Should we have an open bar?
My friends are big drinkers. Can we ensure it doesn't get too messy?
Question Asked: 10/12/2017
Wedding Date: 9/08/2018
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Answered by: 7 Experts
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(0) · Sydney, Central Coast / Gosford, Newcastle / Hunter Valley / Port Stephens, Regional, Southern Highl
Posted: 2/06/2018
It depends on the organizer's financial capabilities, in most case, you will find that the open bar policy is generally the norm. Asking guests to contribute to bar sales is in a faux pas.
Better solution will be to retrict liquor service to basic spirits, wines and beers as opposed to exclusive drinks such as cocktails, top shelf spirits and imported beers
We often recommend not having your bar open for too long, before any food is served! We don't want your guests to be tipsy befire they get a bite to eat! Hot Coals provide experienced and RSA qualified Bar staff for just this reason, as they know how to keep things nice at your event!
We suggest you hire just a Bar staffer to tidy, top up and clear the area, whilst the wedding/reception is going on.
We hire Bar staff with our Wedding catering and so do local pubs, if in a regional area. It is the most economical option.
I hope this helps,
The Spit Roast Company
At all of our functions we supply bar staff and drink waiters, they all have RSA and are well trained
my only advice would be to stay away from spirits, as this can lead to guests getting intoxacated quickly
If most of your guest Happen to drink spirits, Try and organise spirits to be served after main course or dessert,
at least they will be drinking on a full stomach
for drinks keep it strait forward and simple, Beer ,Wine champagne and Soft drink or may be a fruit punch
Most guests are well behaved, you may find one that may get a little stroppy, but the staff will look after that
I hope you both have a great Wedding day
Definitely have drinks served by profesional bar staff to minimise wastage and excessive drinking
It's entirely your call. By "messy" it would be best to have a person independent from the party and RSA badged to serve your drinks. That way, should any guests get "untidy", they can mention it to you and get them "turned off" before things become difficult or ugly.
Regardless of an open bar or running things free up to a point, it's always good to have an external person to look after the well being of you and your guests.
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An open bar can lead to many issues with responsible service of alcohol. The general rule is to keep it simple and offer a choice of wine, beer and softdrinks over a given time frame. Spirits will definitely complicate the beverage service and may increase the need to employ security to prevent it getting messy.