The basic rate
The usual planning rate is one drink per guest for the first hour and one per guest per hour after that. A four-hour event for 100 adults therefore starts at roughly 400 to 500 drinks, before adjusting for the crowd.
Shift that rate down for a lunch, a family event or a weekday corporate function, and up for an evening reception, a wedding, or any event with long gaps between courses.
Bottles and servings
A 750 ml wine bottle pours about five glasses of 150 ml. A case of twelve bottles is therefore roughly 60 glasses. A 750 ml spirit bottle gives about 16 drinks at 45 ml.
A common split for a mixed crowd is 50 percent wine, 30 percent beer and 20 percent spirits, with sparkling wine on top if there is a toast. Plan one glass of sparkling per guest for a toast, which is about six glasses per bottle.
Ice, water and the soft side
Ice is the most under-ordered item at any event. Plan about 0.7 to 1 kilogram (1.5 to 2 pounds) per guest when ice is used for both chilling and drinks, and more in hot weather.
Plan non-alcoholic drinks for at least 20 to 30 percent of adults, plus water for everyone throughout. A drinks list where the only interesting option contains alcohol is a planning mistake, not a style choice.
Glassware
Order 1.5 to 2 glasses per guest per glass type for a self-service bar, because glasses are abandoned. Table-poured service needs fewer.
Decide early whether glassware is rented washed or returned dirty; the difference shows up in both the rental invoice and the breakdown time.
Licensing and responsibility
Serving alcohol is regulated almost everywhere, and the rules differ by country, state and venue. Check who holds the licence, who is legally responsible for refusing service, and what the venue's own policy is before the quote goes out.
This page is a planning aid, not legal advice. Local law wins over any figure here.
Guide revised 18 September 2026. Figures here are planning rules of thumb, not guarantees. Send a correction.
