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What type of bar do you plan to have?
This is the first thing you need to consider before you start shopping for the alcohol. There are different types of wedding bars: open, cash, limited, and non-alcoholic. You should pick one that best works for you and your guests. For instance, if you are expecting a wine and beer crowd, a limited bar is the best choice. If your loved ones prefer cocktails, an open bar might be just what you need.
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Make an alcohol shopping list.
You should buy your alcohol and all other bar essentials based on the number of guests who will attend the reception. Making a list is the easiest way to ensure that you don’t miss anything. Here are some estimates for 100 guests:
a. Beer: 5 to 6 cases
b. Red wine: 2 cases
c. Whiskey: 1 liter
d. Vodka: 6 liters
e. Tonic: 1 case
f. Club soda: 1 case
e. Cranberry juice: 1 gallon
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Remember the standard volume-to-quantity calculation.
When buying the alcohol, you should also keep in mind the standard volume-to-quantity ratios. For instance, one bottle of wine (750 ml) serves around 5 glasses. One bottle of liquor makes for 18 cocktails. A keg of beer (15.5 gallons) makes 124 pints. Assuming each guest will have one drink per hour of the reception, you should have enough alcohol to serve 500 drinks if it is a 5-hour long reception.
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Try to make exact personal estimates.
If you want to be more streamlined in your calculations, you can try to get more exact estimates for each guest. While this may be a laborious task, it will help you save on the bar. Go through your guest list and make a note of what kind of drink and how much of it each guest usually drinks, and make your estimates accordingly. If you are unsure, overestimate.
Now that you can buy bar equipment online, it has become easier than ever to set up a bar at any event, whether it is a wedding, birthday party, or corporate event. Ultimate Bars provides a range of portable bar equipment that are designed for ultimate style, convenience, and functionality. Browse through our online store to pick your favorite(s).