Bar Planning Guide

We understand the joy and the challenge of planning your wedding reception. That's why we've created this handy guide to help you decide just how much to order for the bar, ensuring your celebration is as seamless.

Everyone is different, this is where you start.

Suggested Consumption:

  • A trusted Southwest Michigan bar service suggests an average consumption of 1.80 beers per person. They recommend planning for 2.5-3.0 beers per person to ensure a happy medium, advising not to exceed 3.50 beers per person as it may go unused, and not to go under 1.80 to avoid running out. The recommended spread is 50% Cocktails, 37% Beer, and 13% Wine. For wine, the popular choices include Sweet White, Dry White, and 2 types of Red.

  • The Knot's Advice:

    • The Knot recommends a beverage spread of 50% Cocktails, 25% Beer, and 25% Wine, with wine preferences at 50% Red, 40% White, and 10% Rosé/Sparkling.

Beverage Breakdown:

Wine / Champagne:

  • Bottle Sizes and Servings:

    • 750 mL (Wine/Champagne): 25.4 oz, 5-6 Servings

    • 1.5 litre: 50.7 oz, 10 Servings

    • Box - 4 litre: 135.25 oz, 27 Servings

    • Case (12): 304.8 oz, 60 Servings

    • 1 serving = 5 oz glass

  • Liquor:

    • Bottle Sizes and Servings:

      • 750 mL: 25.4 oz, 16 Servings

      • 1.5 litre: 50.7 oz, 33 Servings

      • 1.75 litre: 59.2 oz, 39 Servings

      • 1 serving = 1.5 oz shot (For mixed drinks)

Beer:

  • Sizes and Servings:

    • 6 pack: 72 oz, 6 Servings

    • 12 pack: 144 oz, 12 Servings

    • 24 case: 288 oz, 24 Servings

    • Keg - 1/2: 15.5 gallons, 165 Servings

    • Keg - 1/4: 7.75 gallons, 82 Servings

    • 1 serving = 1-12 oz bottle or 16 oz glass

  • Mixers:

    • The servings for mixers follow the same as beer, given their packaging similarities.

Below is a calculator link. Its an estimator tool for you to use and play with when trying to decide what to order.