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Just Said Yes October 2015

Buying alcohol for a brewery reception

Amy, on September 9, 2015 at 10:14 PM Posted in Planning 0 7

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This is my first time posting and I need advice on the amount of liquor and wine to purchase for an open bar, 85ish person reception at a brewery!

We're lucky to be in a state where we can buy liquor and wine and have a bartender at our venue serve it. In addition to beer provided by the brewery, we're planning on 1 red wine, 1 white wine, whiskey, and vodka. Our caterer is providing all the glasses and a decent bar set up (soda, juice, etc) so my only concern is how much to buy.

Does anyone have experience or suggestions on amounts to purchase for something like this? I'd like to encourage people to drink the beer (it's pretty epic, and it's unlimited) but don't want the embarrassment of running out of liquor. Also, I'm not concerned about numbers for a champagne toast.

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7 Comments

Latest activity by Lori, on September 10, 2015 at 12:57 PM

Master October 2017
Christina · on September 10, 2015 at 11:26 AM
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Welcome to the WeddingWire forums @Amy!

Bumping this up!
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WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
Lynnie · on September 10, 2015 at 11:40 AM
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Hi Amy! There are a lot of online drink calculators out there that should be helpful. Make sure to take your guests into account though, if it's a group of heavier drinkers then err on the higher side! That is awesome that your venue will let you bring in outside alcohol, such a money saver!
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Super October 2015
MrsTex · on September 10, 2015 at 11:42 AM
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Hey Amy, welcome. bevmo has a great beverage calculator if you google it. It seemed to match all the other ones I found as well.
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Just Said Yes October 2015
Amy · on September 10, 2015 at 12:31 PM
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Thanks ladies! I've looked at online calculators but the issue is this is a brewery so we don't anticipate the normal breakdown for a full bar (50% wine, 30% liquor, 20% beer) because people should be trying the 4-5 different beers offered by the brewery. It's just hard to guess who will have 1 beer and switch to liquor or drink beer all night... Does anyone have advice on ratios? Or how bad would it be if we ran out of booze and wine?

ETA: I personally wouldn't consider it terrible to run out of wine/liquor because I love beer but I'd love to hear your opinions!
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Master June 2016
JamieLynn · on September 10, 2015 at 12:44 PM
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This a tough one, Amy. Ultimately, if people want the wine or liquor, that's what they will drink. (until it runs out, lol)

I'd say you know your guests more than anyone else, are most of your guests beer drinkers, or liquor drinkers? Good luck, I hope you find a good solution!
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Master September 2015
Kelli · on September 10, 2015 at 12:49 PM
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My only suggestion is to buy it from a place that allows returns. Then you can buy a lot just in case. Here in Missouri, it has to be arranged with a liquor store. For example, you can't return alcohol at our local Hyvee store.

I agree with you that it wouldn't be terrible to run out of wine and liquor because there is plenty of beer to drink!
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Master June 2015
Lori · on September 10, 2015 at 12:57 PM
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I would try to find a place that sells alcohol wholesale. They'll be able to help you out with how much you should need. You could rely on the regular breakdown and just figure you can return any unopened bottles. But I would suggest taking your guests into account-- we got more than double the recommended amount of whiskey and we barely had anything left!
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