How Much Does an Open Bar for 100 People Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide

Planning events or Weddings and trying to guess the damage an open bar for 100 people will do? Short answer: usually $2,000–$5,000. But the real cost depends on drink options, duration, and venue rules. Keep reading to avoid surprises — and keep your guests happily hydrated.

The Baseline Price: Average Costs for a 100-Person Open Bar

Understanding the baseline price helps you plan with more confidence. An open bar for 100 guests can vary widely, and the choice of drinks, service style, and event length all play a role. By knowing the typical ranges, you can budget without feeling overwhelmed.

Expected Total Cost Range for 100 Guests (4–5 Hours)

For most events, the total cost for a 100-person open bar sits between $2,000 and $5,000. This range depends on drink tiers and the overall service package. A simpler selection usually keeps the budget lower, while premium choices raise it quickly.

Beer and Wine Only (The Most Cost-Effective Bar Package)

A beer-and-wine bar is generally the most affordable option. With fewer drink types and simpler service needs, it suits budget-conscious organisers who still want guests to enjoy a good selection.

Standard Full Bar (Including House/Well Liquor)

A standard bar offering beer, wine and house spirits typically lands in the middle of the pricing range. It provides variety without the premium cost associated with higher-end brands.

Premium/Top-Shelf Bar (Highest Per-Person Cost)

Premium and top-shelf options cost noticeably more. Guests can order craft cocktails and top-tier spirits, and this pushes the overall spend to the upper end of the scale.

The Key Metric: Open Bar Cost Per Person (PP)

Cost per person is the simplest way to estimate your total spend. It also allows you to adjust quickly if your guest count changes.

National Average Price per Person (Typically $15 to $40 PP)

Most open bars fall between $15 and $40 per person for a four-hour event. The exact rate depends on the drink tier, venue pricing, and staff requirements.

Calculating the Total Bar Budget (Cost PP × Number of Drinking Adults)

Multiply the per-person rate by the number of adults who will be drinking. This avoids unnecessary costs for guests who don’t drink alcohol.

Understanding Open Bar Pricing Structures: Flat Rate vs. Consumption

Pricing structures differ between venues, and each one affects your final total in its own way. Knowing the difference helps you choose the model that best suits your event.

Per-Person Flat Rate (The Predictable Cost)

Flat-rate pricing gives you a guaranteed total cost, which is ideal when budgeting needs to be precise. However, it may mean paying for guests who drink very little.

Pros and Cons (Guaranteed Budget vs. Paying for Non-Drinkers)

The biggest advantage is predictability. The trade-off is that you might pay more than necessary if many guests don’t drink.

How Service Duration Impacts the Flat Rate

Longer events naturally cost more under this model. Most venues increase the rate for each additional hour of service.

Consumption Bar (Pay-Per-Drink or Pay-Per-Bottle)

A consumption-based bar charges only for what guests actually drink. This can be cheaper — or considerably more expensive — depending on the crowd.

Pros and Cons (Only Paying for What Is Consumed vs. High Risk/Uncertainty)

Consumption bars work well for groups with many non-drinkers. However, heavy-drinking guests can push the total far above your expectations.

When a Consumption Bar Saves You Money (High Non-Drinker Count, Shorter Events)

Short events or gatherings where drinking is moderate usually benefit from this structure. It’s also useful when you know your group’s drinking habits well.

5 Critical Factors That Increase or Decrease Your Bar Tab

Several practical decisions influence your final bar cost. Understanding these helps you adjust your budget without sacrificing guest experience.

The Liquor Selection Decision

Your alcohol choices are one of the biggest cost drivers, and shifting your selection can significantly reduce the total.

Savings from Choosing Well/House Brands over Top-Shelf Spirits

House brands offer substantial savings while still providing good quality. Limiting or removing premium options helps keep the budget manageable.

The Budget Benefit of Signature Cocktails (Limiting Inventory)

Offering one or two signature drinks reduces the number of bottles you need to supply. It also adds a personalised touch without raising costs.

Beyond the Alcohol: Fees and Logistics

Bar-related fees are often overlooked but can add a considerable amount to your total bill.

Required Bartender Fees, Service Charges, and Gratuity

Staffing, service fees and gratuity can add 20–30% on top of your bar cost. Being aware of this prevents unpleasant surprises at the final invoice stage.

The Impact of Venue Policy (Bringing in Your Own Alcohol and Corkage Fees)

Some venues allow you to bring your own alcohol, but corkage or handling fees may apply. Others require you to purchase everything in-house. Understanding the policy early is crucial.

The Effect of Event Timing (Evening vs. Afternoon Receptions)

Guests typically drink more during evening events. Afternoon receptions, in contrast, often result in lower bar consumption and reduced overall cost.