Making sure that all of your guests have drinks in their hands from the moment they arrive is key when providing beverage services for an event. When it comes to purchasing alcoholic beverages for your event, these are some of the most crucial things to know:
What will your method of payment be?
You will generally have three different options: pay on a per person basis, pay on a consumption basis, or provide a cash bar (where guests pay for beverages themselves). If there are going to be heavy drinkers at your event, it might be a good idea to pay an hourly price. Even though this may be more expensive, it allows you to know exactly how much you will be paying. In my opinion, the most economical way to purchase beverages is on a consumption basis. This requires you to be sure that you know how many bottles you started with and how many bottles were consumed by the end of the night. Stay vigilant about this.
What kind of bar do you want to have?
Usually, the answer to this question will be one of two choices: a premium bar or a standard (well brand) bar. The difference between the two is that the premium bar usually includes top-shelf liquors such as Grey Goose, Johnny Walker Black, etc. and the standard bar will most likely have less expensive brands. No matter what you choose, make sure the caterer provides you with a list so you can change any items before the event and ensure that no inferior substitutions are provided.
What kind of guests are going to be at your event?
This is important to know when deciding what choices to make in regards to the previous two questions. If your guests are more sophisticated, you’ll probably want to select a premium bar; if they are less sophisticated or lower income, you would probably go with the standard bar.
Also important to keep in mind:
As a responsible event producer, you need to make sure that none of your guests are being over-served when it comes to alcohol. Click To Tweet
If an attendee has been over-served, let the bar managers and bartenders know to cut the person off from any more alcohol consumption. Suggest that the intoxicated person not have any more to drink and make sure that he or she is dealt with safely and appropriately.
Happy planning,
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