Quick answer
A useful party-drink estimate starts with guests × event hours × expected drinks per person per hour, then adds a buffer. The right rate depends on event type, time of day, weather, age mix and how many guests drink alcohol.
How to work it out
- Count expected attendees rather than invitations sent.
- Estimate realistic event duration.
- Choose a drinks-per-hour assumption for your crowd.
- Separate alcoholic and nonalcoholic demand when useful.
- Add a modest buffer rather than dramatically overbuying.
Example
For 100 guests over four hours at an average of 1 drink per person per hour, the baseline is 400 servings before any extra allowance. A mixed-age daytime event may be lower; a warm evening reception may be higher.
What can change the answer
Always provide substantial water and nonalcoholic choices. For alcohol planning, prioritize responsible service and transportation.
Run the calculation with your numbers
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