Brand name liquor a must??

I think this is really a "know your crowd" kind of thing. For example, my friends wouldn't care at all, but my FH's friends definitely would care, which is why he insisted on upgrading our bar package lmao.

Also I think it depends on the vibe, are you guys doing a formal/elegant wedding? Then I would do name brand to fit the theme. If you are doing more of a relaxed/DIY theme, then you could get away with off brand. Also, maybe get name brand of the popular liquors of your group (for example, our group is big on vodka and rum, but doesnt really drink whiskey or tequila so getting Stateside and Bacardi, then off brand of the other two could be fine)

It’s a know your crowd thing. Some people will notice and others won’t. This is something you need to ask a group of your guests to decide what to do.


Certain brands of tequila make me sick while others don’t. I’ve never had store brand alcohol but you can taste a difference in the quality of minor brands vs the more popular names.

I agree, it's a know your crowd situation, but also depends on the brand. Don't know much about the Sam's Club brand - but for instance the Costco brand, Kirkland, is phenomenal. Their vodka is produced in the same factory as Grey Goose and is comparable. I would do some research on the brand you plan on using and see if it has a reputation of being "just as good as" whatever you are replacing it with.

Some lower cost liquors are really trash. Like might as well be rubbing alcohol, trash. But some are great. I suggest research to make sure its on par with what you were originally planning on serving.

View Quoted Comment Thank you all! I definitely think the crowd may not like certain swaps after talking it over with my fiancé - appreciate all the feedback 💙

Knowing my family and friends as well as FH family and friends, YES they would. Oh lord I can imagen the complaints now lol.

We prefer to have specific name brand items but have also tried some of the stuff from Costco and other places. In some cases the name brand is the same as other brands. I believe the Costco brand whiskey is made by a name brand company. Also I went to a wedding where the couple bought liqo for the wedding. They were able to buy in bulk at a liquor store for a good value.
With that being said I have noticed if someone doesn't have to pay for it they tend to be more alright if it is not their brand. For us we just made sure our parents have the brands they enjoy.