Estimating Open Bar, Wine Costs for Your Wedding

Wedding bells are ringing, and we know you've got a lot on your planning plate! One thing that shouldn't stress you out? The beverage situation. Getting the right amount of wine and spirits for your big day can be tricky, but we understand.

Let's walk through some simple tips to choose the perfect wines and figure out your bar costs, so you can toast to your new beginning without worry.

Plans and Pairings

Before you pick the wine, here are a few things to consider:

• Budget: Every wedding comes with a budget. Look at what you wish to spend for wine and champagne (for the toast). 

• Guest list: How many adults will attend?

• Food pairings: Fish and seafood or rich meats and cheeses? Just like any other meal or party, it’s important to match the wine and beer to the food.

• Seasonality: Guests at outdoor summer weddings tend to drink more white wine than red, more refreshing cocktails and beer than heavy, darker drinks. 

Drop by Haskell's for free wine tastings at any of our locations to help you pick your favorites. Our friendly staff can suggest options that'll go great with your wedding menu and won't break the bank.

Variety for Wedding Guests

Consider a modified full bar for your reception and cocktail hour:

• Spirits: Whiskey, gin, and vodka
• Optional: Rum and tequila
• Mixers: Juice (usually orange and cranberry), soda (such as ginger ale and a cola), tonic water, and club soda
• Garnishes: Lemons and limes
• Beer: Pick at least two options. Are there regional options? For instance, if a Minnesotan and a Wisconsinite are marrying, pick a local MN craft beer and a Wisconsin favorite.
• Wine: Pick a favorite red and white wine.
• Champagne or sparkling wine: If you decide to provide champagne, make sure there's enough bubbly for everyone to have a toast, plus a little extra.

Wines for Reception

We recommend keeping it simple. Select one white, one red, and one sparkling wine. For a summer wedding, add a dry rosé to the mix. Make it personal by selecting wines from regions that hold meaning for the couple—whether that's California, France, Italy, or anywhere else that's special to them.

Doing the Math

Figuring out how much wine, spirits, beer and soft drinks you need is not an exact science, but here's what we know when it comes to a wedding party:

• Assume each guest will consume about two drinks during the cocktail hour and one drink per hour for every remaining hour for the duration of the party.
• Don't forget those who don't drink. Have plenty of non-alcoholic options available as well.

It’s always better to have too much wine than too little. By using a formula, then adding a few extra bottles, you and your guests should be covered.

A general rule of thumb is one drink per person per hour of your reception. But you can get more specific (factoring in light or heavy drinkers) by using an alcohol calculator to help estimate how much you’ll need.

Here are two calculators that we recommend:

• Evite Party Drink Calculator
• The Knot’s Alcohol Calculator

General Cost Estimates (2025)

Beer Price Ranges

• Low-Cost Beer (24 pack): $20-24
• Mid-Cost Beer (12 pack): $14-18
• Premium beer (12 pack): $22+

Wine Price Ranges

• Low-Cost Wine (.750L bottle): $10-12
• Mid-Cost Wine (.750L bottle): $15-20
• Premium Wine (.750L bottle): $22-30+

Spirits Price Ranges

• Low-Cost Spirits (1.75L): $18-22
• Mid-Cost Spirits (1.75L): $28-35
• Premium Spirits (1.75L): $45+

Money Back from Returned Bottles

Here’s the biggest part of your cost estimate calculation–recoup the cost of any unopened bottles after your wedding reception. If you return any unopened bottles to Haskell’s, you’ll receive your money back for those bottles, saving you money and allowing you to over-stock on your big day.

Get Help From the Source 

Figuring out the bar details for your wedding day can be a lot to handle.Our friendly staff are ready to help you plan your wedding reception beverage offerings, and you can hire a professional bartender from Haskell's. 

Our bartenders-for-hire can work with you on your budget and selections, and will ensure you have all the booze, all the ice, all the glasses, and that your guests stay hydrated throughout the night. You'll save money, time, and a few worries by trusting our experienced professionals to run the bar

And, of course, Haskell's delivers. Whether you need a case of beer or ten, we've got your beer, wine, and spirit connection.

You can also consider a special custom wine label with the newlyweds’ name and wedding date on the bottle. It includes the label, wine, and gift box. Plus, volume discounts make this option even better, as prices decrease the more bottles you order.

Cheers to planning your perfect wedding bar! With these tips and a little help from your friends at Haskell's, you'll be ready to toast to a lifetime of happiness.