Rhiannon Hendricks
When it comes to wedding planning, there are many factors to consider, including the bar package and whether children will be included in it. While some people may not see an issue with children being around alcohol at family events, others may feel uncomfortable with the idea. It is important to consider the responsibilities of the bartender, the preferences of the guests, and the potential costs associated with different options. Some venues charge a flat rate per guest for the bar, while others may offer discounted rates or exemptions for children, especially if they are very young. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide what is best for their wedding and their guests.
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What You'll Learn
- Children's drinks: Some venues offer milkshakes, smoothies, or mocktails for kids
- Parental responsibility: Many feel it's up to parents to decide if kids attend weddings with alcohol
- Child pricing: Some venues charge less for children's food and drinks, or not at all for babies
- Childcare: Parents can decide to leave kids at home or hire a sitter if they want to drink
- Child-friendly venues: Some venues are chosen because they're child-friendly, with kids' entertainment
Children's drinks: Some venues offer milkshakes, smoothies, or mocktails for kids
It is common for children to be included in the headcount for a wedding bar package, with some venues charging the same rate for children as they do for adults. However, this can be a concern for those who are uncomfortable with children being around alcohol or those who want to avoid extra costs for underage guests who will not be drinking. To address this, some venues offer special non-alcoholic drink options for kids, such as milkshakes, smoothies, or mocktails, which can be included in the package or added at an additional cost.
While some venues charge a flat rate per person for the bar, others may offer discounted rates or exemptions for children. For example, one venue charged a $20 open bar fee for those under 21, while another charged a $5 soda fee for underage guests instead of the regular $17 open bar fee. It is important to discuss these options with your venue to find out what accommodations can be made for children.
In some cases, venues may not charge for very young children who do not require a chair, while others may offer discounted rates for children up to a certain age, such as 12 years. It is worth noting that some venues include soft drinks with the food, so additional charges for children's drinks may not be necessary. However, it is essential to clarify this with the venue to avoid unexpected costs.
When planning a wedding with children in attendance, it is essential to consider the preferences and comfort levels of the parents and guardians. Some parents may not want their children around alcohol, while others may be comfortable with it, especially if their children are exposed to drinking at family gatherings or restaurants. Ultimately, it is the parents' responsibility to decide whether to bring their children to a wedding with an open bar and to ensure their children's well-being during the event.
To accommodate children at a wedding with an open bar, it is recommended to discuss options with the venue. This may include negotiating a reduced price for underage guests or adding child-friendly drink options to the package. By offering milkshakes, smoothies, or mocktails, venues can provide a fun and festive experience for children, ensuring that they also have a great time celebrating the special day.
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Parental responsibility: Many feel it's up to parents to decide if kids attend weddings with alcohol
When it comes to weddings, there are often many considerations regarding the inclusion of children in the celebrations, especially when alcohol is involved. While some venues charge a flat rate per person for an open bar, others may offer discounted rates or exemptions for children. Ultimately, it is up to the couple getting married to decide whether children will be included in the bar package and how they want to handle the associated costs.
In some cases, venues may charge a lower fee for children who will not be consuming alcohol, recognizing that soft drinks and mocktails will be served instead. Others may include children in the open bar package, leaving it to the parents' discretion to decide whether their children will be allowed to drink. This approach can be controversial, as it places responsibility on parents to ensure their children do not consume alcohol unsupervised.
Underage drinking laws vary by state, but in general, it is illegal to furnish alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Some states make exceptions for small amounts of alcohol as part of religious ceremonies when a parent is present. However, even in states where parental supervision is allowed, there are still restrictions, and parents can be held criminally and civilly liable if their child's drinking leads to harmful or delinquent behavior.
Given the potential legal and financial ramifications, it is essential for parents to be aware of their responsibilities and make informed decisions about their children's attendance at weddings where alcohol is served. While it may be convenient for venues to include children in the open bar package, it is ultimately the parents' decision to allow their children to drink and to supervise them appropriately. This decision should be made in alignment with the couple's preferences and the specific circumstances of the wedding.
In conclusion, while the inclusion of children in the bar package for a wedding can be a convenient option for venues and couples, it also places a significant responsibility on parents to ensure their children's safety and compliance with the law. It is crucial for parents to be aware of their legal obligations and make thoughtful choices regarding their children's participation in wedding celebrations involving alcohol. Ultimately, it is the parents' prerogative to decide whether their children attend weddings with alcohol and to navigate the associated considerations thoughtfully and responsibly.
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Child pricing: Some venues charge less for children's food and drinks, or not at all for babies
When it comes to wedding planning, one important consideration is whether children will be included in the bar package. While some venues choose to charge the same rate for all guests, others offer discounted rates or no charges at all for children. This approach acknowledges that children are unlikely to consume alcohol and may have much lower food consumption than adults.
Child pricing can vary depending on the age of the child and the policies of the venue or caterer. Some venues may offer discounted rates for children up to a certain age, such as 12 years, while others may have different age thresholds. For example, one venue charged half price for children aged 2 to 10 and offered free packages for those under 2, assuming they would primarily consume baby food and drinks brought by their parents. Another venue charged a discounted rate for children up to 12 years old, serving them different food from adults.
The rationale behind charging for underage guests is that the bartender still needs to provide soft drinks, virgin cocktails, or mocktails for those who request them. Additionally, there may be costs associated with carding individuals to prevent underage drinking. However, some venues choose not to charge for children at all, particularly for very young children who do not require a separate chair or seat at the table.
It is important to carefully review the pricing structure of your chosen venue and caterer to understand if and how they charge for children. Some venues may charge a reduced rate for underage guests, while others may exclude them from the bar package altogether. By understanding the pricing structure, you can make informed decisions about your guest list and budget accordingly.
To optimise your spending, consider negotiating with your venue. You could suggest adding child-friendly options to the bar, such as milkshakes or smoothies, and request that these be included in a reduced per-person charge for underage guests. Ultimately, the pricing for children's food and drinks at weddings can vary, so it is essential to communicate with your venue and caterer to ensure you are getting the best value for your wedding package.
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Childcare: Parents can decide to leave kids at home or hire a sitter if they want to drink
If you're planning a wedding with children in attendance, it's worth considering how you want to handle the bar package and childcare. While some people feel comfortable having an open bar with children present, others may prefer to exclude kids from the bar package or arrange for separate childcare.
When it comes to the bar package, there are a few options to consider. Some venues charge a flat rate per person, regardless of age, while others offer discounted rates or exclude children from the bar package altogether. It's important to discuss this with your venue and caterer to understand their policies and any potential costs associated with underage guests.
If you decide to include children in the bar package, it's worth noting that they will still have access to non-alcoholic beverages. The bartender can provide soft drinks, juices, and virgin cocktails for those who are underage, ensuring they remain hydrated and entertained. However, some venues may argue that the bartender has to put in the same amount of work for underage guests, hence the charge.
On the other hand, if you prefer to keep children separate from the bar area, you can explore childcare options. Parents can choose to leave their children at home or hire a babysitter for the wedding. This allows them to fully enjoy the open bar and not worry about their children's exposure to alcohol. It is a common practice for parents to hire a sitter if they want to drink without worrying about their kids.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple and the parents of the children attending the wedding. If everyone is comfortable with children being around alcohol, it may not be an issue. However, if there are concerns, it's best to make alternative arrangements, such as separate childcare or adjusting the bar package to exclude underage guests. The couple can decide whether to include children in the bar package or not, and parents can plan accordingly, ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
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Child-friendly venues: Some venues are chosen because they're child-friendly, with kids' entertainment
When it comes to wedding packages, some venues charge the same rate for children as they do for adults, while others offer discounted rates or waive fees for younger guests. However, the focus of your query is on child-friendly venues, and there are certainly many options to consider when planning a wedding with young guests.
Firstly, safety is a priority when choosing a venue. Opt for a location that doesn't present hazards like stairs or fragile displays, and consider whether there is ample space for children to explore and play.
Entertainment is another crucial aspect of keeping young guests happy. Many venues offer dedicated play areas, supervised activities, and interactive experiences like scavenger hunts, craft stations, or games. You can also hire external entertainment, such as face painters, magicians, or even a bouncy castle, to ensure the children have a fun and engaging time.
Food and drinks are also essential to consider. Ensure your menu includes kid-friendly options, and provide dedicated dining spaces or tables for families. You can also offer signature juice mocktails or set up a "decorate your own cupcake" station to make the young guests feel special.
Some venues provide additional amenities like cribs, high chairs, and family suites, enhancing the comfort of families with young children.
By choosing a child-friendly venue with ample space, dedicated entertainment, and thoughtful amenities, you can create a wedding that accommodates and delights guests of all ages.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the venue and their policies. Some venues charge a discounted rate for children, while others do not charge for children who are not drinking alcohol. It is important to discuss this with your venue to understand their specific policies and make any necessary arrangements.
Venues may charge for children in the bar package to account for the service provided by the bartender, who will still prepare and serve soft drinks or virgin cocktails to underage guests.
Yes, some venues offer a soft bar or allow you to opt for a per-person open bar, excluding children from the package. You can also discuss adding child-friendly options to the bar, such as milkshakes or smoothies, and request a reduced price for underage guests.
You can start by counting the number of children who will be attending the wedding. Consider that children below a certain age may not require a chair or consume significant food, so they may be exempt from the headcount. Discuss this with your caterer to understand their specific policies and pricing.
Experiences vary, but many people report having attended weddings with both children and open bars without any issues. It is often left to the parents' discretion to decide if the environment is appropriate for their children and whether they want to bring them. Some people choose to get a babysitter or leave early if they wish to continue drinking and not worry about their kids.
