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Buying own alcohol for reception--two questions.
Hi there, I hope this is the right board to ask this question, and I apologize ahead of time if this question has already been asked. The catering company we are considering has told us that we have the option of buying our own alochol and then just being responsible for paying the bartender for his service. Question One. Is this more cost efficient or should we use their alcohol? We were only going to buy a couple of bottles of tequila and vodka and one other alcohol along with the champagne, and then the various fruit juices to mix those liquors with. Question 2. Where do we buy this alcohol in bulk if we went along with this route? I've looked on the internet but maybe I'm not looking at the right place. Will the ABC liquor store sell it to me at a lower price since I will be buying so many bottles? Thank you for your help 
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Re: Buying own alcohol for reception--two questions.
This will most likely be more cost effective. You can also return unopened bottles, however I believe there is a restocking fee once the return amount goes over $100 or so.
I'd suggest you get an idea of what you reasonably need based on the amount of guests and go in to talk to the folks at your ABC store. They'll help you out with the rules and such.
[QUOTE]Actually, there is another location you can purchase liquor - a military exchange or commissary. If you are able to find someone in the area that you can go with (that has a military ID), they can purchase for you at a discount and you can pay them back.
Posted by sunflower1998[/QUOTE]
<div>While technically this is true, remember that military members can get in trouble for buying alcohol for others and receiving payment for it. I know people do this all the time, but I'm just not sure it's worth the risk of the military member getting in trouble for it. I bought the alcohol for my sister's wedding at the Class 6, but it was my wedding gift to her, I did not let her repay me. </div>
A few more tips:
You will also need cups, napkins, lemons, limes etc. etc.
If you are providing your own bar you will need a one day special event ABC license
Remember you will need coolers & ice unless the venue has a bar with plenty of refrigeration and an ice machine.
Good luck!!!
[QUOTE]Actually, there is another location you can purchase liquor - a military exchange or commissary. If you are able to find someone in the area that you can go with (that has a military ID), they can purchase for you at a discount and you can pay them back.
Posted by sunflower1998[/QUOTE]
<div>
</div><div>Just remember that military members can get in trouble for purchasing alcohol on base and selling it to friends/family members. I purchased all of the alcohol for my sister's wedding from a military Class 6, but insisted that it be part of my wedding gift to her. I could have gotten in serious trouble if I'd let her pay me for it and anyone had found out.</div>
[QUOTE]Actually, there is another location you can purchase liquor - a military exchange or commissary. If you are able to find someone in the area that you can go with (that has a military ID), they can purchase for you at a discount and you can pay them back.
Posted by sunflower1998[/QUOTE]
We saved about $300 doing this (MOH is a navy wife).
Also, we paid $4.95 per person for the caterer to stock all the mixers and garnishes. We bought alcohol only on our own and it was well worth it.
My husband's father is a retired Navy commander and MIL took me to pick everything up. No harm. No foul.
We saved a ton of money this way. Also, getting a 1-day banquet ABC license was a fairly easy process and could be done online.
Marieva, I noticed you got married in the Tidewater area. Im looking for a cake decorator....would you suggest anyone. Thanks!