Open Bar Cost Per Guest Calculator
Estimate the per-guest and total cost of an open bar from drinks per guest, event length and average drink price.
How it works
Drinks per drinker = first-hour + later-drinks × (hours − 1) · Total drinks = guests × drinkers% × per drinker · Cost per guest = total cost ÷ guests
Open-bar cost hinges on consumption, not just a flat headcount. The standard planning pattern is about two drinks in the first hour, when guests arrive thirsty, and roughly one per hour after that. Multiply by the share of guests who actually drink and by an average drink price, and you get the total; dividing by all guests (drinkers and not) gives a true per-guest figure to compare with a per-person bar package. Consumption bars can be cheaper for light-drinking crowds, while flat packages cap the cost for heavy ones.
Worked example
For 120 guests, 75% drinking over 4 hours: drinkers = 90, and drinks per drinker = 2 + 1 × (4 − 1) = 5. Total drinks = 90 × 5 = 450. At $7 each that is $3,150, or $3,150 ÷ 120 ≈ $26.25 per guest.
Frequently asked questions
How many drinks per guest at an open bar?
Plan on about two drinks in the first hour and one per hour after, so roughly 4–5 drinks over a four-hour reception for guests who drink. Adjust the drinking share down for crowds with many non-drinkers, kids or designated drivers.
Is an open bar or consumption bar cheaper?
A consumption (per-drink) bar is cheaper for light-drinking crowds because you pay only for what is poured, while a flat per-person package caps the cost for heavy drinkers. Estimate total drinks here and compare against any package price.
Should I include non-drinkers in the per-guest cost?
For a true per-guest figure, divide the total by all guests, since non-drinkers still count toward the headcount you are budgeting. This tool applies the drinking share to consumption but spreads the cost across everyone.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.