with greater accuracy than a stranger. If spouses have no idea about the approximate amount per person, it is worth using an online calculator. Many wedding websites have an alcohol calculation function.
The minimum quantity of alcoholic drinks for 30 guests, calculated using the calculator, is expressed in the following figures:
- Champagne - 26 liters.
- Vodka - 15 liters.
- Wine - 23 liters.
Additionally, you should purchase at least 5 bottles of each drink to avoid running out of alcohol.
How much alcohol do you need for a wedding for 40 people?
A wedding for 40 people will require a lot of money. The bride and groom must purchase the following quantities of alcohol:
- Wine - 25 bottles.
- Champagne - about 20 liters.
- Vodka - 20 bottles.
Instead of stocking up on extra cases of liquor that may not be enough for your guests, use this tip on how to accurately determine the amount of alcohol:
- Bring your own drinks instead of using the restaurant. Many caterers allow newlyweds to purchase drinks from another establishment. This will save a significant amount of money and allow you to purchase drinks to order that may not be on the restaurant's menu.
- Find out the exact number of guests. Before developing the menu, call the guests of the proposed party. Some guests may unexpectedly not show up to the party, while others bring a few friends with them.
- Don't put all the alcohol you have on the table at once. A table filled with bottles of alcohol will turn the reception into a drunken party.
- Discuss your preferences with your guests in advance. Among many people you can find a person who drinks only whiskey or cognac. If there is no suitable alcohol on the table, an awkward situation will arise.
- Drinking fizzy drinks speeds up the absorption of alcohol. Make sure there are neutral drinks on the table, such as juice or granola. This will prevent your guests from getting drunk too quickly.
- Choose alcoholic drinks according to the menu. For example, strong alcoholic drinks are drunk with meat dishes, and wine accompanies light fruits and fish.
A good rule when choosing alcohol for a party is to take into account the preferences of the guests and the bride and groom. If you want to have an enjoyable celebration where your guests will feel comfortable, talk to friends and family beforehand.
How much alcohol should I bring to a wedding of 50 people?
When purchasing alcoholic beverages for a wedding for 50 people, use the following calculation:
- Champagne - 25 bottles.
- Vodka - 25 bottles.
- Wine - 50 bottles.
If you buy spirits other than vodka, include them in the same calculation. Many people drink strong alcohol only in diluted form. Make sure there are accompanying drinks on the table, such as Coca-Cola and juice.
Calculating the amount of wedding alcohol depends on many factors, one of which is weather conditions. For example, in warm weather people are not inclined to drink large amounts of alcohol. In cold winter, on the contrary, people drink vodka and red wine with pleasure.
Once you know the exact number of guests, be sure to exclude non-drinkers and children. This will avoid unnecessary expenses. You should also consider the duration of the wedding celebration. If the wedding lasts longer than one day, you will have to increase the number of cases of alcohol. On the second day of the wedding, guests will need cold beer and champagne.
Most newlyweds cannot do without sitting in a stuffy room. The reception culminates with a wedding photo shoot, during which guests will need additional champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Don't forget to put plain still water on the table. Soft and alcoholic drinks do not quench your thirst, and alcohol dehydrates the body. Follow the rules for serving each drink. Different types of alcohol require special measures. For example, vodka should be stored in the freezer before a party, while brandy should be stored at room temperature. Speaking of serving, do not forget that alcohol is also divided into aperitifs and digestifs. Some types are best served before meals, and some after.
It’s better to know your guests’ preferences regarding alcohol in advance.
Standards introduced in 2013
In accordance with the Federal Law of July 23, 2013 N 196-FZ “On Amendments to the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses and Article 28 of the Federal Law “On Road Safety”, from September 1, 2013, the alcohol content in the driver’s blood is allowed:
- 0.16 ppm in exhaled air
- 0.35 ppm in blood
Our calculator also takes this change into account; now you will find out not only the time for complete removal of alcohol from the body, but also the time for removal to acceptable values. Thus, our online calculator will now easily answer the question of how many ppm are allowed in 2013. In this regard, we are the first to offer a calculator that takes into account the new 2013 standards.
Do you smoke? Check out our smoker calculator. There will be something to think about. And if you own a car, then calculate the transport tax or try to calculate the customs clearance of the car.
Caution: The alcohol calculator can calculate how much alcohol is eliminated from the blood. But the data obtained does not constitute evidence and can only be used for personal purposes. You use the received data at your own peril and risk.
The author of the site is categorically against driving while intoxicated and is not responsible for the results of calculations and their use.
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What drinks, besides alcohol, should be on the wedding table?
A wedding celebration requires careful planning, and different numbers of guests entail different costs for alcohol and banquet food. When purchasing alcohol for entertaining, it is important to find a middle ground. Buy too many bottles of alcohol and you risk turning the most important event in your life into a drunken binge. However, the lack of alcohol can also ruin a party, because alcohol breaks down the walls between strangers and allows guests to relax during fun competitions.
Mineral water and juices
There will be fans of sparkling mineral water, so it should be on the tables without a doubt. However, more and more people prefer still water. The quantity per guest is 600 ml. The proportions are as follows: carbonated - 30 percent, non-carbonated - 70 percent.
Guests prefer apple and orange juices, and it is better to take them in half, at the rate of 400 ml for each person present, including children.
Liquor limit depending on the number of guests
In the modern world, not a large number of people are invited to hold weddings. The average number of invited guests at a typical wedding ranges from 20 to 50 people.
Calculation of alcohol can be done using a calculator, various variations of which are presented on the Internet. Or you can trust the proven method and purchase alcohol in accordance with generally accepted standards:
- 50 people – 35 liters of champagne, 14 bottles of vodka, 40 liters of wine.
- 40 guests – 30 liters of champagne, 10 bottles of vodka, 30 liters of wine.
- 30 people – 25 liters of champagne, 8 bottles of vodka, 20 liters of wine.
- 20 guests - 18 liters of champagne, 7 bottles, 12 liters of wine.
When ordering alcohol, it is very important to maintain the proportions of different types of drinks. Alcohol percentage:
Alcohol percentage:
- 65/35 champagne, vodka.
- 45/30/25 champagne, vodka, wine.
You can save on the amount of alcohol by serving cocktails to guests. As a result of their preparation, several types of alcohol, possibly even expensive varieties, are mixed.
One of the newfangled trends in the wedding industry is the design of a bar, which can serve a variety of alcoholic menus. The presence of an experienced bartender will make it possible to turn the alcoholic part of the wedding celebration into an unforgettable cultural party, and not an empty drinking party.
Calculation of alcohol for redemption, registry office and walks
When compiling a list of required alcoholic drinks, it is important to remember that alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are consumed by guests not only during the ceremony in the restaurant. The ceremony begins with the bride, so it is important to prepare everything in advance so as not to get confused and be able to properly receive guests. Champagne, juices and mineral water are used during the bride price. Very rarely, guests are ready to drink strong drinks in the morning. Thus, for the ransom you will need based on 1 person:
- Champagne - 1 glass;
- juice - 1-2 glasses;
- mineral water - 150-250 ml.
The ceremony will continue at the registry office, where you will also need to prepare champagne in the same quantity as for the ransom. Drinking strong drinks with a high alcohol content before a banquet is not recommended, and if you do drink, drink very little. You will need champagne (1 bottle for two), juice - 2 glasses per person, mineral water - depending on the season 200-500 ml per person. Also, don’t forget to take disposable cups with you, preferably with extra (twice as much).
Wine
Red wine is especially popular, which in most cases is purchased in quantities greater than white wine.
For such cases, the calculation is made in the ratio of 300 ml per person, white - 250 ml. However, this is in cases where wine is not the only strong alcohol. For major holidays, you should buy no more than three types of wine. Otherwise, guests may mix different brands of alcohol, which will lead to rapid intoxication.
The calculation of red wine has its own subtleties. For this reason, you may need an online calculator
If you still decide to calculate the norm yourself, then take into account the strength of the wine. Its average temperature is 10-12 degrees
With this value, the calculation per person is 300 ml. If your wedding is to be attended by fifty people, you will have to buy 15 liters, which means 22 bottles of 0.7 liters.
In the case of white wine, the calculation is carried out a little differently. Since the average strength of this alcohol is 1-12 degrees, 200 ml is used per person. This means that if the number of guests is fifty people, you will have to purchase 10 liters (or rather 15 bottles).
If, for example, out of fifty people at your wedding, thirty-five are women, take 30-35 bottles of wine.
General recommendation: choose semi-dry and semi-sweet wines. There are rarely fans of dry ones, and dessert ones are unlikely to be combined with hearty snacks. As for the calculations, take one bottle for each guest so that there is enough for everyone, but no more than three different brands. How to choose between red and white wine?
- If you don’t know the guests’ preferences, the simplest solution is to take equal parts of both red and white. Or choose a universal option - rose wine. It goes with all appetizers;
- Will there be meat dishes for main course? They are better complemented by red wine, served chilled to 16-18°C;
- If the main dish is fish and seafood or poultry, it is better to choose white wine. Before serving, be sure to cool it to 10-14°C.
Martini also has the right to be on the wedding table, but, frankly speaking, this is not a drink for everyone. Even those who like it (usually the female half of the guests) do not use it in its pure form, but as part of cocktails. Therefore, if you buy martinis or other vermouths, budget for suitable juices (pineapple, grapefruit, orange).
Recommendations from restaurateurs
To ensure that the range and quantity of drinks does not disappoint, follow a few useful tips when purchasing:
- Try one bottle of each before making your final purchase;
- Buy alcohol in large hypermarkets or wholesale stores: it is safer and more economical;
- If possible, try to ask your guests what drinks they prefer in advance to ensure everyone is happy. Satisfied guests are the key to a fun wedding. Although it is impossible to please everyone, it is worth considering the tastes of the main participants. If, for example, the father of the bride drinks only whiskey and there is no drink on the table, this will create an awkward situation and he may be offended;
- If you are in doubt about the calculation, it is better to take more than less. Alternatively, negotiate with the restaurant to purchase the necessary drinks during the banquet, but this will be too expensive. The initiative of guests making additional orders can be especially upsetting. This will defeat any attempt to save money by pre-ordering;
- For a themed wedding, the choice of drinks may be different. For example, a pirate wedding cannot be complete without rum and beer.
There is always something to open alcohol at a wedding. But in normal times, I often had occasions when I needed to open beer without a bottle opener or wine without a corkscrew. Take my advice into account!
Agree in advance with the administration of the establishment that after the banquet you will take all remaining drinks with you
Champagne
At a banquet, sparkling wine is in demand in minimal quantities , but it flows like a river:
- at bride price competitions;
- during and after painting in the registry office;
- throughout the entire wedding walk.
To calculate the required amount of champagne, take one bottle for each invitee. There are about six glasses in it, so you get two glasses for each part of the day - for buying, painting, walking. You should not abuse the sparkling drink, because drinking it is symbolic.
Remember that traditionally it is customary to leave two bottles of champagne untouched on the newlyweds' table. One of them will be drunk on the anniversary, the second - in honor of the birth of the first child. If you like interesting customs, add these two bottles to your calculations.
Expert tips for calculating alcohol consumption
- Number and composition of guests. It is important to know the ratio of women and men, young and old. If possible, ask your guests about their drinking preferences. This will make creating menus and purchasing drinks much easier.
- What time of year are you planning your wedding? In summer, reduce the amount of strong alcoholic drinks and serve them cold. On hot days, punch, light cocktails with vermouth and beer are best.
- Venue for celebrations. Remember that more alcohol is consumed outdoors than in a restaurant.
- How long will the holiday last? Guests should not be allowed to drink too much alcohol or they will "get into trouble." Calculate with the organizers the approximate number of toasts for 6-7 hours of feasting and try to entertain people more.
- Party script. Alcohol is required at all stages of the event - bride price, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, bride's party and banquet. This should be taken into account when calculating the number of bottles of champagne, wine and vodka.
We hope our tips will help you choose the “right” drinks for your wedding and celebrate your big event without any unpleasant surprises.
What to consider?
There are several key factors that will help you determine the required amount of alcohol for your wedding. The following tips will help you purchase the required quantities of alcohol:
- Determine the duration of the banquet in advance;
- If possible, identify among the total number of guests groups of light drinkers and those who want to have a good drink in honor of the celebration. Count the number of those who, as a matter of principle, do not drink a drop, so as not to take them into account in the calculations;
- Consider the age of the guests. Young people tend to drink more. Elderly people – less, but prefer stronger drinks;
- When choosing an assortment, be guided by the season in which the celebration is planned. At a winter wedding, guests enjoy strong cognac and vodka with a bang, while a summer celebration makes do with lighter options: wine, champagne, liqueur;
- Taking into account who is more numerous among the guests: men or women can also help you choose drinks. Representatives of the fair sex usually prefer light alcohol.
Important! Among the majority of those invited there will be close people. Newlyweds are usually aware of their tastes, so calculating the amount of alcohol will not be so difficult.
Vodka
The strong drink is considered the most popular. At some wedding banquets there is no other alcohol at all, but this is a sign of bad taste , because guests must have a choice.
Although traditionally it is customary to drink vodka warm, guests at weddings in the summer heat often complain that they would like the alcohol chilled. It is better to discuss the issue with the administration of the establishment in advance so that at least some of the bottles are kept in refrigerators or a sufficient amount of ice is prepared.
Advice! Calculating the required amount of vodka is very simple: take one bottle for every two guests who don’t mind drinking. You can't go wrong!