Byo Bliss: Navigating The 'Bring Your Own' Trend For Weddings

BYO or BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze or Bottle) means that guests are expected to provide their own drinks at an event or wedding. This can be a great way to save money, as alcohol can be one of the largest costs associated with events. It also gives guests full control over the type and number of drinks they consume. However, some people may consider it tacky or cheap to have a BYO wedding, especially if guests are expected to pay for their own drinks.

Advantages of BYOB weddings

The freedom to BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze/Bottle) at a wedding can offer several benefits to couples and guests alike. Here are some advantages of opting for a BYOB wedding:

Cost Savings

Alcohol can be one of the largest expenses in a wedding budget. By allowing guests to bring their own drinks, couples can significantly reduce their spending. This option eliminates the need to pay double or triple margins on drinks at the venue. Instead of paying a premium for drinks at the venue, guests can bring their own at a fraction of the cost. This approach can save couples thousands of dollars, which can be allocated to other aspects of the wedding or even future endeavours.

Personalisation

With BYOB, couples have full control over the drinks selection. They can choose drinks that align with their preferences and create a unique experience. Whether it's a specific type of wine, craft beer, or a signature cocktail, BYOB allows couples to craft a menu that reflects their tastes. It also enables them to support local breweries and distilleries, adding a special touch to the celebration.

Flexibility

BYOB provides flexibility in terms of drink options and quantities. Couples can purchase alcohol in the exact quantities they need, avoiding unnecessary waste. It also allows guests to contribute special drinks, such as a whisky collection or a wine selection, adding a personal touch to the event.

Convenience and Variety

BYOB weddings offer convenience and variety for guests. They can bring their preferred drinks, ensuring they have options that suit their tastes. This freedom eliminates the limitations of a standard beverage list and encourages guests to explore new drinks.

Crowd Control

BYOB weddings put the hosts in control of the event flow and guests' alcohol intake. They can decide when to start serving drinks, when to offer cocktails, and when to announce last drinks. This control helps maintain a smooth event flow and ensures guests' enjoyment without excessive alcohol consumption.

Return Options

Many liquor stores and supermarkets offer "sale and return" services, allowing couples to return unopened bottles for a refund. This option reduces waste and ensures that couples don't have to worry about buying too much. It also means that any leftover alcohol can be enjoyed post-wedding or even sold to another couple planning a BYOB wedding.

Disadvantages of BYOB weddings

While BYOB weddings can be a great way to save money, there are some disadvantages to this approach. Here are some potential issues to consider:

Legal and Liability Issues

It is important to be aware of local and state liquor laws when planning a BYOB wedding. These regulations can vary, and non-compliance can lead to legal issues. Additionally, there may be liability concerns if guests over-indulge and get into accidents or cause property damage. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to get wedding liability insurance and consider hiring a licensed bartender to serve and monitor alcohol consumption.

Venue Restrictions

Not all venues allow BYOB, and some may have specific rules and restrictions regarding alcohol. It is essential to carefully review the venue's alcohol regulations and discuss any questions or concerns with the event coordinator. Some venues may require security or additional fees if alcohol is permitted.

Guest Experience

BYOB weddings may impact the guest experience in several ways. Some guests may forget to bring their own drinks, leading to disappointment or inconvenience. It is also important to consider the impact on guests who are underage or do not drink alcohol. Providing non-alcoholic options or suggesting nearby stores where guests can purchase drinks can help mitigate this issue.

Potential for Excessive Drinking

Without a bartender to monitor and control drink quantities, there is a risk of excessive drinking by guests. This can lead to drunk and disorderly behaviour, as well as potential health risks. A licensed bartender can help cut off guests who have had too much to drink and ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Mixed Reactions from Guests

Some guests may view BYOB weddings as tacky or rude, especially if they are expecting an open bar. It is important to be upfront about the BYOB policy on invitations or the wedding website to manage guest expectations. However, it is worth noting that pleasing everyone is impossible, and ultimately, the decision should be based on what works best for the couple.

Venues that allow BYOB

If you're looking to bring your own booze to your wedding, you'll need to find a venue that allows you to bring your own beverages (BYOB). This can be a great way to save money on your big day, as alcohol can be expensive. Here are some things to keep in mind and some venue options that allow BYOB:

• Insurance and licensing: Some venues will require you to have insurance and/or a licensed bartender to serve alcohol. Be sure to check the requirements of your venue and local laws to ensure you are compliant.
• Security: If alcohol is being served, the venue may require you to have security present. Find out if security is provided by the venue or if you need to hire your own.
• Bar setup: Will the venue provide a bar, countertop, or serving station for your drinks? What about ice, cups, and other supplies? Be sure to clarify what the venue will provide and what you need to bring.
• Corkage fees: Some venues may charge a corkage fee for you to bring your own alcohol. Be sure to ask about any additional fees or charges.
• The Romanesque Room, Los Angeles: This venue is located in Old Pasadena in the historical Green Hotel. It can accommodate up to 250 guests for dining and dancing and has an attached bar area.
• White House Banquets & Event Center, Los Angeles: This venue allows BYOB and can help you pick out and stock the alcohol until your wedding day.
• The Alexandria Ballrooms, Los Angeles: This venue allows BYOB and also offers the flexibility of outside catering.
• Historic Rosemont Springs, Virginia: A charming wedding venue that permits you to bring your own alcohol.
• The Inn at Fingerboard Farm, Maryland: A quaint wedding venue in Maryland that gives you the freedom to bring your own drinks.
• Private estates: These venues often provide greater flexibility in creating your own bar packages and may even allow you to bring your own alcohol.

Remember to do your research and ask about any requirements, fees, or restrictions the venue may have. BYOB can be a great way to save money and personalise your wedding, but it's important to plan and prepare accordingly.

How to save money on alcohol at your wedding

When it comes to weddings, alcohol can be one of the largest costs. However, there are many ways to save money on drinks without compromising on quality or style. Here are some tips to help you reduce the cost of alcohol at your wedding:

Choose a Less Party-Centric Reception Style

Opt for a breakfast or brunch reception with a selection of light cocktails like mimosas, champagne, or a Bloody Mary bar. Most people tend to drink less at breakfast than at an evening dinner. If you're not a fan of the morning reception idea, a cocktail-only reception is another option. Typically lasting just two hours, guests will likely drink less, knowing they have to move on to dinner elsewhere afterward. For a more casual wedding, such as a backyard wedding, craft beers are a great option and are usually less expensive than bottles of liquor or wine.

Create a Signature Drink

Signature drinks are a trendy and cost-effective option. Ask your bartending service or caterer to create a cocktail based on your theme, such as the location where you met or your wedding colors. You can even do multiple signature drinks. Just be sure to use budget-friendly ingredients. Offering a signature drink prevents guests from ordering top-shelf liquor. You can also offer a virgin version of your signature cocktail as a non-alcoholic option.

Supply Your Own Alcohol

Look for a venue that allows you to bring your own alcohol to avoid markup fees. By supplying your own drinks, you can hunt for the most affordable options and buy in bulk. You can even return unopened bottles for a refund after the wedding. However, check with your caterer, as they may need to provide a permit or license.

Focus on Signature Cocktails and Limit Mixed Drinks

Instead of a full open bar, concentrate on two signature cocktails, one for "his" and one for "hers." This allows you to customize your celebration without needing to stock the bar with various spirits. For an even more affordable option, stick to one type of liquor and choose cocktails that are less labor-intensive, like muddling. To offer variety, supplement with wine and beer, which are generally less expensive than individual mixed drinks.

Skip the Pre-Ceremony Beverages

Drinks are a significant part of the reception, so there's no need to serve pre-ceremony cocktails. Instead, offer non-alcoholic options like fruit-infused water or matcha lemonade, which are less expensive.

Shorten the Window You Serve Liquor

If you're set on an open bar, consider limiting the hours it's available. For example, you could serve signature cocktails and a full open bar during the cocktail hour, then switch to beer and wine only for the reception. Even closing the bar an hour earlier can make a difference in your overall alcohol costs.

Splurge on One Expensive Spirit

You don't need top-shelf liquor to make delicious drinks. Most guests won't notice the difference, especially if the spirits are mixed with other ingredients. Choose one special bottle of your favorite beverage and stick to more affordable options for the rest.

Reduce the Number of Bartenders

Bartenders and waitstaff contribute to your alcohol costs. Consider reducing the number of bartenders or staggering their shifts. For example, have one bartender for the cocktail hour, another for the first half of the reception, and a third to wrap things up.

BYO (Bring Your Own)

Although some consider it tacky, bringing your own alcohol can be a significant cost saver. However, be aware that many venues will charge a corkage fee and may require a licensed bartender.

How to calculate how much alcohol to buy for a BYOB wedding

'BYO' or 'BYOB' is short for Bring Your Own Booze or Bring Your Own Bottle. It is often used in the context of events and parties, including weddings, where the host doesn't provide alcohol and guests are invited to bring their own.

If you're planning a BYOB wedding, it's important to communicate this clearly to your guests. You can also provide additional details, such as any restrictions on the types of drinks allowed or any drinks you plan to provide yourself.

• Know your guest list: Understand your guests' drinking preferences. Consider their favourite drinks, how much they typically drink, and whether they have any specific tastes or requirements.
• Estimate drink quantities: As a general rule, plan for each adult guest to have two drinks during the first hour of the event and one drink for each additional hour. Adjust this estimate based on your knowledge of your guests' drinking habits.
• Calculate by drink type:

• Liquor: If you want to provide guidelines for liquor, consider that 20-30% of wedding guests typically consume spirits. For a 50-guest wedding, this would be around 10-15 guests. Using the rule of two drinks in the first hour and one drink per additional hour, you can estimate how many bottles of liquor to suggest your guests bring.
• Wine: Around 60% of guests typically drink wine. Using the same drinking rule, calculate the total amount of wine needed and suggest a mix of sparkling, white, and red wines.
• Beer: Approximately 40% of guests might opt for beer. Again, use the drinking rule to determine the total amount of beer required, and suggest a mix of well-known domestic and imported brands, or craft beers.

• Provide a drinks calculator: You can use an online drinks calculator to help your guests estimate how many bottles of wine, beer, and liquor they may need to bring based on their drinking preferences.
• Poll your guests: If you're unsure about your guests' preferences, consider sending out a quick poll or survey to gather information on their drinking habits and preferences.
• Encourage variety: Recommend that guests bring a range of drinks to cater to different tastes. This could include a mix of beer, wine, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic options.
• Consider returns and leftovers: Inform your guests that many retailers will accept returns of unopened bottles, so they don't have to worry about buying too much.
• Communicate with your venue: Discuss your plans with your venue, as they may have specific requirements or restrictions regarding BYOB. Some venues may charge a corkage fee or require a licensed bartender.

Remember, these calculations are estimates, and actual consumption may vary. It's generally better to have more drinks than too few, and you can always encourage guests to take home any leftovers.

Frequently asked questions