Those with out a bartender

Sorry, but as someone who is in the wine business (and used to be in the insurance business) I feel that you are foolish if you do not hire a licensed and insured bartender.

Do what you will, but, if is comes crashing down on you, I do not want to read it here. You have had too many of us advise you to hire someone. You asked for that opinion.

@Kathy it's okay I never said what I would do, I was just getting ideas from those who HAVE done it without one to see if that's something we might want to do.

all things have been considered. For FWIW the place is licensed for alcohol as well. But all in all I didn't say what we are choosing to do just like anything else you weigh the pro's and con's that's exactly what I am doing. I understand the laws here and how they work. I think I would be far too busy if I got sued to whine here about it. I would have more pressing things to think about honestly. So no worries there.

@TooManyMistys....okay. Best wishes to you.

You seem to ask a lot of questions and then find reasons that those who respond are "off base".

I honestly wish you the best. At least you have a long time to figure this all out, with a June 2014 wedding date.

Honestly, I want you to protect yourself. Take the advise you ask for, or not. But we have given it (even if it is what you do not want to read) because we care.

I don't find anyone off base.

It's all good, honestly, it is... FWIW I was given advice on both sides not just one some explained why they felt they needed one others explained why they didn't. I am not doubting any reasons advice is given and feel you are kind of looking a bit too far into this. I asked a question, I got what I needed and we will decide what we both feel is best. We are both grown adults. Completely capable of making decisions just bouncing out ideas. Believe me when I say, thank you for the advice, all advice has been heard and dully noted

@TooManyistys. :-)

As a bartender for weddings and special events trust me you want one. If nothing else people appreciate being handed their drinks that they didn't have to pour also we keep it organized and clean. A bartender can also keep people from getting over the top drunk. It's a lot of work believe me

I attended a wedding a while back for a friend that decided last minute to make us work as bartenders since she didn't want to hire someone.

I found it really rude since I was basically working my butt off the whole time and didn't even have a chance to enjoy the wedding I drove over 6 hrs for. I know me and a couple of her other friends agreed to help but she knew we were all nice and would agree anyways.

Even if you don't hire a bartender I would figure out another way to give drinks out like beverage dispensers etc. Don't make one of your guests work during your wedding.

One of my friends only had a bartender for the first hour of the reception and then there were only non-alcoholic beverages available. Everyone seemed fine with that and I'm sure she saved lots of money.

@Briggitte I wouldn't do that. I don't really like asking my friends to help clean up no way would I do that. No if we were to ever decide to go without one which we probably won't we would make it where the drinks are in spout containers or something where it's easy access. It would just be beer and wine in that case. I don't expect anyone that is not paid to work my wedding.

I went a head and edited my question, I already understood the liability laws in my state and what is and isn't allowed in my state. Sorry I was just looking more toward those who may of went without one to see how it worked out (or didn't). Not really the risks. I understand what it will mean for us to have one vs to not liability wise. thanks for looking out for us though. I think we got all we need... Thanks guys.