How Much Alcohol Do You Need for a Texas Wedding?
Let’s start with the big question: how much should you buy? It depends on four things:
- Guest count
- Event length
- Drinking preferences
- Temperature and setting (hot summer = more cold drinks)
As a rule of thumb, plan for 2 drinks per guest during the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that. So, a 4-hour wedding with 100 guests = 400 to 500 drinks total.
Use Zipps’ wedding drink calculator to dial in the numbers for your event.
Quick breakdowns:
- 50 guests (4 hours): ~250 drinks
- 100 guests (4 hours): ~450 drinks
- 150 guests (5 hours): ~675 drinks
Your Complete Texas Wedding Bar Shopping List
Here’s your full breakdown of what to include in your bar plan.
Beer Selection
Keep it simple with 2 to 3 options:
- One light/lager (e.g. Shiner, Lone Star, Modelo)
- One hoppy or craft option (e.g. Karbach, Saint Arnold)
- Optional seasonal or cider
Guideline: 1 beer per guest per hour if beer is the primary drink.
Wine Options
Go with red, white, and bubbly to please most guests:
- Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir
- Sparkling wine or Prosecco for toasts
General rule: 1 bottle per 2–3 guests.
Spirits & Cocktails
Stick to the basics:
- Vodka (good for most mixed drinks)
- Tequila (margaritas)
- Whiskey or bourbon
- Rum (for mojitos or punches)
- Gin (for summer spritzes or G&Ts)
Suggested amounts per 100 guests:
- 2 liters vodka
- 1–2 liters each of whiskey, tequila, rum, gin
- 1 case of mixers
Non-Alcoholic & Mixers
Always have non-alcoholic options:
- Sparkling water
- Lemonade or punch
- Sodas (cola, ginger ale, club soda)
- Juices (orange, cranberry, pineapple)
Extras & Garnishes
- Ice (1–2 lbs per guest)
- Cups, straws, napkins
- Lemons, limes, cherries
- Salt/sugar for rimming glasses
Printable checklist available below.
| Category | Suggested Quantity for 100 Guests |
| Beer | 200–250 bottles/cans |
| Wine | 35–40 bottles total |
| Spirits | 7–10 bottles total |
| Mixers | 1–2 cases assorted |
| Ice | 150–200 lbs |
Wedding Alcohol Packages & Bulk Discounts at Zipps
Skip the guesswork and build your own package with Zipps. We offer custom event alcohol packages based on your headcount, drink types, and venue.
Why planners choose Zipps:
- Bulk discounts on wine, beer, and spirits
- Local Texas brands and national names
- Optional delivery in select areas
- Personalized help with your shopping list
Need 30 bottles of wine, 6 cases of beer, and mixers to match? No problem. Our bulk liquor and wholesale options save time and money.
Legal Tips for Serving Alcohol at Texas Weddings
Weddings aren’t just parties. They involve alcohol liability, especially in Texas.
What you need to know:
- All alcohol service must follow TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) rules.
- Your bartender must be certified (TABC licensed) if it’s a public venue.
- Events on private property may not require a license, but age checks and safety still apply.
Best practice: Hire a TABC bartender and let Zipps help with product sourcing.
Tips for a Smooth Summer Wedding Bar Experience
Texas summer heat brings a few bar challenges. Here’s how to keep things cool and crowd-friendly:
- Keep drinks cold: Bring extra coolers or rent a kegerator.
- Plan for outdoor service: Keep bottles shaded. Use insulated cups.
- Offer signature cocktails: Highlight the couple’s personality and reduce line wait.
- Label everything: Beer tubs, wine signs, and mixer labels help guests serve themselves easily.
- Use a simple bar menu: Keeps things flowing fast, especially with a limited bartending team.
FAQs About Wedding Alcohol in Texas
How do I calculate how much alcohol I need for a Texas wedding?
Use Zipps’ wedding drink calculator to input guest count and duration. It gives estimates for beer, wine, and liquor.
What’s included in a typical wedding alcohol package?
Beer, wine, and popular spirits like vodka and whiskey. Zipps also includes mixers, accessories, and local delivery in some areas.
Can I customize a wedding bar shopping list for different guest preferences?
Yes. We help you adjust by age group, drink type, season, and food pairing. Our team builds your bar around the experience you want.
Are there legal requirements for serving alcohol at Texas weddings?
Yes. TABC-certified staff are required at public venues. Private events may be more flexible, but the law still requires 21+ age checks and safe service.
Does Zipps Liquor offer delivery or bulk discounts for weddings?
Yes. Delivery is available in select counties. Bulk discounts apply to most party liquor packages Texas customers order for events. Use our event packages page or visit your nearest Zipps Liquor store for a quote.
Let Zipps Help You Host the Perfect Texas Wedding
No two weddings are the same, and your bar shouldn’t be either. At Zipps, we support couples and planners with affordable alcohol packages, helpful tools like our wedding drink calculator, and bulk ordering for every budget.
Ready to plan your summer wedding bar? Contact us for event packages, use the drink calculator, or visit your nearest Zipps location for custom help.
For additional guidance, check out our wedding alcohol FAQs.
Cheers to your big day, done right.
