Champagne taste on a beer budget: How much will you spend on alcohol for your wedding?

When it comes to wedding planning, alcohol is one of those line items that can quickly add up – but with some smart planning (and a little math), you can keep it under control. Here’s what you need to know about budgeting for drinks at your wedding.

Budgeting for alcohol can be a bit confusing. But it’s also a significant line item in your wedding spend. In Australia, couples typically allocate $2,000 – $4,000 on average. This takes up, on average, around 8-12% of the total wedding budget.

The ins and outs of alcohol for your wedding

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If you’re getting the alcohol through the venue, there are different options available. Venues will offer an open bar package that will strictly run between certain hours, the prices of these will flex up and down depending on the structure of the package: 

• Basic drinks package will include the house wines and one (or in some cases two) beer choices.
• A premium package will feature ‘higher quality’ wines, craft beers and basic spirits (or cocktails).

These prices will depend on the venue itself and can be limited by the venue as well. Wineries will, obviously, only offer the wines that they make. Beers will vary from state to state, and the standard basic spirits or cocktails will be structured around the venue’s preexisting menu.

What dictates the cost of alcohol for your wedding?

Several key factors will influence how much you should spend (and will spend) at your wedding. The biggest is, of course, guest numbers. Naturally, the more people you invite, the more you’ll need to budget. 

The type of drinks served also plays a major role: a simple beer, wine, and soft drink package will cost far less than a premium open bar with cocktails and top-shelf spirits.

Another surprising contributing factor that couples might not have considered is that service style can also influence cost. Table service or roving waitstaff can increase labour costs when comparing it to self-serve or bar setups. But these will depend on venue policies. Some offer inclusive packages, while others charge corkage if you’re bringing your own alcohol. 

Lastly, don’t overlook event timing and length. A daytime reception may see lighter drinking than a late-night party, potentially reducing your overall spend.

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The quick stats

Average spent on alcohol at an Australian wedding:

According to liquor giant Dan Murphys: “The average Australian wedding costs $30k with 100 guests. About half of that goes to catering ($15k), and half of that, to alcohol, $7k. We usually recommend a starting cost of $5k, but it’s very adjustable because a bottle of wine can be cheap or very expensive. Regardless, supplying the alcohol yourself to your wedding is always going to be cheaper because you bypass the vendor markups.”

Cost per head (open bar):

Expect $50 per guest for beer, wine, and soft drink packages. Add spirits, and that may jump to $80-$100+ per head.

BYO venues:

Can save you up to 30–50%, though you’ll need to factor in corkage fees (typically $10–$20 per bottle).

Easy Weddings guide for your booze budget

For some couples, a few drinks are at the top of their priorities for the guests. Others will want to distribute their budget across decorations, entertainment and the wedding dress. But if you’re struggling to get to the nitty-gritty and going back and forth between premium, open bar, BYO, we’ve got you.

Here’s our guide at its most simple.

What affects the cost?

• Guest count: The more guests, the more grog!
• Drink selection: Premium packages and the inclusion of spirits and cocktails will raise your costs, sometimes by double.
• Service type: Open bar, drinks on consumption, BYO, full service – these all vary in costs.
• Time of day: A daytime garden party will see less drinking than an evening reception,
• The venue: Each venue has its own rules, some have strict packages, others are more flexible.

Need help managing your alcohol budget? Here’s our tips:

• Choose a drinks package: Fixed, per-head pricing will avoid bill-shock at the end of the day.
• Limit bar offerings: Stick to wine and beer, and maybe add a signature drink. You can choose to have a pay on purchase option if guests are set on having some cocktails.
• Consider BYO: Dan Murphys have wedding packages and bringing your own booze can slice costs significantly, but our biggest hint: over cater! You don’t want guests wandering around a dry bar trying to find more booze. The more, the merrier.
• Set a cap on consumption: Some caterers will allow you to set a dollar limit, like a bar tab, and then switch to a cash bar to save you from going over-the-top.
• Serve toast-only bubbles: Champagne comes at a price! That bottle of Dom Perignon your parents have been saving for your wedding day should be enjoyed pre or post the celebration. Save the bubbles for the toast and switch it out for Prosecco – after a couple of drinks, no one’s to know the difference!

Budget example: 100 guests

Putting together your budget spreadsheet? We’re here to help!

Bottom line? Aim to allocate 8–12% of your total wedding budget to alcohol, and always compare what’s included — service, glassware, mixers, and corkage — before locking in a decision.