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BYO Alcohol at Receptions - How Does it Work?

mrsbrantleymrsbrantley member
10 Comments
in Georgia-Atlanta
We are looking at venues that allow you to bring your own alcohol. Can anyone who has done this at their reception help explain the logistics of how you do this?

a) We want to purchase the alcohol ourselves. We have very particular taste in wine and liquor and want our guests to have the same experience as if they were at one of our usual parties. So, are there large liquor stores that deliver? Or do we somehow have to get it to the venue ourselves?

b) Should we have the caterer serve, or hire a separate bartending company? Caterer has not been selected yet, but I'm wondering if using them is more cost efficient since they will already be there? I saw one caterer that charged around $5 pp I think for mixers and glasses, and $150 per bartender (not including gratuity). That caterer's overall food cost was too high, so they are out of the running, but I'm wondering if most places charge about the same for bar service.

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated! Location will be downtown Atlanta or Decatur.
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Re: BYO Alcohol at Receptions - How Does it Work?

  • KnaijaQueenKnaijaQueen member
    Seventh Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    You can do it either of those ways. You have to decide which would be more convenient and will fit within your budget.

    We're bringing in our own alcohol as well and plan to just hire 2 bartenders for the evening to serve.
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  • HYDROPHILEHYDROPHILE
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Usually, you have to transport the alcohol yourself.  I haven't heard of a liquor store delivering, but that doesn't mean they won't (however, ensuring delivery at the correct time is just another headache I wouldn't want.)

    As for a bartender:

    Beer/Wine wedding: Bro and 1st SIL hired a relative of one of our guests to do the pouring.  We paid them $100 for the night and set out a tip jar for them.

    Beer/Wine/Liquor: Bro and 2nd SIL asked friends if they knew someone who could mix drinks, etc.  And they did.  Paid them $200 for the night...and a tip jar.
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  • Brittr1766Brittr1766
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We are providing our own alcohol and our caterer is providing the bartender and mixers, glasses, cocktail nuts, and cocktail napkins for $2.75 pp. The bartender cost is $30 an hour per bartender and they recommend having one bartender for up to 100 people and an additional bartender for more than 100 people. We are having 2 bartenders during cocktail hour and then only one bartender after that since we are expecting about 125 people.
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  • nolebride08nolebride08
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Does anyone have a good rec. for a bartender in the Atlanta area?
    Can't wait to marry my man! October 28, 2011
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  • TheCranberryTheCranberry member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I am getting my alcohol at Tower Wine and Spirits.  They have at least 2 locations in the Atlanta area.  They do not deliver (I think it's against the law), but they work with you on figuring out how much alcohol you should have based on your guests and the distribution of alcohol (ie: how much vodka, rum, scotch, etc).  You can also returned unopened alcohol, which is a big draw for me.

    We're hiring our bartender through the caterer.  It just seemed easier that way since we hvae to worry about one less vendor.  They're providing a "soft bar" package, which is all mixers, ice, limes, etc.


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  • mrsbrantleymrsbrantley member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks everyone! Would you mind sharing the names of the caterers / bartending companies?
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  • TheCranberryTheCranberry member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm using Bold American Catering.  Their food is sooo good!  They own a few restaurants as well, but I haven't been to one of them.  Our tasting was delicious.
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  • mrsbrantleymrsbrantley member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hmm.... I have seen but not heard much about them, will have to check it out. Thanks1
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  • ButterflyChickadeeButterflyChickadee
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    That original pricing of the caterer dealing with the alcohol is insane. MY fiance and I do catering and normally what we do with our brides and grooms is say that we can go buy it for them and hold it and carry it to the wedding for you, to take stress away. This is what I would ask the caterer to do. And if they make you pay fees for that that's silly. I work at costco and our alcohol there is awesome prices. The stores near atlanta have liquor stores and it's really the best prices in bulk. Trader Joe's has good prices for small quantities, but costco really has awesome prices. This is what we plan to do. And a white wine, red wine, and maybe a blush is all you need wine wise for the basics. Boxed wine at walmart is a smart choice as well, it's 3 liters worth in a box you pour from. Hope these ideas help. Need specifics let me know and I could message more with you. 
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  • jlander98jlander98 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I have a friend that is a certified bartender - http://www.marysnelson.com or marysnelson31@yahoo.com.  She's great and a personal shopper too!
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