Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding catering is an essential part of the big day, and it's important to understand what is included in a typical catering package. Couples allocate a significant portion of their wedding budget for catering, so it's worth finding out if drinks are included. The average wedding catering cost in the US is $4,000, with most couples spending between $1,800 and $7,000. Catering companies should facilitate everything that goes into supplying food and drinks for your wedding, from delivery and set-up to presentation, serving, and clean-up. Some companies offer a full-service package, including planners, chefs, servers, and bartenders, and may even provide a bartender or subcontract this service. You may also be able to supply your own alcohol, but check if you need a license. A comprehensive wedding catering package will include furnishings such as tables and chairs, and may even include decorative décor.
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What You'll Learn
Drinks provided by the venue
When it comes to drinks at your wedding, there are a few options to consider. If you're working with a full-service catering company, they may provide drinks in addition to food. This can include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and they may also provide bartending services to ensure your guests' drinks are professionally prepared and served.
However, not all catering companies offer drink services, and some venues may require you to use their bar services. In this case, you may need to supply the alcohol, and the venue or their preferred caterer will serve it for a fee. This is known as a 'corkage fee' and can be a flat rate or charged per bottle.
If you're looking to save money, you could consider purchasing your own alcohol in bulk and hiring a separate bartender. This option gives you control over the drinks selection and can be more cost-effective, especially if you can return any unopened bottles. However, it also means additional coordination and responsibility on your part, so it's essential to consider your priorities and how much work you want to take on.
Some venues offer all-inclusive packages that include both the venue and catering services, with a breakdown of food and alcohol options. These packages can be convenient, as the venue may subsidize the catering costs. However, it's worth noting that standalone catering might offer more flexibility in terms of menu customization.
Ultimately, the decision of how to handle drinks at your wedding depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Communicating your requirements to your venue and caterer is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
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Alcohol provided by the couple, served by bartenders
If you are planning to serve alcohol at your wedding, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to have liability insurance or wedding insurance in place to cover any accidents, guest decisions, or property damage. Some venues provide this insurance, while others require you to purchase additional coverage. It is crucial to understand your responsibilities regarding insurance before making any final decisions.
When it comes to providing alcohol, you have the option to supply it yourself or have it included in the catering package. If you decide to provide the alcohol, you will need to hire bartenders to serve the drinks. You can hire independent bartenders or use those provided by the venue or catering company, who will set up and serve the drinks. It is generally not recommended to allow guests to serve themselves due to legal and safety concerns.
To determine how much alcohol to purchase, you can use a wedding drink calculator that considers factors such as guest count, season, and wedding style. As a rule of thumb, assume each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening. You can also work with your caterer and bartender to select wines that complement the food menu and choose between placing bottles on each table or having waiters pour wine for each guest.
Creating signature cocktails is a popular trend at weddings. You can personalise existing cocktails or create your own, naming them after something special in your life. Batching cocktails can make it easier and quicker for bartenders to serve drinks. It is also a thoughtful gesture to offer important guests their own special bottle of liquor.
When budgeting for alcohol, consider the type of drinks you want to serve, such as beer, wine, cocktails, and liquor. All-inclusive venues typically provide a breakdown of food and alcohol packages, while independent caterers may offer food-only options and charge an hourly fee for bartenders. It is essential to ask specific questions about alcohol and service inclusions when contracting a catering company to avoid restrictions and additional costs.
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Alcohol provided and served by outside bartenders
If you're opting for an outside bartender to serve alcohol at your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check with your venue if they have any specific requirements or restrictions. Some venues may require you to use their preferred vendors, while others may have rules regarding liquor licenses and liability. It's important to clarify these details before making any final decisions.
Next, consider the type of alcohol you want to serve and the quantity required. It's recommended to provide a drink per hour for each guest, but you can also use online wedding drink calculators to get a more precise estimate. Think about whether you want to offer beer, wine, cocktails, or a mix of different liquors. The selection will impact the overall cost, as certain packages or options may be more expensive than others.
When hiring outside bartenders, you typically need to supply the alcohol, mixers, garnishes, ice, and glasses. Some bartending companies may provide certain items or charge an additional fee for their services. Be sure to ask specific questions about what is included in their service and if there are any extra costs involved. It's also a good idea to check if they offer non-alcoholic options and set-up services.
To find outside bartenders, you can start by asking your caterer if they provide bartending services or have any recommendations. You can also look into independent bartending companies or use platforms like Thumbtack or Craigslist to find licensed bartenders. When discussing rates, some bartenders may charge by the hour, while others may charge by the drink. It's essential to clarify these details upfront and factor in potential tips for their services.
Finally, don't forget to plan for the setup and coordination of the bar area. If you're using multiple vendors, consider designating a trusted friend or family member to oversee the logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly. This includes coordinating the arrival of vendors, directing them to the appropriate places, and managing any last-minute issues that may arise.
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Beer/wine vs. beer/wine/cocktails vs. full bar
When it comes to wedding drinks, there are a few options to consider: beer and wine only, beer and wine with cocktails, or a full bar. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your wedding will depend on your budget, the venue, and your guests' preferences.
Beer and wine are a popular choice for weddings, and 75% of weddings offer only these two options. This can be a good way to keep costs down, especially if you are supplying the alcohol yourself. It is also a good option if you are concerned about guests drinking too much, as liquor tends to be higher in alcohol content. However, some guests may prefer liquor or cocktails, and providing only beer and wine may limit their drink options.
If you want to offer a wider variety of drinks, you could consider adding cocktails to the menu. This could include signature cocktails, which can help to personalize your wedding and give guests a unique experience. However, cocktails can be more expensive and may require additional ingredients and equipment. If you choose to serve cocktails, you may also need to hire additional staff to mix and serve the drinks.
A full bar offers the most variety for guests, including liquor, beer, and wine. This option can be more expensive, especially if you are supplying the alcohol yourself. It may also require additional staff to manage the bar and serve drinks. However, a full bar can be a good option if you have a large budget and want to ensure that all your guests' drink preferences are covered.
Ultimately, the decision of what to serve at your wedding bar depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you are concerned about costs, beer and wine may be the best option. If you want to offer a wider variety of drinks, cocktails or a full bar may be a better choice. Consider your guests' preferences and the overall style of your wedding to make the right decision for your big day.
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Buying alcohol in bulk
When it comes to wedding catering, some venues and caterers will provide alcohol as part of their package, including bartending services. However, there are venues that require couples to bring their own alcohol, and in some cases, obtain a liquor license. This is where buying alcohol in bulk comes into play. Here are some tips for purchasing alcohol in bulk for a wedding:
Plan Ahead
Before heading to the store, it's important to assess the guest list. Consider how many guests are of legal drinking age and take into account their drinking habits and preferences. For example, if most guests are wine drinkers, you'll want to ensure that your stock reflects that. The date and time of the wedding also matter—guests may drink less at a Sunday afternoon wedding than on a Saturday night.
Choose a Variety
It is recommended to offer a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. This way, guests have options to suit their tastes. If you're bringing in your own alcohol and don't plan to hire a bartender, consider simplifying the bar menu while still providing a range of choices.
Consider the Season
The season can influence the types of drinks your guests prefer. For a winter wedding, warmer drinks like red wine may be more popular, while summer weddings might call for lighter cocktails or chilled beverages.
Shop at Bulk Retailers
Stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJs offer excellent options for buying alcohol in bulk at competitive prices. These stores often have a large selection of beers, wines, and liquors, as well as mixers and non-alcoholic drinks. Local liquor stores may also provide bulk discounts for weddings, so it's worth calling around and asking about potential deals.
Utilize Calculators and Advice
Digital drink calculators can help take the guesswork out of how much alcohol to purchase. Additionally, local liquor store owners are often knowledgeable and willing to assist in determining the right quantities and types of drinks for your guest count and preferences.
Staffing and Rentals
If you're bringing your own alcohol, consider whether you want to hire a professional bartending service to mix and serve drinks during the reception or set up a DIY bar. Full-service catering companies can also provide rentals like linens, napkins, chinaware, flatware, and glassware, so you won't need to source these items separately.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively navigate the process of buying alcohol in bulk for your wedding, ensuring a well-stocked and enjoyable celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the caterer. Some wedding caterers offer packages that include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Others may not include drinks in their packages, in which case you can ask them to provide bartending services for an additional fee, or simply hire a separate bartender.
The drinks provided by wedding caterers vary. Alcoholic drinks may include beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. Non-alcoholic drinks may include soft drinks, juices, and water.
Yes, you can provide your own drinks and hire a bartender to serve them. However, you may need to pay a corkage fee to the caterer and ensure you have the appropriate license to serve alcohol.
The amount of alcohol you need depends on the number of guests and their drinking habits. A common estimate is three drinks per person. The type of alcohol (beer/wine vs. liquor) and the duration of the open bar will also impact the quantity required.
