What size generator do I need for a wedding?

Check, uncheck or adjust the typical device list below — watts, startup surge and battery size update instantly. Numbers come from U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer spec sheets, not marketing copy.

1. Check what you need to power

Refrigeration & Freezers

Kitchen

  • 1

Heating, Cooling & Fans

  • 2

Water & Pumps

Laundry & Cleaning

Electronics & Office

  • 4
  • 2

Medical Devices

Power Tools & Outdoor

Lighting

  • 10

2. Your sizing

Running load1,826 W
Startup peak2,186 Wdriven by 2× Box Fan
Daily energy4,354 Wh
Recommended capacity5,450 WhBasis: 1 day of typical usage, incl. 25% margin for inverter loss & battery depth of discharge
Backup duration:

Assumptions: daily hours per device follow DOE / ENERGY STAR duty cycles; capacity adds a 25% margin. Check your appliance nameplates — actual draw varies by model.

3. Best matches from our 6-brand database

  1. EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3partial coverage ~75% of target~$2,799
    • rated 4,000W covers your 2,010W continuous load
    • surge 8,000W covers your 2,186W start peak
    • covers about 75% of the target capacity for your selected duration (4,096Wh vs 5,450Wh recommended)
    • 120/240V split-phase output
    Check price →
  2. Bluetti AC200Lexpandable system~$999
    • rated 2,400W covers your 2,010W continuous load
    • surge 7,200W covers your 2,186W start peak
    • base 2,048Wh + expansion batteries (up to 8,192Wh) covers your 5,450Wh need
    Check price →
  3. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plusexpandable system~$1,149
    • rated 3,000W covers your 2,010W continuous load
    • surge 6,000W covers your 2,186W start peak
    • base 2,048Wh + expansion batteries (up to 10,000Wh) covers your 5,450Wh need
    Check price →

Static answer (crawlable summary)

Typical device list: Powered PA Speaker (12 in — QSC K12.2 class)×2, LED Bulb (100W equivalent)×10, Coffee Maker×1, Phone / Smartphone Charger×4, Box Fan×2.

Estimated from: Mfr spec: QSC K12.2 · Energy Star Certified Products (bulbs) · VT Extension table (DOE-derived) · Unbound Solar Power Table (secondary) · Mfr spec: Lasko Pro Power 20in — some household values are cross-checked class estimates (not single-model nameplates); check your own appliance nameplate before buying.

Continuous load1,826 W
Startup peak2,186 W (driven by 2× Box Fan)
Daily energy use4,354 Wh
Recommended capacity5,450 Wh (25% margin included)
Minimum inverter2,010 W continuous

Frequently asked questions

What size generator do I need for a wedding?

For a typical setup (Powered PA Speaker (12 in — QSC K12.2 class), LED Bulb (100W equivalent), Coffee Maker, Phone / Smartphone Charger and Box Fan), you need at least 1,826W of continuous power. The single biggest moment is startup: when 2× box fan kicks on, the momentary draw peaks at 2,186W. For a full day of runtime we recommend at least 5,450Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 4,354Wh per day, plus a 25% margin for a full day of use).

Which power stations can handle this?

Based on published specs, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, Bluetti AC200L (with expansion batteries), EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus (with expansion batteries) cover the 2,186W startup peak and deliver about 75% of a full day / up to 1.9 days fully expanded / up to 2.3 days fully expanded of typical daily use. Check the comparison cards above for the full numbers.

Why is the startup surge higher than the running watts?

Motor-driven devices (fridge compressors, well pumps, air conditioners) draw 2-5× their running power for a split second at startup — measured as locked-rotor amps (LRA). On this page the biggest spike comes from the Box Fan: a station that only meets the running load will trip or stall when it starts. Data sources: U.S. DOE Energy Saver, ENERGY STAR certified products, manufacturer spec sheets.

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