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Alcohol Help

Erinkathleen84Erinkathleen84
500 Comments Second Anniversary
in Wedding Reception Forum

Happy Tuesday Everyone !

I need a little advice on my "hometown wedding celebration" party we are throwing after our destination wedding. We are throwing the event at a bar/event space downtown and they have a fully stocked bar. We really only want to serve select beers, wines and signature cocktails...due to budget reasons. Do you think it is okay to let guests purchase other drinks if they do not want our selection ? Or do you think we should just allow them to drink from our menu ? (we will have drink menus posted at the bar).

Thanks for the advice !

BabyFruit Ticker
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Re: Alcohol Help

  • rose16079rose16079
    First Comment

    You are already putting together a wedding (and celebration), and a hometown wedding celebration.  If someone really turns up their nose at your generousity in providing an assortment of beverages, it is their option to pull out their wallet and buy their own drink.  You did what you could to accomidate everyones tastes without 'busting your budget'.  You could NOT pay for a hometown celebration, and you could ask them to buy a plane ticket, and take vacation days...etc. They will be happy with anything you put out!
    This is a wedding, everyone should be there to wish you well and celebrate with you, NOT a free booze night.

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  • OsterizerOsterizer member
    100 Comments
    Go with beer, wine, and signature cocktail(s).  Makes it easy for everyone.
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  • MyNameIsNotMyNameIsNot member
    Knottie Warrior 10000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    Beer, wine and a signature drink is fine.  

    But speaking from experience as a bartender, I would recommend having the staff break down or cover the rest of the bar if it will not be available.  If guests see the liquor out, they aren't going to understand why there is beer but no tequilla.  

    Skip the partial cash bar.  It's confusing and rude.  
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  • Maggie0829Maggie0829 member
    Eighth Anniversary 10000 Comments 500 Love Its 25 Answers
    Either have a sign that says what you will be hosting or do what PP said and remove/cover the liquor.

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  • aragx6aragx6 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_alcohol-11?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:d6ab9254-b2b5-461f-9842-7dc42539c618Post:fcf7ba1e-88ee-400e-8d08-28d212b4ef63">Re: Alcohol Help</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Alcohol Help : Ditto this. If the bar will still have the full set-up and liquor bottles will be visible, I'd do a sign that says: Compliments of the hosts Beer listings Wine listings Sig Cocktails That should get the point across on what you are covering.
    Posted by ILoveMilkDuds[/QUOTE]

    If I were going to do a limited hosted bar, I would definitely do it just that way.

    It's technically more proper, however, to only have available what you are hosting.
    Lizzie
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  • Erinkathleen84Erinkathleen84
    500 Comments Second Anniversary
    We are definitely having drink menus framed and sat on the bar that has our drink list. Just was not sure if we should let guests purchase something different if they want. Everyone I have asked has said something different so I have no idea !

    I am not sure how I could cover the liquor bottles, has anyone ever done this ?
    BabyFruit Ticker
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  • C8H10N4O2C8H10N4O2
    10 Comments
    Providing a signature cocktail, beer and wine is perfectly fine, just note that those are what will be hosted at the bar. Yes, if someone WANTS to pay for another drink - let them. You are not making them pay for alcohol by any means, they just don't want what you're providing.

    For what you'll pay for liquor, your bar will most likely have a set price for you and after your reception they will send you a bill. How long after depends on the bar. I've been to some where it was paid that night and others that will wait a month before sending the bill.

    Hope this helps!
    Dear Optimist, Pessimist and Realist, While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water, I drank it. Sincerely, The Opportunist
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  • avest710avest710 member
    First Comment
    I would just have the drink list there and if they want something else let them pay. I'm a picky drinker so I like what I like and if its not on the list then I won't drink but I would be willing to pay for my own drinks because I know I'm picky.
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  • Erinkathleen84Erinkathleen84
    500 Comments Second Anniversary
    That is what I was thinking. Some of my friends are strictly liquor drinkers ... and they would be totally fine with paying for it. We do not really want to offer it because it is a lot more $$$ and we do not want people to take advantage and get really intoxicated. I do NOT want a drunk scene at my party !!!
    BabyFruit Ticker
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