Planning drinks for an event can be daunting, especially when trying to order the right amount of Prosecco. From weddings to corporate parties or milestone birthdays, getting the quantities right is key to budget and guest satisfaction. This guide shows exactly how many bottles you’ll need for 50 guests.
For 50 guests, you'll typically need 17-25 bottles of Prosecco, depending on several factors including the duration of your event, whether you're serving other drinks, and the drinking preferences of your guests.
Here's a breakdown of common scenarios:
Let's explore the detailed calculations and factors that influence these numbers.
Before calculating your requirements, it's essential to understand how many servings you can expect from each bottle.
A standard Prosecco bottle contains 750ml of liquid, which yields:
The difference in serving size depends on the type of glass you're using and the occasion. For a champagne toast, smaller pours in traditional flutes are appropriate. For a drinks reception where guests will be sipping throughout, larger 125ml pours in wider glasses work better.
Whilst less common, larger bottles can be impressive centrepieces:
For events of 50 guests, magnums can be a cost-effective option, requiring only 9 magnums instead of 17 standard bottles for a two-hour event.
The golden rule for event planning is to estimate one glass per guest per hour. However, this baseline needs adjusting based on your specific circumstances.
One-hour drinks reception:
Two-hour celebration:
Three-hour party:
Four-hour event:
Full evening reception (5-6 hours):
Different occasions have different drinking patterns:
Weddings: Prosecco consumption tends to be higher during the drinks reception and first hour. For wedding bar hire, plan for 2-3 glasses per person during the reception, then 1 glass per hour during the meal and evening party. Total for 50 guests: 20-25 bottles for a full wedding day.
Corporate events: Professional gatherings typically see more moderate consumption. Plan for 1-2 glasses per person over 2-3 hours. For 50 guests: 10-17 bottles.
Birthday parties: Celebrations can vary widely, but generally expect 2-4 glasses per person over 3-4 hours. For 50 guests: 17-34 bottles.
Afternoon tea or brunch: Daytime events usually involve lighter drinking. Plan for 1-2 glasses per person. For 50 guests: 9-17 bottles.
Understanding your guest list helps refine your calculations:
If you're offering a full bar with spirits, beer, wine, and soft drinks, many guests will choose alternatives to Prosecco:
For example, if you're providing professional bartender hire in London with a full cocktail menu, you might only need 12-15 bottles of Prosecco for 50 guests over four hours, as many guests will opt for mixed drinks.
Drinking patterns vary throughout the day:
Temperature affects drinking preferences:
For 50 guests requiring 20-25 bottles, you'll need adequate chilling capacity:
Pro tip: Chill bottles in batches. Start with enough for the first hour, then rotate fresh bottles into ice buckets as needed.
Prosecco prices vary significantly, from £7 to £30+ per bottle:
Budget-friendly (£7-£10 per bottle):
Mid-range (£12-£18 per bottle):
Premium (£20-£30 per bottle):
Cost-saving tips:
| Event Duration | Glasses Per Person | Total Glasses | Bottles Needed (Standard) | Bottles Needed (with alternatives) |
| 1 hour | 1 | 50 | 9 | 6-7 |
| 2 hours | 2 | 100 | 17 | 12-14 |
| 3 hours | 3 | 150 | 25 | 17-20 |
| 4 hours | 4 | 200 | 34 | 23-27 |
| 5 hours | 5 | 250 | 42 | 30-35 |
The right glass enhances the drinking experience:
Flutes (traditional):
Tulip glasses (modern):
White wine glasses (contemporary):
For 50 guests, you'll need at least 60 glasses (some guests will need fresh glasses, and breakages happen).
Professional pouring ensures consistency and reduces waste:
Standard pour sizes:
Prosecco should be served at 6-8°C (43-46°F):
Service timing for 50 guests:
Running out of Prosecco is the most common error. Guests remember an empty bar more than leftover bottles. Always err on the side of having too much, especially if your supplier accepts returns.
Twenty-five bottles require significant space. Don't assume your standard fridge will suffice. Invest in ice buckets, cool boxes, or hire additional chilling equipment for larger events.
Always provide quality alcohol-free alternatives. For 50 guests, expect 10-15% to prefer non-alcoholic options. Consider:
Prosecco served too early goes flat; served too late disappoints arriving guests. Create a serving schedule:
Serving Prosecco in inappropriate glasses affects the experience. Standard wine glasses are too large (leading to over-pouring), whilst shot glasses are insulting. Invest in proper flutes or tulip glasses for the best results.
For events of 50 guests or more, The Sesh Bars' mobile bar hire services offer significant advantages for London celebrations:
Benefits include:
Professional services also provide backup stock, meaning you'll never run short, and they handle all the logistics from chilling to serving to clearing up.
If budget is a concern or you want variety:
Cava (Spanish):
English Sparkling Wine:
Champagne:
For variety, consider offering:
This approach caters to different preferences whilst keeping Prosecco as the star attraction.
Twenty-five bottles create significant waste. Plan for:
For a toast only, you'll need 7-8 bottles of Prosecco for 50 guests. This assumes smaller 90ml pours in flute glasses, yielding 8 servings per bottle.
Yes, always purchase 10-15% more than your calculations suggest. For 50 guests requiring 20 bottles, buy 23 bottles. Most retailers accept returns of unopened bottles, and it's far better to have excess than to run short during your event.
Typically, 15-20% of guests may not drink alcohol. Reduce your Prosecco quantity accordingly and invest those savings in quality non-alcoholic alternatives like alcohol-free sparkling wine, elderflower cordial, or fancy soft drinks.
Absolutely! Prosecco cocktails are increasingly popular. Classic options include Bellinis, Aperol Spritz, and French 75s. However, these require additional ingredients and typically use less Prosecco per serving (75-100ml instead of 125ml). For 50 guests having Prosecco cocktails, you might need only 12-15 bottles of Prosecco plus mixers.
Prosecco doesn't improve with age, so buy it 1-2 weeks before your event. This gives you time to chill it properly without risking quality degradation. Store bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
For larger gatherings, opt for mid-range Prosecco (£10-£15 per bottle) which offers excellent quality without breaking the bank. Look for DOC or DOCG designations which guarantee quality. Popular reliable brands include Mionetto, La Marca, and Zonin.
For 50 guests drinking over 2-3 hours, you'll need 8-10 ice buckets. Each bucket holds 1-2 bottles, and you'll want to rotate approximately 20 bottles through chilling during service.
Calculating how many bottles of Prosecco for 50 guests doesn't need to be complicated. Start with the one-glass-per-person-per-hour rule, adjust for your specific event type and duration, factor in alternative drinks, and always round up.
For most occasions with 50 guests, 17-25 bottles will see you through comfortably, but don't be afraid to err on the generous side. Your guests will appreciate flowing drinks far more than they'll judge leftover bottles, and with modern return policies, you'll rarely lose money on unopened bottles.
Whether you're planning an intimate wedding reception, a corporate celebration, or a milestone birthday party, getting your Prosecco quantities right ensures your event runs smoothly and your guests leave with happy memories. When in doubt, consider professional bar services who can handle all the calculations, chilling, service, and cleanup, leaving you free to enjoy your celebration alongside your 50 guests.
Cheers to perfect planning and perfectly chilled Prosecco!
