How Much Ice Do I Need for My Event? A Complete Guide for Long Island Hosts
Planning an event in Suffolk County? Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, wedding, corporate event, or community fundraiser, one question always comes up:
How much ice do I need—and what type is best?
At Long Island Ice & Fuel, we supply pre-packaged ice and gourmet ice cubes for events of all sizes across Long Island. This guide will help you calculate the right amount of ice for your event and choose the best option for your needs.
How Much Ice Do I Need Per Person?
A general rule of thumb for events:
- 1 to 2 pounds of ice per person for a 2–3 hour event
- 2 to 3 pounds per person for longer events (4+ hours)
- Add extra if drinks are the main focus
Quick Ice Calculation Guide:
| 10 guests | 15–20 lbs |
| 25 guests | 40–50 lbs |
| 50 guests | 75–100 lbs |
| 100 guests | 150–200 lbs |
If your event includes bottled beverages chilling in coolers, seafood displays, or outdoor summer heat, you’ll want to increase your order.
When in doubt, it’s always better to have extra ice than run out mid-event.
What Type of Ice Do I Need?
Choosing the right ice matters just as much as choosing the right quantity.
Pre-Packaged Party Ice
Best for:
- Cooling beverages in coolers
- Large gatherings
- Backyard parties
- Sporting events
- Corporate functions
Our pre-packaged ice in Suffolk County is food-grade, clean, and ready for pickup or delivery.
Gourmet Ice Cubes
Best for:
- Weddings
- Cocktail parties
- Bars & restaurants
- Corporate VIP events
- Upscale private gatherings
Gourmet ice is crystal clear, enhancing drink presentation. If you’re serving premium cocktails or want to elevate your event, custom gourmet ice makes a noticeable difference.
Many Long Island bartenders and caterers prefer gourmet ice because it:
- Keeps drinks colder longer
- Dilutes beverages more slowly
- Improves visual appeal
- Enhances the overall guest experience
Ice for Outdoor Events on Long Island
If your event is outdoors—especially during spring and summer in Suffolk County—increase your order by 25–30%.
Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight will melt ice faster than expected. Using insulated coolers and keeping them shaded can help preserve your supply.
Do I Need Ice Delivery?
For larger events, weddings, or corporate gatherings, scheduling event ice delivery in Suffolk County ensures:
- On-time arrival
- Fresh, clean ice
- No last-minute store runs
- Stress-free planning
At Long Island Ice & Fuel, we work with local event planners, caterers, restaurants, and private hosts to ensure ice is the easiest item on your event checklist.
Common Questions About Event Ice
How many bags of ice do I need for 50 guests?
For a 3–4 hour event, plan for 75–100 pounds, or about 8–10 standard 10lb bags.
How much ice do I need for a wedding?
Weddings typically require:
- Cooling ice (1–2 lbs per guest)
- Cocktail ice (additional ½–1 lb per guest)
- Display or raw bar ice (varies by setup)
We recommend speaking directly with your ice supplier to customize the order.
Is gourmet ice worth it?
If presentation and drink quality matter—absolutely. Gourmet ice elevates cocktails and reduces dilution, especially for whiskey, bourbon, and specialty drinks.
Why Long Island Ice & Fuel Is Suffolk County’s Trusted Ice Supplier
When searching for an ice supplier near me in Suffolk County, reliability and quality matter.
We provide:
✔️ Pre-packaged ice
✔️ Custom gourmet ice cubes
✔️ Bulk ice orders
✔️ Event ice delivery
✔️ Professional, dependable service
From small private parties to large-scale events, Long Island Ice & Fuel ensures you never run out.
Planning an Event? Let’s Get You the Right Amount of Ice.
If you’re hosting an event on Long Island and are unsure how much ice you need, we’re here to help.
Contact Long Island Ice & Fuel today to discuss your guest count, event length, and ice type. We’ll make sure your event stays cool from start to finish.
PS: Don’t forget to use our free ice calculator!