Personalized Wedding Drinks: Bringing Your Own

If you're looking to save some money on your wedding, you may be wondering if you can bring your own drinks to cater your big day. The good news is that it is possible to bring your own drinks, especially if you're working with a limited budget or want to personalise your wedding with a signature drink. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, check with your venue to see if they allow outside alcohol. Some venues may have restrictions or require you to purchase their bar packages. If your venue allows outside alcohol, you'll need to calculate how much alcohol you'll need and what types to buy. Consider your guest list, the duration of your reception, and your guests' drinking habits. You don't want to run out of drinks, but you also don't want to spend too much on drinks that will go unused.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you may need to hire a professional bartending service, especially if you plan to serve mixed drinks. They can help you craft cocktails, ensure drinks are served responsibly, and take care of any necessary clean-up. Additionally, don't forget to factor in the cost of event insurance with liquor liability when bringing your own alcohol.

By bringing your own drinks, you can add a personal touch to your wedding and save some money. However, it's important to plan carefully and ensure you have the necessary resources to execute your vision successfully.

Advantages and disadvantages of bringing your own drinks

Advantages

• Cost savings: Couples have reported saving thousands of dollars by supplying their own drinks.
• Personalisation: You can choose exactly what drinks are served, including unique options like home brews.
• Leftovers: You can keep any unopened bottles for your home bar.
• Retailer returns: Some retailers will allow you to return unopened bottles for a refund.
• Caterer returns: Some caterers will buy back unopened bottles.

Disadvantages

• Logistics: It can be stressful to figure out what and how much to buy, and there's a risk of running out.
• Transportation: You'll need to plan how to get the drinks to the venue.
• Storage: You'll need somewhere to store the drinks before and after the wedding.
• Legal requirements: You may need to get a liquor license and insurance, and hire certified bartenders.
• Cleanup: You or someone you assign will need to pack up any leftover drinks at the end of the night.

How much alcohol to buy

When it comes to bringing your own drinks to cater your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check with your venue to see if they allow it and if there are any regulations or fees you need to be aware of. Some venues may charge a corkage fee for opening and serving your own wine or champagne. It's also important to consider the time and effort involved in a DIY bar. You'll need to purchase or rent equipment, transport the drinks to the venue, and may be required to hire certified bartenders.

Now, onto the question of how much alcohol to buy. This will depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the reception, the type of drinks being served, and the drinking habits of your guests. Here are some estimates and calculations to help you determine how much alcohol to purchase:

• A good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will consume about one drink per hour or around five drinks throughout a typical evening-length reception.
• For a wedding with 100 guests, a 5-hour reception, and average drinkers, you'll need around 17 bottles of champagne (750 ml), 10 bottles each of red and white wine (750 ml), 11 bottles of spirits (1 liter), and 100 cans or bottles of beer.
• If you have 150 guests, the amounts increase to 25 bottles of champagne, 15 bottles each of red and white wine, 16 bottles of spirits, and 150 cans or bottles of beer.
• For a larger wedding with 200 guests, you'll need approximately 33 bottles of champagne, 20 bottles each of red and white wine, 21 bottles of spirits, and 200 cans or bottles of beer.
• When it comes to types of alcohol, a recommended mix is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. For wine, a 50/50 split of red and white is typical.
• If you're offering signature cocktails, two to three options are ideal. Any more than that can slow down bar service.
• For spirits, vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, and rum are adequate offerings. There's no need to offer a wide variety, as you may end up with half-empty bottles.
• For wine, work with your caterer and bartender to select wines that pair well with the food and offer varietals at the bar. You can substitute some of the white wine with rosé or sparkling wine.
• If you plan to put a bottle of wine on each table, you will need to buy extra bottles to account for this.
• For champagne toasts, guests often stick with their drink of choice. You may end up with unfinished glasses of champagne if you provide one to everyone.
• If your wedding is in the summer or a warmer climate, you'll likely need more white wine, beer, refreshing cocktails, and water.
• Don't forget to include any cultural traditions or creative touches, such as whisky tastings, tequila shots, local craft beer, or mini-bottles of champagne.
• To save money, consider a limited bar with specific consumption times, such as cocktail hours and toasts, or offer beer, wine, and a single signature cocktail.
• If you're on a tight budget, a cake and punch reception or a brunch or lunch wedding can be more cost-effective, as people will drink less or not expect a full bar.

What kind of alcohol to buy

When it comes to choosing the alcohol for your wedding, it's important to consider your guests' preferences, the season, and your budget. Here are some recommendations for what kind of alcohol to buy:

Beer

Beer is a popular choice for weddings, and it's a good idea to offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes. Here are some suggestions:

• National brand standards such as Bud Light and Miller Lite.
• IPA's are also a consistent favourite, with options like Bell's Two Hearted Ale and Founders All-day IPA.
• For a third option, consider a craft lager, amber or dark beer. For summer weddings, a wheat beer like Bell's Oberon or Blue Moon is a good choice, while a caramelly amber or chocolatey stout is perfect for fall or winter celebrations.

Wine

It's recommended to offer a selection of red and white wines, adjusting the quantities based on the season. Here are some specific suggestions:

• Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are safe bets for any time of year.
• For red wine, consider a blend of Cabernet and Merlot, rather than just Cabernet.
• For a third option, a sweet white wine like Moscato or Riesling is perfect for guests who want something light and sweet, especially during the summer.

Spirits

If you're offering spirits, it's a good idea to provide a variety of options, including vodka, whiskey, and gin. Here are some specific recommendations:

• Vodka is the most popular choice, as it's light and mixes well with many flavours. Suggested brands include Tito's and Absolut.
• Whiskey is another favourite, with Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, and Crown Royal being well-loved standards. If you prefer whiskey on the rocks, a more refined option like Woodford Reserve is a good choice.
• Tequila has been gaining popularity, with brands like Casamigos Blanco and Patron being solid choices.
• Rum is also a good option, with Bacardi Silver and Captain Morgan being popular brands.
• Gin can be a nice addition, with Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray as recommended brands.

Remember, it's a good idea to choose one brand for each variety of alcohol to keep things simple for your guests and bartenders. Additionally, consider the number of guests, the duration of the event, and your budget when determining the quantities of each type of alcohol to purchase.

When to buy alcohol in bulk

When it comes to buying alcohol in bulk for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide on a budget and the type of bar service you want. If you have a bigger budget, you may prefer to book a full-service caterer or venue that includes a bar package. This usually includes a set price per person per hour, and the caterer will set up the bar according to the timing of your reception. However, if you're on a tighter budget or want to save money, you might consider a DIY approach. This involves purchasing the alcohol yourself and may require hiring certified bartenders and purchasing liability insurance, depending on local regulations.

To buy alcohol in bulk, you can explore various options, including wholesale clubs like Sam's Club, Costco, or BJs. These stores often offer competitive prices due to their bulk purchasing power. Alternatively, you can contact local liquor stores, which may be willing to provide discounts for bulk purchases. It's a good idea to inquire about any bulk discounts or case pricing they may offer. Some stores may also buy back any leftover alcohol, so it's worth asking about their return policies. Additionally, if you know anyone in the military, you can purchase alcohol tax-free from an exchange, although they would need to pay for it.

When planning your wedding bar, consider the types of drinks you want to serve. A standard option includes beer, wine, and a couple of types of liquor, such as vodka and whiskey. If you want to add a personal touch, you can create a signature cocktail or two. To calculate the amount of alcohol needed, consider the number of guests and the duration of your reception. As a rule of thumb, allow for one drink per guest per hour. For a group of 150 guests, for example, you would need 450 drinks for a 3-hour reception. The drink ratio for wine, beer, and liquor is typically 50% wine, 20% beer, and 30% liquor.

It's recommended to cook and prepare food two days before the wedding, and the wedding day should focus on heating and serving. The same principle applies to drinks. You don't want to be mixing drinks on your wedding day. So, it's best to purchase the alcohol ahead of time and have it ready for serving on the day. This will ensure that you can focus on enjoying your special day rather than tending to the bar.

What to do with excess alcohol

If you have leftover alcohol from your wedding, there are several options for what to do with it. Firstly, if you have any unopened bottles, you could try returning them to the store or liquor store for a refund. Some stores may allow this, while others may not, so it's worth checking the return policy beforehand. Another option is to save the unopened bottles for future events or occasions. You could also consider gifting the unopened bottles to friends or family, especially during the holidays.

If you have already opened bottles, you could host a post-wedding party for your friends and family to help finish up the drinks. Alternatively, you could keep the open bottles for yourself and enjoy them at your leisure. However, please note that it is illegal to sell alcohol without a liquor license, so you should refrain from attempting to sell any leftover alcohol.

When planning your wedding, it can be tricky to estimate the exact amount of alcohol needed, and it's better to have too much than too little. If you're working with a caterer, they can often provide guidance on quantities and may even offer to buy back any unopened bottles. If you're supplying your own alcohol, consider a mix of wines, beers, and spirits to cater to different tastes. You can also offer signature drinks or cocktails to add a personal touch and control costs.

Frequently asked questions