Stocking Up On Beer For Your Wedding: A Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out how much alcohol to buy. Buying beer in bulk for a wedding can be a great way to save money, and there are several places where you can do this. Some popular options include Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's, and Trader Joe's. These stores offer a wide range of beer options at affordable prices, and in some cases, you may be able to return any unopened bottles. It's important to consider the number of guests, the duration of the wedding, and the drinking preferences of your guests when determining how much beer to buy. Online wedding alcohol calculators can also help you estimate the quantity needed. By planning ahead and purchasing beer in bulk from the right retailer, you can ensure that your wedding guests have a great time while staying within your budget.

Buying in bulk from Costco

Costco is a great place to stock up on alcohol for your wedding. You can buy in bulk and save money, which is perfect if you're planning a large event like a wedding.

Costco carries a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. You can find both domestic and imported brands, as well as craft beers. They also offer Kirkland Signature beer, which is a great budget-friendly option. In addition, many name-brand liquors are available under Costco's Kirkland Signature store brand, so you can get quality liquor at a lower 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.

Costco is the largest retailer of wine in the country, and their wine prices are generally 10-20% lower than competitors. They also offer a range of beer and liquor options, so you can find everything you need for your wedding bar in one place.

When buying in bulk from Costco, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check if your local Costco store carries the products you need, as some items may not be available online. Second, consider the amount of alcohol you will need for your wedding. Assess your guest list, taking into account how many attendees are over 21 and their drinking habits. Digital drink calculators can be helpful in determining the appropriate quantities. Finally, keep in mind that Costco's alcohol policy varies by state. In some states, you may not need a membership to purchase alcohol, while in others, you may be able to buy wine, beer, and spirits without a membership.

Overall, buying in bulk from Costco is a great option for stocking up on alcohol for your wedding. With a wide range of beverage options, competitive prices, and the convenience of one-stop shopping, you can ensure your wedding bar is well-stocked and budget-friendly.

Buying in bulk from Sam's Club

If you're looking to buy beer in bulk for your wedding, Sam's Club is a great option. They offer a wide variety of beers, including domestic, imported, and craft beers, so you can find something to suit everyone's tastes. You can also take advantage of their bulk prices and save money on your purchase.

When it comes to domestic beers, Sam's Club has all the classics, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors, and Miller Genuine Draft. For imported beers, you can choose from options like Amsel Light, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Pilsner Urquell. And if you're a fan of craft beer, you can explore their selection of seasonal beers, ciders, and gluten-free options.

One of the perks of buying from Sam's Club is the convenience of ordering everything you need for your wedding and arranging to pick it up from your nearest club location. This saves you time and the hassle of waiting in checkout lines. Plus, you can also stock up on snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, napkins, and other party essentials all in one go.

To keep your beer at the perfect temperature, consider investing in a wine and beer cooler. These appliances offer precise temperature control and are ideal if you don't have space for an extra refrigerator. Alternatively, store your beer in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or kitchen cabinet, away from direct heat and light.

Before purchasing alcohol for your wedding, it's important to assess your guest list and consider their drinking preferences and habits. You can use online drink calculators to estimate how much beer, wine, and liquor you'll need based on the number of guests and the duration of your event.

In addition to beer, Sam's Club also offers a large selection of wines and liquors, allowing you to create a well-stocked bar for your wedding. You can find everything from Prosecco and Champagne to cabernets, merlots, rosés, and chardonnays. Their liquor section includes popular options such as vodka, whiskey, rum, and tequila, as well as coffee liqueur, cream liqueur, brandy, and cognac.

Buying in bulk from Trader Joe's

If you're looking to buy beer in bulk for a wedding, Trader Joe's is a great option, especially if you're on a tight budget. The store is known for its discount prices and unique products, and you can find a wide range of beer options to choose from.

Firstly, it's important to note that Trader Joe's does not sell its products online. This is because the company prioritises the in-store experience for its customers and believes that adding an e-commerce platform would require significant planning, infrastructure, and investment. So, if you're planning to buy in bulk from Trader Joe's, you'll need to visit one of their physical stores.

When it comes to buying beer in bulk, Trader Joe's offers a variety of craft beers, including their own versions of popular brews. For example, they have the "Trader José" and "Josephsbrau Summer Brew". These beers are usually available at low prices, making them a budget-friendly option for your wedding.

In addition to beer, Trader Joe's is also known for its cheap wine, affectionately known as "Two Buck Chuck". This wine is a great option if you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative to champagne for your wedding toasts.

To make the most of your money when buying in bulk from Trader Joe's, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, set a budget and try to stick to it. It can be easy to get carried away with all the interesting products that Trader Joe's offers. Secondly, consider signing up for their circular, the "Fearless Flyer", which will keep you updated on any discounted or seasonal products. Lastly, don't be afraid to sample the products before you buy them, as Trader Joe's allows customers to try any product they're interested in purchasing.

By following these tips and taking advantage of Trader Joe's low prices, you can successfully buy beer in bulk for your wedding while staying within your budget.

Buying kegs of beer

Kegs of beer are a great option for a wedding, offering a more cost-effective and eco-friendly way to serve beer to your guests. There are a few things to consider when buying kegs of beer for a wedding, from the quantity required to the type of beer and where to purchase it.

First, you'll need to estimate how much beer you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to assume that each guest will have at least two drinks in the first two hours and then about one drink per hour for the rest of the night. This equates to around five drinks per person. For a 150-person reception that lasts five hours, you would need around 750 drinks. If you're only serving beer, this could mean up to six kegs, assuming each keg holds 120 pints. It's always better to overestimate than underestimate, and you can always stock your home bar with any leftover beer!

Types of Beer

When selecting the type of beer to serve, consider the season and your guests' preferences. Lighter, more drinkable beers like lagers and cream ales are usually a safe bet, especially for a summer wedding. If you want to offer a variety, you could include some darker ales or imports, or even some local craft beers. You could also make it more personal by choosing beers that are meaningful to you and your partner.

Where to Buy

You can often buy kegs directly from local craft breweries, which may be the most efficient option if you're planning to serve a large volume of beer. Some breweries will only sell kegs for pick-up, so be sure to call around and ask about their policies. Big-box stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's also offer a wide range of beer options at competitive prices.

Other Considerations

Don't forget to think about the practicalities of serving keg beer at your wedding. You'll need to set up a tap system, which could be a mobile bar or kegerator, and ensure you have enough cups or glasses for your guests. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case the keg runs out or something goes wrong, such as having some bottles or cans of beer on hand.

By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to providing your wedding guests with a steady supply of delicious beer!

Using a wedding alcohol calculator

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out how much alcohol to buy. To help you out, there are several wedding alcohol calculators available online that can give you an estimate of how many bottles of wine, beer, and liquor you will need based on the number of guests and their preferences. Using a wedding alcohol calculator will be a good starting point, and you can then adjust the quantities as needed.

• Find a Suitable Calculator: Several websites offer wedding alcohol calculators, such as The Knot, HubTap, Evite, and BevMo. These calculators will provide you with an estimate of how much alcohol you will need based on your specific inputs.
• Determine Guest Count: Start by entering the number of guests you expect to attend your wedding. This will give the calculator a baseline to work with.
• Estimate Drinking Habits: Consider the drinking habits of your guests. Will they be light, average, or heavy drinkers? This will impact the overall quantity of alcohol needed. If you're unsure, you can estimate that one-third of your guests prefer wine, one-third prefer beer, and one-third prefer spirits.
• Consider the Duration: How long will your reception last? The longer the event, the more drinks each guest is likely to consume. Most calculators will ask for the duration of your event in hours.
• Champagne Toast: Decide if you will be having a traditional champagne toast. If so, you will need to account for additional champagne in your calculations.
• Signature Cocktails: If you plan to offer signature cocktails, you will need to include this in the calculator. Signature cocktails can impact the overall quantity and type of alcohol needed.
• Calculate the Quantities: Using the information you have provided, the calculator will estimate the number of bottles or cans of each type of alcohol you will need. For example, for a 100-person wedding lasting 4 hours, you may need 50 bottles of wine, 150 bottles or cans of beer, and 6 bottles of spirits.
• Adjust as Needed: The results provided by the calculator are estimates, and you may need to adjust them based on your specific circumstances. Consider the season, the time of day, and the preferences of your guests. If in doubt, it is usually better to buy a little more than you think you need.
• Don't Forget Mixers: In addition to alcohol, don't forget to purchase plenty of mixers, soft drinks, and water. A general rule of thumb is to assume each guest will consume one drink per hour, or about five drinks throughout the evening.
• Return Policy: Before purchasing, check the return policy of the store. Some stores, like BevMo, will take back any unopened bottles, while others, like Costco, do not allow returns on alcohol.

By following these steps and using a wedding alcohol calculator, you can take the guesswork out of buying alcohol for your big day. Remember to tailor the results to your specific needs and always buy a little more than you think you need to avoid running out.

Frequently asked questions