Five things to know if you are serving alcohol at your wedding

If you're planning to serve alcohol at your wedding, there are several important things you need to know to ensure that everything goes smoothly. From legal requirements to practical considerations, here are five essential things to keep in mind:

1. Check Local Laws and Regulations

Before you even begin planning your wedding, it's crucial to research local laws and regulations regarding alcohol service. Depending on your location, there may be restrictions on the types of alcohol you can serve, the hours during which you can serve it, and the licensing and insurance requirements you need to meet. Make sure you understand these regulations and factor them into your plans.

2. Hire a Professional Bartender or Caterer

Unless you're planning a very small and casual wedding, it's usually best to hire a professional bartender or catering company to handle alcohol service. Not only will they be experienced in serving large crowds, but they'll also have the necessary licenses, insurance, and equipment to ensure that everything is safe and legal. Additionally, they'll be able to help you choose the right types and amounts of alcohol to serve based on your budget and guest preferences.

3. Offer Non-Alcoholic Options

While alcohol is often a big part of wedding celebrations, it's important to remember that not everyone drinks or wants to drink. To be inclusive of all your guests, make sure you offer a variety of non-alcoholic options, such as soda, juice, and water. You could also consider serving mocktails or other creative alcohol-free drinks that everyone can enjoy.

4. Plan for Transportation and Accommodations

One of the biggest risks associated with alcohol service at weddings is drunk driving. To help mitigate this risk, consider arranging for transportation options for your guests, such as a shuttle or ride-sharing service. You could also offer accommodations for guests who need a place to stay overnight, such as booking a block of rooms at a nearby hotel.

5. Set Clear Limits and Expectations

Finally, it's important to set clear limits and expectations for alcohol service at your wedding. This includes things like establishing a last call time, providing plenty of food to help guests pace themselves, and designating someone to monitor guests' alcohol consumption and intervene if necessary. By setting these expectations upfront, you can help ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time at your wedding.

In summary, serving alcohol at a wedding can be a great way to celebrate, but it requires careful planning and consideration. By following these five tips, you can help ensure that your wedding is a memorable and enjoyable experience for all your guests.

Looking for a mobile bar and quality bartending? Let us know the details of your event, and we’ll send you a custom proposal!

Questions to ask your Wedding Bartender

The Basics

• Is our wedding date available How far in advance do we need to book with you?

• Do you have the proper license?

Pricing

• How do you charge for your time and for drinks?

• Can you run a cash bar? (Be sure you are able to sell alcohol at your venue. Some don’t allow it.)

• Do I have to buy the alcohol, ice, cups, etc. or will you supply it?

• What is the tipping protocol?

• Can the bar accept credit cards? (If not, does the reception venue have an ATM?)

• Do you carry liability insurance?

• What is the deposit and final payment plan for the entire bill? What forms of payment do you accept?

• What is your cancellation/refund policy?

• When will I receive the contract? (Make sure to get everything in writing in the final contract.)

Drinks

• What cocktails, spirits or beers can you serve?

• Can we request specific drinks? (Specialty liquor, wine, champagne, craft beers, mixed drinks, signature cocktails, etc.)

• Can you provide any special drinks for the non-drinkers?

• How many people will be on staff?

Logistics

• What is your practice for guests who are intoxicated?

• How will the bartenders be dressed?

• How late will the bar be open?

What to Prepare for your Bartender

• Make a list of common beers and drinks you know your friends and family will be ordering, so they can order an appropriate amount of popular drink choices, or provide you with a shopping list.

• Provide tables, linens, rags, etc. for behind bar and front bar service (if you book with Tamp & Muddle Co, the bar and rags are included in our bar rentals)

• Provide ice, cups, bar napkins, cutting board, shakers, and anything the bartender may not provide. (With Tamp and Muddle Co, basic bar tools are included in the bar rental)

We hope this helps you with planning your big day! Whether you are using us to bartend, or hiring a bartender in addition to renting our mobile horse trailer bar, this list of questions will ease your mind and help with the planning process. When you add bartending to your package with us, it includes a consult with our Bar Manager. Consultation & Guidance helps you with everything you need to know and answers these questions in detail.

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