Non-Alcoholic Drinks for 100 Guests
How much to buy for a 100-guest wedding or party with no alcohol at all — a dry reception, a daytime event, or the non-alcoholic bar alongside everything else. The rule is the same one the WedCalc drink calculators use: about 6 drinks per guest over 5 hours (2 in the first hour, then 1 per hour).
Shopping list — non-alcoholic, 100 guests
600 drinks split three ways is a spread that suits nearly everyone: sodas and sparkling drinks for the toast moments, juices and lemonade through the meal, and plenty of water all day.
| Item | Drinks needed | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Sodas & sparkling drinks (40%) | 240 drinks | 20 x 12-packs |
| Juices & lemonade (30%) | 180 drinks | 15 x 12-packs |
| Still & sparkling water (30%) | 180 drinks | 15 x 12-packs |
| Ice | 100 lb | 10 x 10 lb bags |
Cost at example prices
| Item | Buy quantity | Example price | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-alcoholic drinks | 50 12-packs | $7.00 | $350.00 |
| Ice | 10 bags | $3.00 | $30.00 |
| Estimated total | $380.00 | ||
Different guest count or a shorter event? Open the party drink calculator, set the drinker percentage to 0, and it will rebuild this list for your numbers. Planning a mixed bar? Start from the 100-guest alcohol guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many non-alcoholic drinks do I need for 100 guests?
Plan on about 6 non-alcoholic drinks per guest over a 5-hour reception (2 in the first hour, then 1 per hour) when no alcohol is served. For 100 guests that is 600 drinks, which buys as 50 packs of 12.
What non-alcoholic drinks should I serve at a wedding?
A reliable spread is about 40 percent sodas and sparkling drinks (240 cans), 30 percent juices and lemonade (180), and 30 percent still and sparkling water (180 bottles or cans). Add coffee and tea for later in the evening if your venue allows.
How much ice do I need for a dry wedding with 100 guests?
At 1 lb of ice per guest, 100 guests need 100 lb of ice — 10 bags of 10 lb. A non-alcoholic bar uses at least as much ice as an alcoholic one, because nearly every drink is served over ice.
How much do non-alcoholic drinks cost for 100 guests?
At the example price of $7.00 per 12-pack, 50 packs cost $350.00, and 10 bags of ice at $3.00 add $30.00, for a total of $380.00. Premium alcohol-free wines and spirits cost more and are not included in this example.
Should I serve alcohol-free wine or beer as well?
They are a nice extra for toasts and for guests who want the ritual without the alcohol, but they are not counted in the 600 drinks above. A common approach is a sparkling alcohol-free bottle for the toast table and the soft drinks in this list for the rest of the day.