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Buying own alcohol for reception--two questions.

marievamarieva member
First Comment
in Virginia
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.

  • marievamarieva member
    First Comment
    and i'm not having my wedding in the D.C. area btw i am having it in Hampton Rds if that helps.  Thanks 
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  • SposatiSposati member
    Knottie Warrior 100 Comments 5 Love Its
    Virginia is a control state, so there is no other location to buy liquor other than ABC stores. They will not give you a discount for buying in bulk, but typically the clerks are helpful in pointing you to the good deals/sales of the quality stuff.

    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.
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  • Avion22Avion22 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its
    If you're in the DC area, you may be able to go to another state to buy less expensive alohol (I'm not sure if MD, DE, or WV are control states like VA is).    You can DEFINITELY get pretty good deals on beer and wine in bulk from Sams or Costco.  I know Costco lets you return up-opened cases of beer, but not sure about wine or about Sams Club.

    Even if you buy your liquor at an ABC store, it will still be less expensive for you to buy it yourselft and let a bartended do the pouring.  See if your caterer can recommend what sorts of ammounts to buy -- but remember that you know your guests better than anyone else, so if you know that your particular crowd loves Gin and Tonic, but you don't have a lot of tequila drinkers, then you can adjust your quantities from there:-)

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  • marievamarieva member
    First Comment
    Thank you so much for the suggestions! :)
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  • sunflower1998sunflower1998
    Fifth Anniversary 100 Comments
    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.
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  • Avion22Avion22 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_virginia_buying-own-alcohol-reception-two-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:236Discussion:b00f9ecd-d2d2-403e-8721-d5be70b7770aPost:ad8bbad8-b563-4df5-93c2-fcb9a7b7f5a3">Re: Buying own alcohol for reception--two questions.</a>:
    [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>
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  • marilyn2004marilyn2004
    First Comment

    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!!!

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  • Avion22Avion22 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_virginia_buying-own-alcohol-reception-two-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:236Discussion:b00f9ecd-d2d2-403e-8721-d5be70b7770aPost:ad8bbad8-b563-4df5-93c2-fcb9a7b7f5a3">Re: Buying own alcohol for reception--two questions.</a>:
    [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>
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    100 Comments
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_virginia_buying-own-alcohol-reception-two-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:236Discussion:b00f9ecd-d2d2-403e-8721-d5be70b7770aPost:ad8bbad8-b563-4df5-93c2-fcb9a7b7f5a3">Re: Buying own alcohol for reception--two questions.</a>:
    [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.
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  • sunflower1998sunflower1998
    Fifth Anniversary 100 Comments

    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.

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  • scoggins78scoggins78
    10 Comments

    Marieva, I noticed you got married in the Tidewater area.  Im looking for a cake decorator....would you suggest anyone.  Thanks!

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  • sunflower1998sunflower1998
    Fifth Anniversary 100 Comments
    I just looked at my ABC contract.  In may 09 it was $55 for the 1-day license.
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