How many glasses per person at a party?

Each guest needs a glass for each drink type they will have. Typically: 1 wine glass, 1 water glass, and possibly a champagne flute for toasts. Allow 15% extra for breakages and people setting down glasses and getting a fresh one.

Do I need different glasses for red and white wine?

For formal events, yes - red wine glasses are larger and rounder. For casual parties, one style of wine glass works for both. If hiring, standard wine glasses are versatile. Stem-less wine glasses are trendy and less likely to be knocked over.

How many champagne flutes for a toast?

One per person who will toast. Not everyone drinks champagne - some will toast with their current drink. For weddings, order flutes for all guests. For casual parties, 70-80% of guests is usually enough.

Should everyone get a water glass?

Yes. Every guest should have a water glass regardless of what else they are drinking. Water glasses also double as soft drink glasses. This is especially important at events serving alcohol.

Glass Calculator — Glasses by Drink Type

Calculate glasses needed for wine, beer, champagne, and soft drinks.

Total Guests

Total number of people attending

Wine Drinkers

Wine drinkers

Beer Drinkers

Beer drinkers

Champagne Toast

Champagne toast

Soft Drink / Juice

Soft drink / juice

Spare Percentage

Spare percentage as a percentage

Cost per Glass (hire/buy)

Amount in pounds sterling

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates glasses by drink type plus water glasses for all.

Per guest calculations

Wine glasses = wine drinkers + spares
Beer glasses = beer drinkers + spares
Champagne flutes = toast participants + spares
Water glasses = all guests + spares

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.