How Much Will Liquor Cost for My Party? A Raleigh Bartending Service Guide

Planning a celebration should feel exciting—not overwhelming. But when it comes to figuring out how much liquor to buy (and what it’ll cost), most people hit a wall of confusion. You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself pacing the aisles at Total Wine or Googling “how much alcohol do I need for 50 guests?” at midnight. It’s a common stress point for anyone hosting a wedding, corporate event, or backyard celebration in Raleigh, NC.

The Pain Point: The Stress of Guessing

Imagine this: you’ve spent weeks planning your event. The food’s ordered, the guest list is set, and the bar… well, you’re not sure where to start. You don’t want to overspend, but you definitely don’t want to run out of drinks halfway through the night. Maybe you’ve even had a friend host a party where the bar dried up before dinner ended—cue the awkward scramble for more wine.

This kind of uncertainty takes the fun out of hosting. That’s exactly why so many people turn to a trusted Raleigh bartending service like Highball Bartenders —to take that weight off their shoulders.

Imagine a Different Kind of Event

Picture this instead: your guests are laughing, glasses are never empty, and the bar is fully stocked with exactly what’s needed—no waste, no last-minute runs. You’re relaxed, enjoying your own party, confident that every drink is handled by professionals. That’s what happens when your bar is planned by experts who know exactly how much (and what kind of) alcohol is needed for your guest count and preferences.

Real Numbers from the Field

Here’s what it looks like in real life. Based on our experience serving hundreds of events across Raleigh, a typical 4.5-hour service for 25 guests runs about $595 in alcohol cost:

• $430 in liquor (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, whiskey, triple sec, and prosecco)

• $85 in beer and seltzers

• $40 in white wine (2–3 bottles)

• $40 in red wine (2–3 bottles)

You can save by choosing off-brand spirits or elevate with top-shelf labels like Grey Goose vodka, Hendricks gin, and Clase Azul tequila.

Here’s how that scales in practice:

• 50 guests: around $1,050–$1,150

• 100 guests: around $1,900–$2,200

• 150 guests: around $2,700–$3,200

These ranges reflect realistic buying patterns—bulk purchasing, modest overage, and a balance of liquor, wine, and beer that keeps everyone happy without breaking your budget.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting It Right

1. Start with your guest count and duration. A 4–5 hour event usually calls for 2–3 drinks per guest, per hour.

2. Decide your drink menu. A few well-chosen cocktails, beer, wine, and a signature option work best.

3. Set your budget and preferences. Let us know if you prefer standard, premium, or high-end brands.

4. We handle the rest. Highball Bartenders calculates your exact needs, shops efficiently, and ensures nothing goes to waste.

5. Relax and enjoy. On event day, your bar runs smoothly—and guests notice.

FAQ: Common Questions About Party Liquor Costs

Do I need to buy the alcohol myself?

Most hosts choose to, since it’s often more affordable. We’ll provide a detailed shopping list tailored to your event.

Can I mix brands or bring my own?

Absolutely. We’ll help you create a plan that fits your taste and budget—no judgment, just guidance.

What if my crowd drinks more (or less) than expected?

Our estimates are based on real event averages, and we build in a small buffer so you don’t run dry.

Do I need permits for alcohol at my private event?

If your event is private and guests aren’t being charged, no special permit is needed. We’ll guide you if your situation differs.

Closing Thoughts

The truth is, guessing your liquor needs adds unnecessary stress. Partnering with a trusted Raleigh bartending service like Highball Bartenders means never worrying about shortages, waste, or overspending again.

So ask yourself—how would it feel to host your next event knowing the bar is completely handled?

Let’s plan your perfect bar together.

A well-stocked bar set up featuring premium spirits like Grey Goose, Tito's, Tanqueray, and Bacardi. Raleigh's 5-star rated bartending service, Highball Bartenders, is always ready for a smooth, stress-free event!