Texas Wedding Bar Guide
Everything you need to plan your Texas wedding bar—from TABC laws to local costs, where to buy in bulk, and what drinks Texans actually want at weddings.
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Our calculator adjusts for Texas drinking preferences and gives you local cost estimates.
Texas Wedding Bar: What You Need to Know
Texas weddings are big—and so are the bars. Whether you're planning a Hill Country vineyard wedding, a Dallas ballroom affair, or a ranch celebration outside San Antonio, understanding local preferences, laws, and costs will save you money and stress.
Texas Drinking Preferences
Texans have distinct preferences that differ from coastal states:
Shiner, Lone Star, Dos Equis, local craft
Texas Hill Country wines popular
Whiskey, tequila, margaritas
Popular Texas Wedding Drinks
- Ranch Water: Tequila, lime, Topo Chico—the quintessential Texas cocktail
- Margaritas: Frozen or on the rocks, often the #1 request
- Whiskey: Bourbon and Texas whiskeys (Balcones, Treaty Oak)
- Shiner Bock: A Texas staple, almost required
- Texas wines: Hill Country vineyards produce quality options
Texas Wedding Bar Costs (2026)
| Bar Type | Per Person | 150 Guests | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (beer & wine) | $15-20 | $2,250-3,000 | + bartender $300-600 |
| DIY (full bar) | $25-35 | $3,750-5,250 | + bartender $300-600 |
| Venue package (standard) | $40-55 | $6,000-8,250 | All-inclusive |
| Venue package (premium) | $55-70 | $8,250-10,500 | Top-shelf included |
Cost by City
Prices vary across Texas metros:
- Austin: +10-15% above state average (high demand, craft focus)
- Dallas: On par with average (more venue options, competition)
- Houston: -5% below average (larger market, more options)
- San Antonio: -10% below average (lower cost of living)
- Hill Country: +15-20% (destination premium, limited vendors)
TABC Laws: What You Need to Know
Disclaimer
This is general information, not legal advice. Always verify current TABC regulations and consult with your venue or a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Private vs. Public Events
- Private wedding (no alcohol sold): Generally no TABC permit needed
- Cash bar or drink tickets sold: Venue needs proper licensing
- Public venue: Must have licensed servers and follow all TABC rules
Liability Considerations
- Texas has dram shop laws—hosts can be liable for overserved guests
- Consider event insurance ($150-300) for larger weddings
- Professional bartenders carry their own liability insurance
- Never serve minors (Texas is strict on enforcement)
Where to Buy Bulk Alcohol in Texas
- • Texas-based, 100+ locations
- • 10-15% case discounts
- • Free delivery on large orders
- • Returns on unopened bottles
- • 15 Texas locations
- • 10-15% case discounts
- • Great selection
- • 30-day returns
- • No membership needed (TX law)
- • Everyday low prices
- • Liberal return policy
- • Limited selection
- • 100+ Texas locations
- • Event planning services
- • Case discounts available
- • Local expertise
Summer Wedding Considerations
Increase:
- • Ice: 2+ lbs per person (vs 1.5 normally)
- • Beer: +25% more than standard
- • Water & non-alcoholic: +50%
Consider:
- • Frozen margarita machines (crowd pleaser)
- • Shaded bar area or indoor backup
- • Insulated coolers with drainage
Texas Signature Cocktail Ideas
Ranch Water
Tequila, lime, Topo Chico
Most Texan cocktail you can serve
Texas Mule
Bourbon, lime, ginger beer
Local twist on classic
Paloma
Tequila, grapefruit, lime
Refreshing for summer
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Texas Wedding Bar (Full Bar)
Beer
- • 6 cases Shiner Bock
- • 4 cases Dos Equis/Corona
- • 3 cases craft (local IPA)
- • 2 cases light beer
Wine
- • 20 bottles white (TX Chardonnay)
- • 15 bottles red (Tempranillo)
- • 10 bottles rosé
Spirits
- • 4 bottles tequila (Espolòn)
- • 3 bottles bourbon (Buffalo Trace)
- • 2 bottles vodka (Tito's)
- • 1 bottle rum
Supplies
- • 300 lbs ice
- • Limes (5 lbs), lemons (2 lbs)
- • Mixers: Topo Chico, soda, juice
- • 2 bartenders
Includes alcohol, bartenders, supplies. Excludes venue fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to serve alcohol at my Texas wedding?
For private weddings where no alcohol is sold (open bar), you typically don't need a TABC permit. However, if you're charging for drinks (cash bar) or the venue sells alcohol, they need proper licensing. Always check with your venue and consider consulting a local attorney for large events.
How much does a wedding bar cost in Texas?
Texas wedding bars typically cost $15-35 per person for DIY or $40-70 per person for venue packages. For 150 guests, expect $2,250-5,250 DIY or $6,000-10,500 for full service. Costs are lower than coastal states but higher than Midwest.
Where can I buy bulk wedding alcohol in Texas?
Top options: Spec's (Texas-based, great selection, case discounts), Total Wine (15 Texas locations), Costco (no membership needed for alcohol), and Twin Liquors. All offer case discounts of 10-20% and return policies for unopened bottles.
What drinks are popular at Texas weddings?
Texas weddings lean toward whiskey/bourbon, margaritas, and beer (especially in summer). Popular signature cocktails include Ranch Water (tequila, lime, Topo Chico), Texas Mule, and Palomas. Shiner Bock and local craft beers are crowd favorites.
How does Texas heat affect wedding bar planning?
Summer Texas weddings (May-September) need 50% more ice, 25% more beer, and extra non-alcoholic options. Plan for 2+ lbs of ice per person. Frozen margarita machines are popular. Keep backup stock in air-conditioned space.
Can I bring my own alcohol to a Texas wedding venue?
Many Texas venues allow BYOB with a corkage fee ($10-25/bottle). Some require you to use their bar service. Barn venues and private ranches typically have the most flexibility. Always get BYOB policies in writing.
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