Everything is an upgrade!

rachael7183

So, just got off the phone with my caterer - - I am marrying an albanian, and they like to have the wine and beer on the table.  But my caterer, said they cant do that with the wine because its a huge liability, i.e., an underage drinker can grab it and the beer on the table is an "upgrade" to my package eventhough we are having an open bar! ??? GRR. So irritating........................

bridetobe71412

What the heck!? That sounds ridiculous. Isn't that less work for the bartenders and waiters if the drinks are already on the table? I would totally fight that.

k8888

That sounds like a load of horseshit.  A kid can grab ANYONE's drink on the table... it's not the venue's responsibility.

Just my opinion, I really don't know the legality behind it.

rachael7183

Those were my thoughts exactly - - they feel that if the "beer" is on the table people will drink much more than if they have to get up and get it at the open bar - - I am going to fight them on this a little, it just doesnt seem fair.  Anything to cause a little more anxiety.

bridetobe71412

Yeah, that distinction between beer and wine doesn't make any sense. Wine can't be there, but beer's ok? Why? Isn't it the same issue? And in that case, simply paying to upgrade wouldn't solve the liability argument they're making.

Sounds like BS.

rachael7183

Thank you ladies, I am equally as confused and annoyed this statement after re-reading it and thinking about it.  I am definitely going to call on Monday...an open bar is an open bar - - you cant assume people wont drink alot or a little...

avsfan33

I used to bartend and I still work as a server so here's a few thoughts:

The problem with drinks on the table is not only the minor thing but it's hard to tell how drunk a person is if they are pouring their own drinks. If the person is coming up to the bar, the bartender can see the signs of drunkiness much better (some people don't appear drunk until they stand up). Some people, even at weddings, are incapable of handling their liquor and knowing when they have had enough. Again, this is because they don't realize how drunk they are until they stand up later. It is possible that they will drink more just because it is in front of them. Some people feel obligated to finish whatever is in front of them whereas if it's not right there, they might debate whether they really need to go get the next drink.

Just a few thoughts to consider anyway. I'd still ask why beer is okay and why wine isn't. The only thing I can think of is wine has a higher alcohol content than beer. Beer ranges from 3-10% whereas wines can range from 8-22%.

rachael7183

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_everything-is-an-upgrade?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:dc0e6a2b-0833-44a2-b82e-950e157eede6Post:e27d8278-ab2b-40f5-a5d8-bba262522cc0">Re: Everything is an upgrade!</a>:
[QUOTE]I used to bartend and I still work as a server so here's a few thoughts: The problem with drinks on the table is not only the minor thing but it's hard to tell how drunk a person is if they are pouring their own drinks. If the person is coming up to the bar, the bartender can see the signs of drunkiness much better (some people don't appear drunk until they stand up). Some people, even at weddings, are incapable of handling their liquor and knowing when they have had enough. Again, this is because they don't realize how drunk they are until they stand up later. It is possible that they will drink more just because it is in front of them. Some people feel obligated to finish whatever is in front of them whereas if it's not right there, they might debate whether they really need to go get the next drink. Just a few thoughts to consider anyway. I'd still ask why beer is okay and why wine isn't. The only thing I can think of is wine has a higher alcohol content than beer. Beer ranges from 3-10% whereas wines can range from 8-22%.
Posted by avsfan33[/QUOTE]


My sister works in insurance and she said the exact same thing - - but I feel like I have been to many weddings where the beer/wine was on the table so is it just that certain venues have these rules?  I am still going to ask her if she can do it - - I guess, if it cant be done, it cant be done....

avsfan33

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_everything-is-an-upgrade?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:dc0e6a2b-0833-44a2-b82e-950e157eede6Post:5f88b8bd-7214-4e96-aeae-5ef28a0f4a5f">Re: Everything is an upgrade!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Everything is an upgrade! : My sister works in insurance and she said the exact same thing - - but I feel like I have been to many weddings where the beer/wine was on the table so is it just that certain venues have these rules?  I am still going to ask her if she can do it - - I guess, if it cant be done, it cant be done....
Posted by rachael7183[/QUOTE]

I think it depends on the venue. Usually they have the rules in place because there has been some type of problem in the past and it's just safer to cover their butt this way.