Beer & wine only wedding bar
Skipping spirits? A beer-and-wine bar splits your drink total 50/50 — cheaper, simpler, and nobody has to learn a cocktail menu. Set your numbers below; the calculator defaults to the full bar, so switch Bar style to “Beer & wine only”.
Prices (editable defaults — retail varies)
Worked example: 100 guests, beer & wine only
Five hours, average crowd, 15% non-drinkers, 10% buffer: 468 drinks.
| Item | Buy | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | 234 cans/bottles (10 cases of 24) | $410 |
| Wine | 47 × 750 ml bottles | $658 |
| Champagne (toast) | 17 × 750 ml bottles | $272 |
| Estimated total (default prices) | $1,340 | |
Compare against the full-bar plan for the same wedding on the 100-guest page — dropping spirits typically saves a fifth to a quarter of the alcohol budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much beer and wine for 100 guests?
With a 50/50 split over 5 hours, 15% non-drinkers and the 10% buffer: about 468 drinks total — 234 beers (10 cases of 24) and 47 bottles of wine, plus 17 bottles of champagne for the toast.
Is beer and wine only okay for a wedding?
Completely. It is simpler to stock, easier on the budget, and many venues prefer it. Add a signature mocktail and good soft drinks so non-spirits drinkers still feel looked after.
What split of red vs white wine should I buy?
A common starting point is 60% white / 40% red in warm months and the reverse in winter. Rosé can take a third of the white share in summer. Ask your retailer about returns on unopened bottles.