how much beer for 30 people?

im having my son's 1st bday party next weekend and about 30 of our 60 guests drink beer. i was going to buy some cans. im figuring it will be about a 4 hour event.
i am not a beer drinker so i dont know where to start....how woudl you estimate how much beer to buy?
im looking into the cases of 36 cans

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

I am probably in the minority here, but I don't think it's the host's responsibility to provide enough drinks for anyone to get drunk or silly. 2-3 beers per person is more than enough.. especially at a kid's party. For 3 people I'd probably go get 2 cases of domestic and MAYBE have a 3rd ready to go. I notice a lot of folks bring their own if they are real beer drinkers though.

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

It might be easier and more economical to get a 1/2 keg.

ETA: Since it is a First Birthday Party BBQ and not a typical BBQ I don't really think people are going to show up with beer.

Message edited 6/14/2012 12:40:46 PM.

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

we're having about 30 people over for the 4th, and instead of cans we're just doing a half keg

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

I would probably buy two cases; there are always people who show up with beer as well!

You could buy a third 'just in case' case and keep the receipt...since you guys aren't beer drinkers, it could always be returned if unused.

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

I'm a huge beer drinker in the summer at parties and I don't think you need to really provide them with much. I wouldn't buy more than 2 cases because if people know it's an at home party, they will probably bring their own.

Heck I have no problem telling people, "Plenty of food will be there and soft drinks, but if you want more than that just bring what you're drinking!"

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

Just my opinion, but I'd avoid doing a pony keg for a kid's bday party. For some reason it just seems more 'adult' party to me. I mean, I have beer, wine and booze at all of our parties.. but wheeling in the keg somehow seems less appropriate. Maybe I'm crazy?

Also - if people don't know how to use the keg they can eff up the taste by pumping too much foam. And if the thing is not floated, the leftover is useless. I'd stick with cans/bottles in your instance.. but again.. just an opinion!

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

I'd get at least 3 cases, and have the 4th as back up - but I hate to run out of anything - It's at your house, but you're not going to be kicking out friends or family who stay longer than 4 hours ......and I'd NEVER tell people to BYO to a party.

A regular BBQ when people asked 'what can I bring' - sure, 'bring beer' ......but a 1st brithday - I don't think most people treat that the same way they would contribute to a regular get together.......you're already bringing a gift for the kid -

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

I do think it is the hosts responsibility to provide beverages of all kinds. Anything esxtra that a guest brings is great, but I don't assume or expect my guests to do so.

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

Depends on the crowd, I would do at least 3 or 4 cases , but I have a lot of drinkers in my group.

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

thanks girls. i got some coupons in the mail for cases of beer so i think i'll pick up 3-5 cases

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

I would be scared to do a keg for a kids' birthday party. One of the kids may not realize what it is and get some by accident.

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

I don't know anything about beer since we don't drink it. I would probably think 2/3/4 beers per person is enough, especially for a first birthday party. I would also buy 4 large bottles of barefoot wine.

Also, everyone I know who drinks beer only drinks bottles. I would get some Sam Adams bottles and some type of light beer.

Re: how much beer for 30 people?

This is really interesting, I have never hosted or been to a party where people brought there own beverages. Most times people bring wine or scotch and just add it to the bar. For a child's bday party I would assume they wouldn't bring any drink but rather a gift for the child.

I would be mortified if I ran out and wil always err on the side of too much beer rather than not enough. I would probably get about 5 cases of bottles not cans. I would get a few of the Sam Adams summer variety cases. Costco also has one great cases at great prices.