How to Buy Alcohol for a BYOB Event (Without Overbuying or Running Out)
Planning drinks for a BYOB event can be surprisingly tricky. Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, hosting a happy hour, or planning a celebration at a BYOB venue like Centre Court Productions, you don’t want to run out—or overspend on alcohol your guests won’t drink.
This guide walks you through exactly how much to buy, what types of alcohol to choose, and where to get the best deals, so you can host confidently and stay on budget.
1. Start with Guest Count and Timing
The first step: figure out how many people are attending and how long the event will last. A good rule of thumb is one drink per person per hour.
For example, a 4-hour event with 50 guests = ~200 total drinks.
Not every guest will drink the same amount, but this estimate helps balance light and heavy drinkers without major overages.
2. Break Down the Drink Mix
Once you know your total drink count, divide it among beer, wine, and spirits. A typical mix for a crowd looks like this:
35–40% beer
30–35% wine
25–30% spirits or cocktails
This ratio can shift depending on your event type. Watch party for the big game? Lean heavier on beer and seltzers. Bridal shower or art event? Wine might lead. If your group prefers cocktails, stock the basics: vodka, tequila, and whiskey cover most popular mixed drinks.
Pro Tip: Serving a signature cocktail helps simplify your shopping list and reduce waste.
3. Stock the Right Mixers & Garnishes
If spirits are on the menu, you’ll need mixers. We suggest:
Soda and Tonic
Cola or diet soda
Lemonade and cranberry juice
Fresh lemons and limes
You don’t need dozens of options—just a few well-chosen mixers go a long way. At Centre Court Productions, we’re happy to help you plan your bar setup, including mixers and batch cocktail ideas.
4. Where to Shop
Buying in bulk is your best bet for saving money. Try:
Costco or Sam’s Club (many states allow alcohol purchases without membership)
Binny’s, Total Wine, or local liquor stores
Delivery apps like Drizly (just confirm your venue allows delivery and alcohol drop-offs)
Some retailers even allow returns on unopened bottles—always ask in advance.
5. Budgeting for Alcohol
Most BYOB hosts spend $15–$25 per guest on alcohol, including beer, wine, liquor, mixers, ice, cups, and garnishes. That’s far more affordable than traditional bar packages.
To reduce costs:
Offer just beer and wine
Limit to one or two signature cocktails
Skip individual mixers in favor of batch drinks
6. Know Your Venue’s Rules
At Centre Court Productions, we welcome BYOB events—but we require a designated bartender to serve all alcohol. For groups over 75, we may require two bartenders or additional staffing to keep your event running smooth.
Not sure what your event needs? We’ll gladly review your plans and help you figure it out.
BYOB gives you flexibility, creativity, and cost control—all with the ability to tailor drinks to your guests. With a solid plan and a clear shopping list, you’ll be ready to host a great event without having to worry about the bar.
Need help deciding how much to bring or what to serve? Our team at Centre Court Productions is happy to help—from batching signature drinks to coordinating bartenders.
