Cost for Providing Alcohol

[Deleted User]

Hi Everyone,

I just started my wedding planning and one of our requirements is that we have to find a place where we can bring our own alcohol (if we can only bring wine, we'll settle for that).  I know that costs can vary a lot between the venues that say you are allowed to bring your own.  If anyone has already looked into this for the Mpls/St. Paul area and would be willing to share, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

maybe984

I got married last month at the Historic Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater. You're allowed to bring your own beer and wine (but no kegs or hard liquor) and you just have to have someone serving. The server doesn't need to be a licensed bartender or anything... you just can't have people serving themselves (to prevent massive over-drinking.)

The venue was super affordable, too. We only paid $1000 for a full day rental. Granted, it was a Sunday... and I would be willing to bet that the prices are increasing for 2011... but I can't imagine it skyrocketing or anything. It's also nice, because you get pretty much free reign over your other vendors. I really didn't want a venue that dictated everything for me, like some do.

It's a super beautiful venue, too. The pictures on the website scarcely do it justice.

Steph0871

Profile Event Center! We're getting married there this coming Sunday. Prices are super reasonable anyway, and you can bring your own alcohol.  You can't sell it, though.

acw016

I'm planning an April 2011 wedding at the Carlson Towers Rotunda, they have amazinggg alcohol prices.  Starts at $13/head for unlimited beer & wine. We're doing $18/head for beer, wine & cocktails. I don't know how they can charge so little but I'm not asking questions!!

graysquirrel

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_cost-providing-alcohol?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:a5bfedb9-003f-494a-ae84-d02d2ef758caPost:e8e2c643-6482-49d3-8f19-a8fed12e871f">Re: Cost for Providing Alcohol</a>:
[QUOTE]I got married last month at the Historic Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater. You're allowed to bring your own beer and wine (but no kegs or hard liquor) and you just have to have someone serving. The server doesn't need to be a licensed bartender or anything... you just can't have people serving themselves (to prevent massive over-drinking.) The venue was super affordable, too. We only paid $1000 for a full day rental. Granted, it was a Sunday... and I would be willing to bet that the prices are increasing for 2011... but I can't imagine it skyrocketing or anything. It's also nice, because you get pretty much free reign over your other vendors. I really didn't want a venue that dictated everything for me, like some do. It's a super beautiful venue, too. The pictures on the website scarcely do it justice.
Posted by maybe984[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>Ditto this! We're getting married there in July. I love how they are so hands off there and you can do whatever you like with your vendors.</div><div>The cost of the booze depends on how much your guests will drink, of course, and what kind you choose to buy. A good place to start might be to estimate about 2-3 drinks pp. Some will have more, some none, and you can get a ballpark estimate. I'm guessing that a bottle of wine will have 3-4 servings in it depending on how large your glasses are. </div>

leggwilliams

Another vote for the PEC! They're great and you can bring in all your own alcohol.

SuperRNluvsChef

I also vote for the PEC....great place!

I Want Cake

St. Paul College Club and Summit Manor also let you bring your own alcohol, but they do charge you a bar usage fee as well as bartender staffing, but it's still way cheaper than $4-$7 per drink that most caterers charge.  We're having our reception at SPCC in April.

JennyLange

[QUOTE]St. Paul College Club and Summit Manor also let you bring your own alcohol, but they do charge you a bar usage fee as well as bartender staffing, but it's still way cheaper than $4-$7 per drink that most caterers charge.  We're having our reception at SPCC in April.
Posted by I Want Cake[/QUOTE]

I'll throw in a vote for Summit Manor! That's where we are having our reception. They don't allow kegs or shots, and the bartender fee is $90 per hour, which includes set up, the number of bartenders they see appropriate (no additional fee for more than one), barware, ice, and napkins. You have to provide all liquor, mix, beer, wine, soft drinks, and garnishes. Sounded like a good deal to us!
They are pretty affordable overall too considering everything that is included, and they are very open about any fees. Even fresh floral centerpieces are included! I would definitely recommend taking a look!

newlyseliski

A lot of church halls that are rented out for events like wedding receptions allow you to bring in alcohol.  Some require you to use their bartender, though.  My roommate is having her reception at Shamrock Hall (St. Patrick's in Inver Grove Heights)... other halls include Peter O'Neill Hall (Guardian Angels in Oakdale) and O'Reilly Hall (St. Peter's in North Saint Paul)

There are a few places in NE Mpls, too, like the PNA Hall that I believe also have open catering and open liquor.

Good decision looking for a place that lets you bring in your own alcohol!!  My fiance and I are kicking ourselves for getting stuck with a venue where one over-priced vendor has a monopoly on the liquor.

I Want Cake

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_cost-providing-alcohol?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:81Discussion:a5bfedb9-003f-494a-ae84-d02d2ef758caPost:16d22c1a-6ea4-4e49-927a-3cc7092d61f1">Re: Cost for Providing Alcohol</a>:
[QUOTE]A lot of church halls that are rented out for events like wedding receptions allow you to bring in alcohol.  Some require you to use their bartender, though.  <strong>My roommate is having her reception at Shamrock Hall (St. Patrick's in Inver Grove Heights)</strong>... other halls include Peter O'Neill Hall (Guardian Angels in Oakdale) and O'Reilly Hall (St. Peter's in North Saint Paul) There are a few places in NE Mpls, too, like the PNA Hall that I believe also have open catering and open liquor. Good decision looking for a place that lets you bring in your own alcohol!!  My fiance and I are kicking ourselves for getting stuck with a venue where one over-priced vendor has a monopoly on the liquor.
Posted by newlyseliski[/QUOTE]

Aw, that's my old church from the early '80s!  I've got such memories of that place (mostly being dragged out by Dad after acting up)!

[Deleted User]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!