Extra consumption fee

That seems super confusing. It is normally one or the other. I think I would ask for some clarification.

I would definitely ask for clarification. It should be one or the other, either a consumption bar or an open bar with a per person charge.

Agreed. Usually it's either a flat fee or a consumption bar, not both.

Ask for clarification before you sign. Open bar is one set price per person. What the consume is included in that price. The second charge you are describing is a consumption bar, not an open bar. To have them included together as the same thing is a huge red flag. They don't keep anything in check with consumption so you will have an astronomical bill afterward. Make sure that the consumption bar charges are removed from the contract before you sign. If they will not, then go elsewhere asap.

View Quoted Comment Now that I look at it, it looks like it’s listed as the option to pay per person or to pay the consumption fee but I will clarify. As long as I have it in writing from the venue that we want to pay per person, I don’t think they would have to remove it if it’s just listed as an option not something we definitely have to do

Definitely ask for clarification. Plus you know your crowd- do they all drink? Would it be cheaper to get the consumptive bar?

I've never seen this before but I would definitely ask them about it and to clarification on it.


We are having a backyard wedding and the rental company we are going through said they will set up, however in the contract it talks about how we have to fold the tent and a $200 clean fee if it becomes soiled. We were confused because we thought that they would be setting up and taking down so we called to clarify with them. And turns out they only put that on all contracts for people setting up and taking down on their own.
I'd definitely definitely call and clarify it with them.

View Quoted Comment

Never assume anything. Always get clarification on anything you don't understand.

It's usually either/or unless it's a bottle of wine or champagne that they can't use for another event? We had an open bar and it was included in the pp costs in our catering. Consumption is just that: they charge you for what has been consumed by the end of the night (and they will charge you for an entire bottle of whiskey even if it's just to crack it open for one shot. If it's open, the whole thing is charged). That can end up being more expensive if your guests are moderate or big drinkers.

Definitely ask them about the per person and consumption. That doesn't make sense to me.

If it's open bar then their shouldn't be a consumption fee. They are two different bar types