Bar question

abbyizzymommy

I figured this was a good place to ask, since it's a pretty good balance of already married and planning. So my cocktail hour/ reception will be from 5:30pm12:00am. My venue told me that we'll drinks are 5 and beer is 4, I'm looking at about 100 guests with probably 1520 that don't drink. How many drinks per person per hour do I estimate?
Do you think well is ok??
My FI wanted to have well drinks included in the open bar, and if a guest wanted to opt for top shelf, they could pay the difference.... But I feel like that is tacky.. Thought??

erinlin25

my venue said to plan $20/guest on average.

Winnertag1

What you are offering is more than enough. I would ask the venue if they can not display the top liquor and only serve what you and your FI want to pay for. That way it is out of sight and out of mine for your guests. Some might assume that since the drinks are visible that they are also included in the open bar and order those, then end up having to pay for it.

I wouldnt give the guests a choice of upgrading and paying for top shelf, serve what you can. 

courtski2004

If you aren't hosting the premium/top shelf liquors, the venue needs to not have them visible. Obviously if I'm having a vodka drink I would prefer to have Grey Goose over Smirnoff, but don't taunt me with the sight of GG and then make me open up my wallet to have it.

I think that $20/pp is a good estimate. In a party atmosphere, I usually have 1-2 drinks an hour.

Viczaesar

I don't think assuming $20/person for a consumption bar is a good idea; you may wind up with an unexpectedly large bill in that case.  The most common calculation I've seen is 2 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 drink per person per hour thereafter. 

MyNameIsNot

With a consumption bar, I strongly recommend overestimating.  The last thing you want at the end of your wedding is a bar tab over what you budgeted.  $20/pp is 4 drinks per person.  That's a really modest estimate for a 6 hour event. They usually say to estimate 2 drinks for the first hour and then 1-2 for every hour after.  (Remember that not every drink gets drank.  Guests will lose drinks, drinks will get watered down and left behind, guests change their mind, etc.)  With 6 hours, that's 9 drinks each.  When you factor in 15% won't be drinking, that averages down to 7-8 drinks each.  At $5/drink, that's about $40/pp.  I would make sure I had the budget for $50/pp.  If you're in the 40-50 range, you'll be safe, and if you go under, you're in the clear.  

Well drinks are fine.  I would not offer anything at a change, and just have the venue put away or cover the liquor that isn't available.  

abbyizzymommy

Thank you ladies very much, this is all very helpful, I really appreciate it.