Ideas on where to buy reception alcohol?

Bunnybride79

Hi,

We are going to buy our own alcohol (just wine and beer) ir order to save on the super-high costs of an open bar via our caterer and are a little stumped on how to begin and where to buy the booze. 

Can anyone who has done this or somethng similar provide any recommendations or tidbits of advice that you found to be helpful in the process?  Should we buy in Mass now that there is no tax on alcohol?  Any stores or places that's you'd recommend over others?

Thank you! (Only 41 more days! Eep!)

kdemos

wow - 41 days, that's awesome!!!!!!!

we haven't done this yet, but will be doing the same.  Our plan is to buy magnum bottles of wine (the bigger  bottles) b/c they are much more cost effective, and DEFINITELY go to Mass (or NH if you happen to be up there).

I was also told that some places will give a discount if you're really going to buy a ton, and some places will let you bring back (i.e., get your money back) for unopened bottles/cases.  I'm of the mind that it will be put to good use no matter what (and we have a whole week's worth of events surrounding the wedding) so this isn't a big deal for us, but I imagine it can be a great option if you end up really overbuying and don't want to be saddled with a house full of alcohol!

Relatedly, your caterer should be able (and willing) to tell you how much to buy based on your numbers.

Good luck!

kd

RoyalOrient

We bought all our wine, champagne and hard liquor in New Hampshire at their outlet store. The prices are listed on the website plus they have weekly or monthly specials too.

http://www.nh.gov/liquor/stores.shtml

 

We had our bar tender buy beer in MA (also no sales tax). I know they purchase from Yankee Spirits and other discunt liquor stores in the area. Costco also has inexpensive beer selections too. 

http://www.yankeespirits.com/

vtbm

Not sure where your reception is but I know Topsfield is a dry town so the Commons and Willowdale recommend local liquor stores...I want to say The Commons recommended Kappys when we met with them. My understanding is they deliver it all and can give you a good estimate of how much you need. Also, if I remember correctly, they pick up anything unopened and credit you your money back. I would start with a larger liquor store because I'm sure this isn't a first for them. Good luck!

vtbm

sorry..just realized I was on the RI board not the Mass board! However, I'm sure the same applies..start with a large store!

chrispygal

Yankee Spirits in Attleboro is great!  They have a huge selection and automatically give a 20% discount on wine by the case.  We need to meet with them ourselves about arranging our wedding alcohol, but this is where we plan to buy. 

Bunnybride79

Thanks for all the tips!  Yankee Spirits is very close by - I will definitely be giving them a call!

amygirl78

Haxtons' is another low price liquor store. We found their prices to be just as inexpensive as the NH liuor stor. 
 The main store on Rt 2 in Warwick may work with you if you by large amounts!