Franklin Dean
If you're looking to sell alcohol at your wedding venue, there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, check the laws and licensing requirements in your area. Some venues have a liquor license and licensed bartenders, who are the only ones permitted to serve alcohol. If your venue doesn't provide this service, you may need to hire a professional bartending service with the relevant certifications and insurance. It's also important to decide what kind of alcohol you want to offer and how much you'll need, as buying in bulk can be a complex process. You may also want to create a signature cocktail or two to add a personal touch to your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Type | Bubbly, beer, wine, cocktails, liquor, spirits, champagne, cider, etc. |
| Amount of Alcohol | One bottle of wine per two people. One drink per hour per guest or five drinks per guest. |
| Alcohol Supplier | The venue, the couple, or a third-party supplier. |
| Bartender | Hired professional, friend, or self-service. |
| Licenses and Insurance | A liquor license may be required depending on the location and type of venue. Event insurance is recommended. |
| Transport | Consider how the alcohol will be transported to and from the venue. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing what alcohol to serve: beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, or all of the above?
When it comes to choosing the alcohol for your wedding, it's important to consider the preferences of your guests. A good starting point is to choose two types of liquor to serve, one clear and one coloured, to provide a broader range of drinks. Vodka, gin and tequila are popular clear liquors, while whiskey, bourbon and rum are common coloured liquors.
If you're serving wine, it's a good idea to offer both red and white, and you may want to provide a bottle of each on every table. However, this can lead to unfinished bottles, and guests may prefer to stick to their drink of choice for the toast, so it's worth considering whether you want to provide a glass of
Beer is a popular choice, and it's worth considering offering a variety, such as regular, light and craft beer, to cater to different tastes. If you want to serve cocktails, it's best to hire a mixologist, but you may only need them for the cocktail hour, as guests may be more interested in standard drinks later in the evening. It's recommended that you offer no more than five cocktails, including a classic and a mocktail, to avoid overwhelming your guests and slowing down bar service.
Ultimately, the choice of alcohol is up to you, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It's important to consider your budget and the preferences of your guests, and to ensure that there are enough designated drivers and taxis available if needed.
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How much alcohol to buy: use a wedding alcohol calculator
It is tricky to determine the amount of alcohol needed for a wedding because there is no perfect answer. However, there are several wedding alcohol calculators available online that can help you determine how much alcohol to buy. These calculators take into account various factors, such as the number of guests, the duration of the reception, and the type of alcohol you plan to serve.
To use a wedding alcohol calculator, you will need to input information such as the number of guests, the duration of the reception, and your preferred drink ratio. The calculator will then provide you with an estimate of how many bottles of wine, beer, and liquor you will need. It is important to remember that these calculations are estimates, and actual consumption may vary depending on your guests' drinking preferences and habits.
- Guest Count and Drinking Preferences: Consider the number of guests you will be serving and their drinking preferences. If you are unsure, you can estimate that approximately one-third of your guests prefer wine, another third prefer beer, and the remaining may prefer non-alcoholic beverages or cocktails.
- Type of Alcohol: The type of alcohol you serve will impact your calculations. The recommended mix for a wedding is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine. Within the wine category, it is typically a 50/50 split between red and white wine.
- Duration of Reception: Consider the duration of your wedding reception when calculating alcohol needs. A longer reception will likely result in higher alcohol consumption.
- Signature Cocktails: If you plan to offer signature cocktails, limit the number to two to three options, with a maximum of five. Offering too many choices can slow down bar service and may result in unused alcohol.
- Bartender Recommendations: Consult with your bartender, as they may have valuable insights and recommendations based on their experience. They can help you refine your shopping list and provide cost estimates.
- Transport and Storage: Plan how you will transport and store the alcohol. It can be a heavy and cumbersome task, so ensure you have the necessary help and vehicles to get the alcohol to and from the venue efficiently.
- Local Laws and Licenses: Research the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol service at weddings. Some locations may require special event liquor licenses, and it is essential to stay compliant to avoid any legal issues.
By using a wedding alcohol calculator and considering the tips provided, you can estimate how much alcohol to buy for your wedding while staying within your budget and ensuring your guests have a great time. Remember to err on the side of caution and purchase slightly more than the calculated amount to avoid running out during the festivities.
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Where to buy alcohol in bulk
When it comes to buying alcohol in bulk for a wedding, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to assess your guest list and their drinking preferences. Consider how many guests are of legal drinking age and take into account their individual preferences for beer, wine, or liquor. The season and timing of your wedding can also impact guest consumption, with lighter drinks being preferred in summer and less alcohol consumption expected at a Sunday afternoon wedding compared to a Saturday night celebration.
One option for purchasing alcohol in bulk is to visit a club store or warehouse club such as BJs, Costco, or Sam's Club. These stores offer a wide selection of beers, wines, and liquors at competitive prices, and you don't necessarily need a membership to purchase alcohol. Additionally, some local liquor stores may be willing to provide discounts for bulk purchases, so it's worth discussing your order with them and seeing if they can accommodate your needs.
If you know someone in the military, buying alcohol through an on-base store can offer significant savings due to tax exemptions. Online options like GotoLiquorStore also provide a convenient way to place bulk orders for weddings, partnering with local stores to fulfill orders. Ultimately, the decision of where to buy alcohol in bulk will depend on factors such as price, selection, and convenience, so it's worth exploring a few options before making your final choice.
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Hiring a bartender: a professional or a friend?
If you're serving alcohol at your wedding, you'll need a bartender. But should you hire a professional or ask a friend? There are a few things to consider when making this decision.
Firstly, it's important to ensure that whoever is serving alcohol is licensed and insured. This is a legal requirement in many places, and it's important to protect yourself and your guests. A professional bartender will already have the necessary licenses and insurance, but if you're asking a friend, they may need to obtain a special event liquor license or other certification.
Another thing to consider is the level of service you want to provide. A professional bartender will have the skills and experience to mix drinks, make recommendations, and ensure that your guests are safely enjoying their drinks. They may also be able to help you determine how much alcohol to purchase and provide guidance on drink ideas and expectations for the big day. If you're just serving beer and wine, it may be easier to manage without a professional bartender, but if you're offering a full bar, their expertise could be invaluable.
Cost is also a factor. Hiring a professional bartender can be expensive, especially if you're already paying for other wedding expenses like catering and venue rental. Asking a friend to bartend can help keep costs down, but it's important to compensate them fairly for their time and effort.
Finally, don't leave it until the last minute. Whether you're hiring a professional or asking a friend, it's important to have your bartender lined up well in advance of your wedding day. This will give you time to sort out any necessary licenses or insurance and ensure that your bartender is familiar with your venue and guest list.
In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both hiring a professional bartender and asking a friend. If you want a seamless, stress-free experience, a professional is likely the way to go. But if you're on a tight budget or want to involve a friend in your special day, that can also be a great option as long as you ensure all legal requirements are met.
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Legal requirements: insurance, licenses, and certifications
When it comes to serving alcohol at a wedding venue, there are several legal requirements, including insurance, licenses, and certifications that need to be considered. These requirements can vary depending on the location of the wedding, so it is essential to check the specific laws and regulations of the state, county, or country where the wedding will take place. Here is a detailed overview of the legal aspects:
Insurance
Obtaining event insurance is highly recommended when serving alcohol at a wedding. This type of insurance can provide financial protection in case of any alcohol-related incidents or accidents involving guests. The recommended coverage amount can vary, but a $1 million policy is often considered sufficient and is not typically very expensive. This insurance can provide peace of mind and help protect against potential financial ruin in the event of alcohol-related lawsuits or injuries.
Licenses
The requirements for licenses to serve alcohol at a wedding can vary depending on the location and the type of alcohol being served. In some cases, a special event liquor license may be required, especially if liquor is being served in addition to beer and wine. This typically involves completing an online background check and submitting the necessary forms to the relevant authorities. It is important to stay on top of the license application process and ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Certifications
Certified bartenders are typically required to serve alcohol at weddings. The venue or caterer may provide licensed bartenders as part of their services. If not, it is possible to hire certified bartenders from bartending services or use friends as bartenders, provided they have the necessary certifications. The number of bartenders required will depend on the number of guests, with a general recommendation of one bartender for every 75-100 guests.
Record-Keeping
Retail dealers of alcohol are required to maintain detailed records of their transactions. This includes keeping a book or invoices showing the date, quantity, and source of all distilled spirits, wine, and beer received. Additionally, sales records must be kept for sales of 20 wine gallons or more, including the date, purchaser's name and address, kind and quantity of liquor sold, and serial numbers of full cases. Failure to comply with these record-keeping requirements can result in significant fines and even imprisonment.
Legal Drinking Age
It is essential to be aware of and comply with the legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where the wedding is taking place. In the United States, the Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act sets the minimum legal drinking age at 21 years old, but individual states have the power to alter this age. Serving alcohol to minors can result in serious legal consequences.
In summary, serving alcohol at a wedding venue requires careful attention to legal requirements, including obtaining appropriate insurance, licenses, and certified bartending services. By understanding and complying with these requirements, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for all guests while mitigating potential legal risks.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a liquor license for your wedding or private event. However, if you plan on selling alcohol to the public, you will need a license.
It is recommended that you provide one drink per guest per hour or about five drinks per guest throughout the evening. You can use a wedding drink calculator to help you decide how much alcohol to buy.
It is recommended that you serve an array of different alcoholic beverages to ensure there is something for everyone. This could include beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks of your choosing.
It is not required, but it is recommended. A bartender can help ensure drinks are served responsibly and take some of the workload off you or your friends.
It is recommended that you get event insurance to protect yourself from any potential alcohol-related incidents. You should also check if your venue charges a corkage fee and incorporate that into your alcohol budget.
