Stocking Up: Beer And Wine Shopping For Your Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding on the drinks. One of the most cost-effective ways to stock your wedding bar is to buy your own alcohol. This allows you to have more control over the cost per bottle and can save you a significant amount of money. When it comes to where to buy beer and wine for your wedding, there are several options to consider. Warehouse stores like Costco, BJs, and Sam's Club offer deep discounts on bulk purchases. Local bottle shops or liquor stores may also offer attractive discounts and a wider variety of brands, including local beers. Chain grocery stores like Walmart and Target can quickly obtain large quantities, but may not offer steep discounts. Online options like Drizly offer wedding services and can help you arrange your wedding alcohol with convenience. Ultimately, the best option depends on your preferences, budget, and the availability of certain stores in your area.

Warehouse stores: Costco, BJs, Sam's Club

If you're looking for a warehouse store to buy beer and wine for your wedding, there are a few options to consider. Costco, BJs, and Sam's Club are all great choices and have a wide selection of beverages to choose from.

Costco

Costco is a great place to stock up on beverages for your wedding. It is the largest retailer of wine in the country, so you'll definitely find plenty of options to choose from. Their wine prices are also very competitive, usually 10-20% lower than you'll find elsewhere. In addition to wine, Costco offers a range of name-brand liquors under its Kirkland Signature store brand, so you can get quality liquor at a better price. For example, Kirkland bourbon and rum are made by Jim Beam, Kirkland vodka is made by Grey Goose, and Kirkland tequila is produced by Cielo. Plus, in some states, you don't even need a Costco membership to shop their liquor store.

BJs

While I couldn't find specific information on using BJs to stock beer and wine for a wedding, they do offer a wide range of beverages, including wine and beer, which could be suitable for a wedding.

Sam's Club

Sam's Club is another excellent option for buying beer, wine, and spirits in bulk. They offer a wide selection of beers, including light, flavored, domestic, imported, and craft options. You can also find seasonal beers and ciders, which are often gluten-free and made from crisp fruits. For wine lovers, Sam's Club offers Prosecco, Champagne, sparkling wines, cabernets, merlots, rosé, and chardonnay, among others. They also have a large liquor section, where you can find popular liquors like vodka, whiskey, rum, and tequila, as well as coffee liqueur, cream liqueur, brandy, and cognac. Plus, their liquor prices are very competitive.

Chain grocery stores: Walmart, Target

When it comes to chain grocery stores, Target and Walmart are two popular options for purchasing beer and wine for a wedding. Both retailers offer a wide range of alcoholic beverages that can cater to different preferences and budgets. Here is some detailed information about buying beer and wine from these stores:

Target

Target offers a variety of wines, including sparkling wines and hard seltzers, with prices starting as low as $5. They also have a range of non-alcoholic drinks and canned cocktails. However, it's important to note that alcohol availability may vary by store, and same-day delivery or pickup services for alcoholic beverages might not be available in all locations. Target also offers the Target Circle 360™ membership, which provides benefits such as fast, free shipping and unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35. This can be a convenient option for those who frequently shop at Target for their wedding needs.

Walmart

Walmart is a large retailer that offers a wide range of products, including alcoholic beverages. While their website does not provide specific details about purchasing beer and wine, they likely stock a variety of options at competitive prices. Walmart is known for its low prices and may offer discounts or deals on alcoholic beverages. It is recommended to check your local Walmart store or their website for more information on their beer and wine selection, as well as any applicable restrictions or regulations.

When purchasing beer and wine for a wedding, it is important to consider the preferences of your guests, the quantity needed, and any applicable budget constraints. Both Target and Walmart can be convenient options for those looking to purchase alcoholic beverages at affordable prices. However, it is always a good idea to check multiple stores and compare prices to find the best deals and ensure you have a variety of options for your wedding guests.

Local bottle shops, liquor stores, or breweries

Variety and Tailored Service: Locally-owned bottle shops or liquor stores often offer a wider variety of options, including locally-produced beers and wines from smaller breweries and vineyards. This can be a great way to support small businesses and showcase local products at your wedding. Their staff are usually well-versed in different brands and styles, so you can get expert advice and tailored recommendations based on your preferences and budget.

Attractive Discounts: Independent bottle shops or liquor stores set their own rules and don't answer to a corporate office. This means they may be more flexible with pricing and able to offer attractive discounts, especially when purchasing in bulk. Don't be afraid to negotiate and ask about any available deals or special orders they can provide.

Return Policies: Some local liquor stores have favourable return policies, allowing you to return unopened bottles or cans. This is a great option if you want to avoid the risk of running out of drinks during your wedding. Make sure to clarify their return policies before making your purchase.

Custom Selections: Some local wine and liquor stores may even create a custom selection or quote for you, ensuring that you get the right quantity and variety of drinks for your special day. They might also offer wedding consultations to help you choose the best options within your budget.

Timing and Delivery: Keep in mind that local shops may need more time to order large quantities of drinks, so plan accordingly. Additionally, consider the location of your wedding venue. If it is in a remote spot, you may need to arrange for third-party delivery, as local shops might not have the capacity to deliver to certain areas.

By supporting local businesses and utilising their expertise, you can create a unique and memorable beverage selection for your wedding while also enjoying the convenience of tailored services and potential cost savings.

Online: Drizly, BevMo

If you're looking to save time and money on selecting and arranging your wedding booze, consider an online alcohol delivery service. Here's a closer look at two options:

Online: Drizly

Drizly was an online liquor delivery app that offered a "White Glove Wedding Service" to help make arranging your own wedding alcohol a breeze. The process was simple: you share your budget, theme, size, and preferences via a quick form, and a dedicated Drizly event concierge will craft your order and share a proposal within 24 hours. Once you agree on an order, they'll help coordinate delivery and even remain on standby on the day of the wedding. They'll also help send back anything you don't use that can be returned. Unfortunately, Drizly is no longer in service, but their partners at Uber Eats can handle all of your alcohol delivery needs.

Online: BevMo

BevMo is a great option for those on the West Coast. They offer a wide selection of alcohol at affordable prices, and their 5-cent wine sale can help you save even more money. BevMo will store all the wine for you, and if you spend over $500, you'll get free delivery. They will also take back any unopened bottles, so you can return what you don't end up using. BevMo has a beverage calculator that will tell you how many bottles you need based on the number of people and the length of the event. They also offer event specialists who can provide personalized assistance for weddings, including custom drink menus and delivery logistics.

Discount stores: Trader Joe's, Two Buck Chuck

If you're looking to save money on wine for your wedding, Trader Joe's is a great option. The store offers a range of affordable wines, including the famous "Two Buck Chuck" (also known as Charles Shaw). This wine is a steal at only $2 per bottle, and despite its low price, it's known for its surprisingly good quality. The story behind Two Buck Chuck adds to its appeal: it was created by Charles Shaw, a Texas banker who developed a passion for wine while working in Paris. Although Shaw's winery eventually faced bankruptcy, his wine lives on through a partnership with Trader Joe's and Bronco Wine.

For those on a tight budget, Trader Joe's is a fantastic choice. Their $2.99 Charles Shaw wines come in both red and white, offering a cost-effective way to stock your wedding bar. And if you're worried about the wine's quality, consider this: in a blind taste test, Two Buck Chuck was the clear winner, even against more expensive options. So, if you're looking for a bargain, Trader Joe's is the place to go.

While Two Buck Chuck is a popular and tasty option, Trader Joe's also offers a wider selection of wines, including local winery options, for under $10 per bottle. This means you can find a variety of wines to suit different tastes, all while sticking to your budget. Plus, some locations may offer additional discounts when you buy by the case, so it's worth asking about potential savings.

If you're looking to disguise your budget-friendly choice, you can always add custom wine labels to your bottles, ensuring your guests are none the wiser. So, whether you're after sweet reds and whites or something drier, Trader Joe's has you covered with their extensive and affordable wine selection.

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