Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Beginner January 2018

Alcohol at my reception

AmberJ, on December 20, 2017 at 7:21 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 14

Saved

Flag
Hide content

Hello, so I’m having my wedding and reception both at my FHs church. The reception is technically is the school part of the church, so we can have alcohol. The problem is that the insurance is only for what they call “Cabaret Style” alcohol. FHs mom explained it to me as like BYOB, and that we can have alcohol but we wouldn’t be able to have a bar tender for the type of insurance they have. Up until now, I was thinking about just doing two big bottles of wine, some sangrias or mixed alcohol beverages in self serve dispensers, non-alcoholic juices, sodas, and water. My crowd isn’t big on beer so I didnt Want to provide beer. Up until now this was a good idea for me, but now I’m thinking it’s not. What if I give a table a type of wine that they don’t like? Or how are people going to feel about pouring their own wine from a bottle? I dont know, could you all let me know your thoughts on this or any suggestions for different things we could do?

Flag
Hide content

14 Comments

Latest activity by Aly, on December 22, 2017 at 12:35 PM

Master July 2017
A. L. · on December 20, 2017 at 7:24 PM
Flag

Hide content
To be honest, I'd look into a different reception venue.
- Reply
Master June 2016
Sarah · on December 20, 2017 at 7:24 PM
Flag

Hide content
What kind of insurance doesn’t allow a bartender? That doesn’t make any sense.
- Reply
Master April 2017
EM · on December 20, 2017 at 7:25 PM
Flag

Hide content
Self-serve alcohol is never a good idea.
The alcohol you do provide will be gone twice as fast (since people will overserve themselves) and I'm pretty sure you and your FH would be liable if anyone leaves your wedding intoxicated and gets into an accident and hurts/kills someone.
That's why you need a licensed bartender. They know when to cut people off because they are liable and responsible for every drink they serve.
You might want to re-think your reception location if this is all you can do.
Also this "self serve" type thing will make it extremely hard for you to monitor whether anyone underage is drinking. That is a huge problem.
- Reply
Devoted October 2017
bluevelvet · on December 20, 2017 at 7:26 PM
Flag

Hide content
I would be very nervous about any venue that does not allow a licensed bartender.
- Reply
Expert September 2018
Nicole · on December 20, 2017 at 7:27 PM
Flag

Hide content
Double check the insurance. Pretty sure no insurance company in their right mind would condone a party they were insuring NOT to have a licensed professional serve the alcohol.
- Reply
Champion November 2054
Jacks · on December 20, 2017 at 7:34 PM
Flag

Hide content
That doesnt even make sense. The bartender is there so that you have someone that is licensed and insured to provide a service. Letting people drink Without supervision makes you liable.

disclaimer: not a lawyer
- Reply
Champion August 2017
Mrsbdg · on December 20, 2017 at 7:38 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Literally everything @EM said. Time to find some new venues
- Reply
Master October 2017
O · on December 20, 2017 at 7:54 PM
Flag

Hide content
A different venue then, self serve isn't a good idea.
- Reply
Beginner January 2018
AmberJ · on December 20, 2017 at 8:40 PM
Flag

Hide content
Unfortunately my wedding is in two weeks basically. Does anyone know of any other insurance companies? I may just have to buy my own insurance, and hire a bartender
- Reply
VIP October 2017
Gracie Lou Freebush · on December 20, 2017 at 10:07 PM
Flag

Hide content
Just do your original plan! If they don’t like what you provide then they aren’t your real friend
- Reply
Super May 2019
LaraLouM · on December 20, 2017 at 11:10 PM
Flag

Hide content
Yes, this could potentially be a dangers situation. PPs are correct about people being much more likely to abuse alcohol if they are serving themselves. If you cannot get an insurance policy do you have a friend who works as a bartender and could maybe be like the "butler" for the party who also regulates and pours people drinks? That may be a bad idea but just a thought.
- Reply
Master March 2018
Orchids · on December 21, 2017 at 2:11 AM
Flag

Hide content
How very strange, you'd think they would WANT a licensed bartender for the liability insurance...
- Reply
Super September 2019
An · on December 21, 2017 at 9:15 AM
Flag

Hide content
You need a bartender. I would get a clear answer on that rule because that is counter intuitive. You should still provide some beer even if you don't think people are beer drinkers. Not everyone likes wine so it would be nice to provide some options if you aren't hosting a full bar.
- Reply

Expert June 2018
Aly · on December 22, 2017 at 12:35 PM
Flag

Hide content
I'd avoid the self-serve aspect if possible. It creates too many issues and frankly, liabilities.
If the wedding is super duper casual, I'd feel fine pouring my own wine. If that's not the vibe you are going for, it may be time to look at the insurance policy and/or the venue.
- Reply