How much drink should you buy for your event?

Running short is every host's nightmare; massively over-buying ties up cash. The good news: a couple of simple rules get you surprisingly close.

The one rule worth remembering

Plan for roughly one drink per guest per hour. It sounds basic, but it's the figure caterers lean on the world over. A 100-guest party running five hours lands around 500 drinks — and from there it's just a matter of splitting it sensibly.

Adjust for how long — and how thirsty

People drink faster in the first hour or two, then ease off, so a long relaxed lunch needs less per hour than a five-hour wedding with dancing. Nudge your estimate up for a celebratory, late-night crowd, and down for a daytime event with lots of drivers or families.

A typical Harare split

Every crowd is different, but a reliable starting point for a mixed gathering is:

• ~50% beer — lagers do the heavy lifting at most Zimbabwean events.
• ~20% cider & RTDs — the spritzers and alcopops that move fast with a weekend crowd.
• ~25% soft drinks & water — non-drinkers, drivers, and keeping everyone hydrated.
• ~5% spirits & wine — more if you're planning a cocktail hour or a formal dinner.

For beer, remember a crate is usually 12 quarts — so 250 beers is about 21 crates to budget for.

Don't forget the Harare heat

Outdoor and summer events drink more soft drinks and water than you'd expect, so build in extra — it's cheap insurance against a thirsty afternoon, and chillers and ice matter as much as the drinks themselves.

A tip that saves money: returnable bottles

Much of what we supply comes in returnable bottles. You pay a refundable deposit and get it back when the empties go in — so over-ordering a little is low-risk, because unopened returnable stock isn't money down the drain.

Planning a wedding in particular? See our guide to planning the bar for a Zimbabwean wedding.

A practical planning guide only. Please always cater for non-drinkers and plenty of water, drink responsibly, and never serve anyone under 18.