Bar question

whit8960

Hi all,
  I am having a bit of a difficult time making a decision on what we should do concerning alcohol at our reception.

We are having 50 guests and 14 of those guests are children. From the remaining 36, only 3 people drink alcohol (My dad, his dad, and his uncle.) All of the guests are our family members who we hang out with on a regular basis. If we were to have a beer and wine only reception, it would cost an extra $5000 for the duration of our reception. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked to hear that.

I feel weird having a cash bar, even though we have gotten the go ahead from our family members. I am thinking about paying by consumption? I feel that it would be much cheaper because our father's and uncle may drink a couple of beers or three during the whole time. What would you do in a situation like this? TIA!

JK10910

I don't even see why this is a question.  To me it's obvious that you would just do an open bar and pay by consumption. 

betrothed123

Would your venue be willing to do a consumption bar?  If so I'd go that way.  If not, don't do a cash bar.  If its too expensive to pay per person don't offerr alochol at all.

lilgina64

If you can pay by consumption do it. A lot of places don't seem to offer that in my area, but the place we are using does and it makes sense. Limit it to beer and wine and at least it's there if they want it. If they don't drink, you don't pay. so I see that as a win win for everyone.

MOBinFL2008

I'd do a consumption bar.  In your case it would be much cheaper than paying per person with an open bar.

polichik

Holy cow!! $5000 for 36 people? What basis is the venue using to make that cost change? That's completely and absolutely absurd. $140 per person?

If you can have your bar based on consumption, that's what I'd do, but check to see if there's a minimum.

pirategal03

That price seems way high.  We were quoted $16/person over 21 to have beer, wine, champaign and mixed drinks available for 4 hours (plus the cost of a bartender for that time, about another $100).

Cash bars don't bother me, I've been to weddings and other events that have them.  If you really don't think everyone will drink, then just let those who will pay for it, or pay by consumption.  I think either is fine. 

danieliza1127

Yeah, if your venue allows you to do it by consumption, then that's the obvious choice.

Catwoman708

Yes, I'd definitely go with the consumption route.

Or ask if you can have a specified amount of alcohol and if it runs out, so be it.  A few bottles of wine, a case of beer, or a few pitchers of a signature cocktail.  Or a champagne punch.  It's pretty light and tasty, even for those that don't like champagne.

whit8960

Yes poli: It is pretty ridiculous. There are a number of bartender, cashier, and other fees that go along with that. Thanks for your feedback, everyone! I appreciate it!

allisong23

They require a cashier and a bartender? Does the bartender not know how to operate a cash register?

Sounds like they are trying to get every penny they can out of you.

hayleymajayley

bring a case of beer for the 3 people who drink and don't pay a bartender.

smokeybailey

$5000 is crazy.  I am planning a b-day party and the cost for premium liquor for 50 people for 4 hours was $1750.  ($15 per person first hour, $7 for the second, $6 for the third and so on).

Also, check on consumption, there may be a minimum amount that you need to buy.  My sister had a consumption bar that was $500 to start.  We didn't finish everything and ended up taking beer and wine back to the rooms.