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Shopping Guide

Wedding Alcohol Shopping List

Your complete, printable shopping list for wedding alcohol. Organized by category with exact quantities for 50, 100, 150, and 200 guests.

Rachel MorganOct 2025Updated Jan 20268 min read
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Quick Reference - 100 Guests, 5 Hours

Beer: 10 cases
Wine: 28 bottles
Liquor: 6 bottles
Champagne: 15 bottles
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Complete Shopping Lists by Guest Count

These lists assume a 5-hour reception with cocktail hour, full bar service, and champagne toast. Adjust based on your specific needs.

50 Guests Shopping List

Beer (5 cases)
  • 3 cases light lager (Bud Light, Coors Light)
  • 1 case craft/IPA option
  • 1 case import (Corona, Heineken)
Wine (14 bottles)
  • 6 bottles white (Sauv Blanc, Pinot Grigio)
  • 5 bottles red (Pinot Noir, Merlot)
  • 3 bottles rosé
Liquor (3 bottles)
  • 1 bottle vodka (Tito's, Smirnoff)
  • 1 bottle whiskey/bourbon
  • 1 bottle rum or gin
Champagne (8 bottles)
  • 8 bottles sparkling (toast + buffer)
  • Prosecco works great at 40% less cost

100 Guests Shopping List

Beer (10 cases)
  • 5 cases light lager
  • 3 cases craft/IPA
  • 2 cases import/Mexican lager
Wine (28 bottles)
  • 12 bottles white (mix varieties)
  • 10 bottles red (mix varieties)
  • 6 bottles rosé
Liquor (6 bottles)
  • 2 bottles vodka
  • 2 bottles whiskey/bourbon
  • 1 bottle rum
  • 1 bottle gin or tequila
Champagne (15 bottles)
  • 15 bottles sparkling for toast
  • Order 2 cases (24 bottles) for buffer

150 Guests Shopping List

Beer (15 cases or 2 kegs)
  • 8 cases light lager
  • 4 cases craft/IPA
  • 3 cases import
  • OR 2 kegs + 3 cases for variety
Wine (42 bottles)
  • 18 bottles white
  • 15 bottles red
  • 9 bottles rosé
  • Buy 4 cases (48 bottles) for case discount
Liquor (9 bottles)
  • 3 bottles vodka
  • 2 bottles whiskey/bourbon
  • 2 bottles rum
  • 1 bottle gin
  • 1 bottle tequila
Champagne (22 bottles)
  • 22 bottles sparkling for toast
  • Order 2 cases (24 bottles)

200 Guests Shopping List

Beer (20 cases or 3 kegs)
  • 10 cases light lager
  • 6 cases craft/IPA
  • 4 cases import
  • OR 3 kegs + 5 cases for variety
Wine (56 bottles)
  • 24 bottles white
  • 20 bottles red
  • 12 bottles rosé
  • Buy 5 cases (60 bottles) for case discount
Liquor (12 bottles)
  • 4 bottles vodka
  • 3 bottles whiskey/bourbon
  • 2 bottles rum
  • 2 bottles gin
  • 1 bottle tequila
Champagne (30 bottles)
  • 30 bottles sparkling for toast
  • Order 3 cases (36 bottles)

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Mixers & Non-Alcoholic Shopping List

Essential Mixers (per 100 guests)
  • 8 liters club soda/sparkling water
  • 6 liters tonic water
  • 4 liters cola
  • 4 liters diet cola
  • 4 liters ginger ale
  • 2 liters lemon-lime soda
  • 2 gallons orange juice
  • 2 gallons cranberry juice
Garnishes & Extras (per 100 guests)
  • 25 lemons
  • 25 limes
  • 10 oranges (for old fashioneds)
  • 1 jar maraschino cherries
  • 1 jar olives (martinis)
  • 1 bottle simple syrup
  • 1 bottle Angostura bitters
  • Fresh mint (mojitos/juleps)

Ice Shopping List

Guest CountDrink IceChilling IceTotal Bags (7lb)
50 guests50 lbs25 lbs11 bags
100 guests100 lbs50 lbs22 bags
150 guests150 lbs75 lbs33 bags
200 guests200 lbs100 lbs43 bags

Pro Tip

Double ice quantities for outdoor summer weddings. Ice melts fast in the heat. Buy day-of and assign someone to monitor and refresh throughout the event.

Where to Shop for Wedding Alcohol

Best Value: Warehouse Stores

  • Costco: Excellent wine selection, Kirkland brand is high quality. No membership needed for alcohol in some states.
  • Sam's Club: Good beer selection, competitive pricing on liquor
  • BJ's: Similar selection, check member pricing

Best Selection: Specialty Stores

  • Total Wine: Huge selection, 10-15% case discounts, knowledgeable staff
  • BevMo: Good promotions, case discounts
  • Local wine shops: Expert recommendations, may offer tasting

Shopping Tips

  • Always ask about case discounts (typically 10-15% off)
  • Confirm return policy before purchasing
  • Shop 2-4 weeks before the wedding
  • Bring a vehicle that can handle the weight and volume
  • Keep receipts organized for potential returns

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I buy alcohol for my wedding?

Costco, Sam's Club, and Total Wine offer the best bulk pricing. Many allow returns on unopened bottles. Local liquor stores may price-match or offer event discounts. Order 2-4 weeks before the wedding.

How many varieties of each alcohol should I buy?

For beer: 2-3 varieties (light lager, craft/IPA, import). For wine: 2-3 whites, 2 reds, 1 rosé. For liquor: At minimum vodka and whiskey; add gin, rum, tequila for full bar.

Should I buy cases or individual bottles?

Always buy by the case when possible. Most stores offer 10-15% case discounts. A case of wine is 12 bottles; a case of beer is 24 bottles. Buying cases also makes inventory easier.

What mixers should be on my wedding shopping list?

Essential mixers: club soda, tonic water, cola, diet cola, ginger ale, orange juice, cranberry juice. Plan 1 liter of mixers per 3 guests. Don't forget lemons, limes, and ice.

How much should I spend on wine per bottle for a wedding?

The sweet spot is $10-15 per bottle for great quality guests will enjoy. Under $8 risks poor quality; over $20 is rarely noticed in a party setting. Allocate more for head table if desired.

Can I return unused wedding alcohol?

Most stores accept returns on unopened bottles within 30-90 days with receipt. Confirm the policy before purchasing. Buy 15-20% extra knowing you can return the excess.

Related Resources

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