What is in the file
A drinks planner PDF plus a CSV you can open in any spreadsheet, both built from the same formula the estimator on this site uses.
| Quantity | How it is derived |
|---|---|
| Total servings | Guests × reception hours × 1.0 |
| Wine | 40% of servings; a 750ml bottle pours 5 standard glasses |
| Beer | 35% of servings |
| Spirits | 25% of servings; a 700ml bottle is 28 single measures |
| Soft drinks | A further 30% of the total, on top of the alcohol |
Worked through for 100 guests over five hours, that is 500 servings: 40 bottles of wine, 175 beers, 125 spirit measures and 150 soft drinks. The numbers in the file, on the drinks guide and in the estimator all come from that one formula, so none of them can disagree.
Adjust before you order
The file gives you the baseline. Three adjustments matter more than the rest: a fully hosted bar adds 15–25%, hot weather adds about 20% to soft drinks and water, and a cash bar after the toast takes roughly 30% off from the point it starts.
And check corkage first. Forty bottles at £15 a bottle is £600, which frequently erases the entire saving from supplying your own.
Run your own guest count
Change the numbers and the estimator applies the same formula.
Common questions
What is in the wedding drinks list?
A drinks planner PDF and a CSV, both built from the formula guests × hours × 1.0 for total servings, split 40% wine, 35% beer and 25% spirits, with soft drinks a further 30% on top.
How many drinks does the planner suggest for 100 guests?
500 servings for a five-hour reception — about 40 bottles of wine, 175 beers, 125 spirit measures and 150 soft drinks.
Does the drinks list account for a free bar?
It gives the baseline. A fully hosted bar typically adds 15–25% on top, hot weather adds about 20% to soft drinks, and a cash bar after the toast takes around 30% off from that point.