In 2026, if you’re planning a wedding in India, you might want to pay extra attention to your bar budget. It can take up a whopping 15% to 25% of your total wedding expenses! With inflation always on the rise and the growing trend of opting for premium domestic craft spirits, it’s becoming clear that planning your liquor menu is about much more than just making sure there’s enough to go around.
Think about it - your wedding is a celebration, and the bar is often the heart of the party! Guests love to raise their glasses and toast to love and happiness. But instead of the usual options, why not get creative? Curating a thoughtful selection of drinks can elevate the entire experience.
And let’s not forget about the non-drinkers! Offering a variety of mocktails and sparkling juices can ensure everyone feels included. So, while you’re managing all the details of your big day, don’t overlook the drinks.
Here is a comprehensive unsobered guide to budgeting for your wedding alcohol without losing the wow factor.
Alcohol Budgeting For Indian Weddings
1. The Golden Rule of Quantity: The 2026 Calculator
When it comes to alcohol budgeting for Indian weddings, this one cannot be missed.
Over-ordering is the most common way to waste money, while under-ordering causes panic. In the Indian context, guests generally consume more at a Sangeet or Cocktail night than at the Reception.
The Base Formula:
- Total Drinks Needed: Number of Guests X Number of Event Hours.
- The Mix: For an average Indian crowd, follow the 50-20-30 rule:
- 50% Spirits (Whiskey is the dominant player for uncles, while Gin/Vodka leads for younger crowds).
- 20% Beer (Higher in summer; lower in winter).
- 30% Wine/Champagne (Primarily for toasts and the brunch Mehendi).
Pro Tip: One 750ml bottle of spirits provides roughly 15–18 drinks (30ml-45ml pours). A 750ml bottle of wine serves 5–6 glasses.
2. Strategic Sourcing: BYOB Vs. Venue Packages
The highest hidden cost is the venue’s markup. Most 5-star hotels charge a 300% markup on retail prices.
- Choose BYOB Venues: Look for farmhouses or independent banquet halls that allow you to bring your own liquor. You only pay a corkage fee (a flat fee per bottle or per person).
- Bulk Purchase & Sale-or-Return: Buy from large wholesalers. Negotiate a "Sale or Return" policy where they take back unopened, undamaged cases after the wedding.
- State-Wise Strategy: If you are having a destination wedding, check local excise laws. For example, Haryana and Goa have significantly lower liquor taxes than Maharashtra or Karnataka.
3. The Tiered Bar Approach
Next on the list for alcohol budgeting for Indian weddings, is the tiered bar approach.
You don't need "Top Shelf" for every hour of every event.
- Signature Cocktails: Instead of a full open bar with 10 types of spirits, offer 2–3 signature cocktails. This limits the variety of mixers and expensive base spirits you need to buy.
- The Switch Technique: Serve premium labels (e.g., Black Label or Glenfiddich) during the first two hours of the event. As the night progresses and guests are several drinks in, switch to high-quality but more affordable domestic alternatives (e.g., Amrut or Indri).
- Indian Craft Spirits: 2026 is the era of proudly Indian. Brands like Greater Than (Gin), Maka Zai (Rum), and Sula (Wine) offer world-class quality at a fraction of the price of imported labels like Hendrick’s or Moët.
4. Master The Logistics & Licensing
In India, the legal paperwork can be a budget-killer if ignored until the last minute. So in this alcohol budgeting for Indian weddings, this point is super important.
- The One-Day License: You must obtain a temporary liquor license (e.g., the P-10 in Delhi or FL-4 in Maharashtra). Fees typically range from INR 10,000 to INR 15,000 for a private event. Not having this can result in heavy fines or your stock being seized.
- Standardized Pours: Use measuring pegs (jiggers). Free-pouring by inexperienced bartenders can waste up to 20% of your stock through over-pouring and spills.
- Limit the Menu: Stick to one brand of each spirit. Offering five different whiskies requires you to stock a safety buffer for all five, leading to more leftover, opened bottles.
5. Non-Alcoholic "Fillers"
A high-quality mocktail program reduces the overall alcohol consumption rate without making the wedding feel dry.
- The Desi Refresher: Serve Aam Panna, Rose Sherbet, or fresh coconut water. These are culturally beloved, visually vibrant, and significantly cheaper than spirits.
- The Beer Strategy: Serve smaller 330ml bottles or cans rather than 650ml bottles. This reduces warm beer waste where guests leave half-finished large bottles.
Summing Up
Smart alcohol budgeting lies in strategic curation over sheer volume. By embracing premium Indian craft spirits, opting for BYOB venues with "sale-or-return" policies, and streamlining your menu with signature cocktails, you ensure a high-end guest experience. Focus on quality and legal compliance to celebrate lavishly while keeping your finances intact.
