GENERAL RULE: one drink/glass per hour, per guest

If you are planning to rent drinkware for your event, you will need to figure out how many glasses and what type of each is needed. There's no exact science, but there is a general rule: Figure on one drink/glass per hour, per guest. If your event is a four-hour affair, that would mean four glasses per guest. But there's more to choosing rental drinkware than knowing a headcount. Here are some tips that make choosing the right type and quantity.

Will beer be served in bottles?
If your plan is to serve beer in bottles throughout the event, you don't need to provide glasses for this.

How many types of glassware will the bar need?
Your bar manager or catering team should be able to advise on how many types of glassware will be needed. In most cases, you'll want beer glasses, white wine glasses, red wine glasses, cocktail glasses, Champagne glasses, and water glasses at the bar. Depending on your bar menu, you might also want to include shot glasses (unless you're discouraging shots), lowball glasses, and dessert wine glasses.

How many types of glassware will be on the dinner tables?
Between chargers, flowers, candles, and platters, most wedding reception tables are pretty limited in space. Unless you plan to serve multiple wine varietals in their own glasses, you can usually plan to have one water glass and one or two wine glasses per person. If you're planning a Champagne toast, you'll also want to include a Champagne glass. Alternatively, you can encourage guests to toast with whatever they have in hand during dinner.

Will any glasses be reused?
Remember most events or venues don't offer dish washing services during a wedding, so you're going to need enough glasses for each guest to have multiple drinks throughout the course of the evening. Of course, some guests will be happy to have their wine glasses refilled, but you'll need to plan for a new cocktail glass with every visit to the bar. Keep in mind that a lot of guests misplace their drinks throughout the night and often return to the bar empty handed.

Do you need any specialty glasses?
You'll likely want to include an additional type of glassware for things like champagne glasses for a toast, specialty cocktails, or any catering presentations that require glassware. This might include something like oyster shooters, sorbet, or affogato.

It is challenging to accurately calculate exactly how many drinks, what type of alcohol and drinkware is right for your event. However, as a general, loose guideline, we suggest the following overall ratios. Specific breakdowns are below the following overall ratio:

Overall Ratio
Beer: .5 beers per guest
Wine: 1 bottle per 2.5 guests
Champagne: 1 bottle per 6 guests (toast only)
Liquor: 1 bottle per 5 guests (based on a 3-hour open bar)
After-party: 1.5 drinks per person per hour

Specific breakdowns by number of attendees
50 guests
Beer: 25 bottles
Wine: 20 bottles
Champagne: 8 bottles
Liquor: 20 bottles

100 guests
Beer: 50 bottles
Wine: 40 bottles
Champagne: 16 bottles
Liquor: 20 bottles

200 guests
Beer: 100 bottles
Wine: 80 bottles
Champagne: 32 bottles
Liquor: 40 bottles

300 guests
Beer: 150 bottles
Wine: 120 bottles
Champagne: 48 bottles
Liquor: 60 bottles