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Gabrielle
Savvy December 2021

Purchasing Non-alcoholic/alcoholic Drinks

Gabrielle, on April 3, 2021 at 5:17 PM Posted in Planning 0 4
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My fiancé and I are chatting with potential caterers/bartenders currently and trying to determine what would be more cost effective. I have heard that buying your own alcohol is the cheapest route but we are trying to get a ball park for how much we will be spending on alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks. Some caterers/bartenders are offering a drink package that doesn’t seem too expensive but we don’t know what to compare it to. We are planning to have 2 or 3 wines and beers, and 4 mixed drink options only. For non-alcohol we are thinking coffee, water and soda. We are expecting around 150 people. Does anyone have any experience with this? Or any ideas?

4 Comments

Latest activity by Chelsea, on April 4, 2021 at 9:07 PM
  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Are you looking for places to buy coffee, water, sodas in bulk or something else? Will the caterer/bartender not provide these? Ask what they normally do.

    Price depends on your area because this is an international forum. However a local liquor warehouse distributor (Bevmo, Total Wine or similar) will have staff to help you figure out calculations based on what your guests drink. Also ask your closest family/friends what they drink.

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  • Katie
    VIP August 2020
    Katie ·
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    Hi Gabrielle! Just for you to compare, our venue offered $86 per head for 3 appetizer types, main meal, salads and open bar (pre-covid) and due to covid (long story but delivery issues/limited venue staff) we still paid same but had to choose 2 wines (white, red), 4 beer options, White Claw seltzers, and two signature drinks (Manhattan, Gin and Tonic). We had 104 guests attend (invited 162). It worked out great! If you are stocking your own bar, I hear the rule of thumb is 3-4 alcoholic drinks per adult guest. Hope this helps ❤️🥂
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  • C
    Devoted September 2022
    Carissa ·
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    What is your venue? Have you spoken with the venue at all? I assume you have if you've gotten to this point. Only asking because some have different rules about bringing outside alcohol in and needing a liquor license and insurances and stuff like that. It could be easier to go with a caterer/bartender that includes all that business, if your venue doesn't.

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  • Chelsea
    Expert June 2021
    Chelsea ·
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    I know my family aren't big drinkers. I like a good glass of wine and some of the guys like beer. We aren't doing liquor (Sunday wedding), which means a lot of folks won't be drinking anyway.

    I went to my favorite local winery and got a KILLER discount. 30% off each case of wine. I got a case of white and a case of red. Separate from that, I'm also doing one signature drink: a lavender wine spritzer. Gonna stick to one type of beer (Michelob Ultra).

    I think it's a know-your-crowd type of thing. If you have local wineries/breweries, I'd start there. They generally cut a great deal if you buy by the case! Total Wine might be helpful too.

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