Alcohol is a central part of many weddings, and ensuring that you have enough of it on hand is crucial for a successful event. However, deciding what and how much to buy can be a challenge, as you don’t want to overspend or run out of drinks too early.
Alcohol Preferences
According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2019, beer was the most popular alcoholic beverage in the United States, with 42% of adults saying they drink beer most often. Wine was the next most popular choice, with 32% of adults saying they drink wine most often. Liquor was the least popular option, with only 24% of adults saying they drink liquor most often.
In a survey conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 55% of adults reported drinking in the past month, and 26% reported engaging in binge drinking (defined as consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women, and five or more drinks for men) in the past month.
According to a survey conducted by WeddingWire in 2019, the average wedding guest in the United States consumed approximately 3.7 alcoholic drinks during the course of the wedding reception. The same survey found that about one-third of wedding guests reported drinking more than they typically would at a social event, while another one-third reported drinking about the same amount as they would at a typical event.
Another survey conducted by the online wedding planning website, The Knot, found that the average couple spends about 10% of their wedding budget on alcohol. The survey also found that beer and wine were the most commonly served types of alcohol at weddings, followed by liquor and signature cocktails.
Wine Drinker Preferences
The preferred types of wine can vary widely among wine drinkers depending on a variety of factors, including personal taste, region, and cultural background. However, several surveys and studies have shed light on some general trends and preferences among wine drinkers in the United States.
According to a 2020 survey conducted by Wine Market Council, the most popular types of wine among regular wine drinkers in the United States were red wine (preferred by 49% of respondents) and white wine (preferred by 44% of respondents). Other types of wine, such as rosé and sparkling wine, were less popular but still enjoyed by a significant portion of wine drinkers.
The same survey found that among red wine drinkers, the most popular varieties were Cabernet Sauvignon (preferred by 27% of respondents), Pinot Noir (preferred by 18% of respondents), and Merlot (preferred by 13% of respondents). Among white wine drinkers, the most popular varieties were Chardonnay (preferred by 33% of respondents), Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris (preferred by 21% of respondents), and Sauvignon Blanc (preferred by 18% of respondents).
Other studies have found similar preferences among wine drinkers in the United States. For example, a 2019 survey conducted by Nielsen found that Cabernet Sauvignon was the most popular type of red wine, while Chardonnay was the most popular type of white wine.
Beer Drinker Preferences
According to a 2020 survey conducted by YouGov, the most popular types of beer among beer drinkers in the United States were non-craft domestic beers (preferred by 44% of respondents) and craft beer (preferred by 33% of respondents). Other types of beer, such as imported beer and hard seltzer, were less popular but still enjoyed by a significant portion of beer drinkers.
The same survey found that among domestic non-craft beer drinkers, the most popular brands were Bud Light (preferred by 22% of respondents), Coors Light (preferred by 15% of respondents), and Miller Lite (preferred by 14% of respondents). Among craft beer drinkers, the most popular types were IPA (preferred by 29% of respondents), lager (preferred by 22% of respondents), and ale (preferred by 13% of respondents).
Other studies have found similar preferences among beer drinkers in the United States. For example, a 2019 survey conducted by Nielsen found that IPA was the most popular type of craft beer, while domestic non-craft beer was the most popular type of beer overall.
Liquor Drinker Preferences
According to a 2021 survey conducted by Alcohol.org, the most popular types of liquor among liquor drinkers in the United States were whiskey (preferred by 44% of respondents), vodka (preferred by 30% of respondents), and tequila (preferred by 18% of respondents). Other types of liquor, such as rum and gin, were less popular but still enjoyed by a significant portion of liquor drinkers.
The same survey found that among whiskey drinkers, the most popular varieties were bourbon (preferred by 44% of respondents), followed by Scotch (preferred by 21% of respondents) and rye whiskey (preferred by 12% of respondents). Among vodka drinkers, the most popular types were traditional vodka (preferred by 45% of respondents) and flavored vodka (preferred by 27% of respondents). Among tequila drinkers, the most popular types were silver/blanco tequila (preferred by 50% of respondents), followed by reposado tequila (preferred by 23% of respondents).
When it comes to preferred cocktails, the most popular ones in the United States vary by region and can change over time. However, according to a 2021 survey conducted by YouGov, the most popular cocktails among American adults were margaritas (preferred by 19% of respondents), followed by martinis (preferred by 16% of respondents) and old fashioneds (preferred by 13% of respondents).
The Guest List
The number of people attending your wedding will determine the amount of alcohol you’ll need to purchase. As a general rule of thumb, plan for each guest to have at least two drinks per hour during the reception. This may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that many guests will have more than two drinks, while others may not drink at all.
To calculate the total amount of alcohol you’ll need, multiply the number of guests by the number of hours the reception will last, and then multiply that by two. For example, if you’re expecting 100 guests and the reception will last for five hours, you’ll need at least 1,000 drinks. This calculation assumes that you’re serving only beer, wine, and champagne.
In terms of specific quantities, here are some general guidelines:
- Wine: Plan on one bottle of wine for every two guests. A standard bottle of wine contains around five glasses, so this should provide each guest with two to three glasses.
- Champagne: Plan on one bottle of champagne for every four guests. A standard bottle of champagne contains around eight glasses.
- Beer: Plan on one to two beers per guest, depending on the length of the reception and the preferences of your guests.
- Spirits and cocktails: Plan on one to two servings per guest, depending on the length of the reception and the strength of the drinks.