Billed On Consumption Bar

[roseviolet]

We are trying to decide what kind of drink package to use for our wedding. We estimate approximately 70 guests who will be able and willing to drink alcohol. Originally we were planning on just getting one of the wine and beer packages but we are now considering the billed on consumption packages. Our reception starts at 2:00 PM and we just aren't sure if we will have heavy enough drinkers to fully justify the unlimited packages. But we are also worried that the prices could easily spiral out of hand without us knowing. I'm hoping you guys can give me your insight on what package you chose, why you chose it and how well it worked out for you?

 

[FIREFLY01]

HEY WELL FIRST WOW I LIVE RIGHT BY YOU!
IF YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT CAN DRINK DO NOT DO BILL ON CONSUMPTION, WE DID OPEN BAR, AND WERE ABLE TO SWITCH OUT SOME OF THE LIQOUR AND BEER TO STUFF US AND FRIENDS DRINK TO MAKE FULL USE OF OPEN BAR! AND WE DID!! JUST REMEMBER WHEN THERES AN OPEN BAR OR FREE LIQOUR PEOPLE WHO DONT DRINK SUDDENLY DO and THE ONES THAT DO DRINK DRINK MORE!!

 

[twiu]

We're having open bar for 4 hours (closing it for an hour during dinner and an hour before the reception ends). The reason we're doing the open bar is because, when people know it's free drinks - not only do they drink, but you can have a drink, drink half of it, go dance, forget where your drink was and get another. This tends to happened a lot. With open bar, you know what you're paying for and that's it. No crazy surprises at the end,.. .think about it.

 

[IndyBride]

We're having open bar for 4 hours (closing it for an hour during dinner and an hour before the reception ends). The reason we're doing the open bar is because, when people know it's free drinks - not only do they drink, but you can have a drink, drink half of it, go dance, forget where your drink was and get another. This tends to happened a lot. With open bar, you know what you're paying for and that's it. No crazy surprises at the end,.. .think about it.

I have catered many weddings and other events and this happens very frequently. Full drinks get put down and are still there a half hour later. And when people aren't paying for it they don't even think twice about it.

 

[roseviolet]

Thanks everyone! I've been saying open bar all along but my df really wanted to know all about the billed on consumption. He likes to be fully informed about EVERYTHING...

 

[SarahInMN]

I just wanted to chime in my agreement with the above posters about the open bar versus bill on consumption thing. We are going open bar because we don't want to have to worry about surprises on the bill, because people will drink more if they aren't paying for it, people set down drinks and walk away all the time, and even soft drinks and bottled water add up if billed on consumption.

We both actually think the bar packages are a fairly good deal.

Hope that helps convince DF!

 

[wiserabbit]

We did bill on consumption for cocktail hour and reception for our DD and her new hubby.....since Dad was paying, he wanted to be sure we got the best deal and it worked out great ......The planner predicted right on about the quantities to bill for and we had a good handle ahead of time of how many would drink or not....so for us it was a good choice.......Either way I think its a best guesstimate of what you feel is right for you and your party...Good Luck...

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have not decided on what type of bar yet but I like the idea of an open bar but closing it for a while. If anyone is getting any of the characters - at least this is what we were told for Mickey - they do not serve alcholic drinks while the characters are there so if they are there for 30 minutes that is 30 minutes less drinks - although I guess they can still serve soda. Just check that out.

Linda

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

Our plan for our brunch reception is just to do BOC because we are offering a special juice drink (the Lillikoi juice from Kona Cafe) and there will be a signature alcohol version of that drink available during the reception. Should I ask that the bartender only serve these drinks for say 2.5 or 3 hours of the reception?

 

[StitchBride]

We were originally going to do the package bar, based on what we had read as well (free drinks, people set stuff down) but when we really looked at our guest list and the amount of people that really aren't heavy drinkers, that aren't drinkers really at all, we had our planner estimate the number of drinks (1 hour cocktail, 4 hour reception...6 drinks per person) We then multiplied that by the highest cost of drink and realized that sure, there were a number of people that would drink but the number of people that wouldn't balanced it out. We ended up saving $1500 from NOT doing a package bar.

With that said, really look at your guests. If its a lot of older people that really don't drink, sure go for it. If its a ton of frat guys, I probably wouldn't

 

[BaBeeCee14]

We have not decided on what type of bar yet but I like the idea of an open bar but closing it for a while. If anyone is getting any of the characters - at least this is what we were told for Mickey - they do not serve alcholic drinks while the characters are there so if they are there for 30 minutes that is 30 minutes less drinks - although I guess they can still serve soda. Just check that out.

Linda

I didn't know about this. Thanks for mentioning it!


Does anyone know if you can do package on soda/water, but do bill on consumption for the alcohol?

 

[Skylarr29]

We are choosing to do a BOC bar. The reason we decided this was because our guests would have to drink 6 drinks each to balance our paying for open bar. I highly doubt that my grandmother is going to have 6 drinks! Heck, even the heavy drinkers might not have 6 drinks. I figured the worst case scenario is that we get what we pay for and the best case is that we save a lot.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Definately check into the character thing about not serving drinks while Mickey is there. I know this was mentioned to us when we were down for our Site Visit this past November. If they are not allowed to serve drinks (alcholic) then you should not have to pay for it.

Linda

 

[chipscinderelly]

Our bar was open when all the characters were there, however, no one could have a drink in a photo with the characters!

 

[AuroraBorealis]

We were originally going to do the package bar, based on what we had read as well (free drinks, people set stuff down) but when we really looked at our guest list and the amount of people that really aren't heavy drinkers, that aren't drinkers really at all, we had our planner estimate the number of drinks (1 hour cocktail, 4 hour reception...6 drinks per person) We then multiplied that by the highest cost of drink and realized that sure, there were a number of people that would drink but the number of people that wouldn't balanced it out. We ended up saving $1500 from NOT doing a package bar.

With that said, really look at your guests. If its a lot of older people that really don't drink, sure go for it. If its a ton of frat guys, I probably wouldn't

Not to hijack the thread, but StitchBride, your signature picture is gorgeous!

And now back on-topic: I've been to many open bar weddings where people will just set their drinks (including non-alcholic beverages) down and forget about them which seems to be a big waste. I think it really just depends on your group and how much you think they will actually drink. It could go either way.

I attended a wedding where the bride and groom offered red or white wine and a signature cocktail. Not an full bar, but still gave guests a choice. It was BOC and the bride said this worked out better financially to offer a limited selection of beverages.

 

[lpizzuro123]

They did say no photo with character with a drink in the picture but she also said they would not serve while the characters were there. Another question to add to the growing list.

Linda

 

[BayouPrincess]

I've actually seen that in action in the parks. My DD and I ran into Alice in the UK one afternoon and a gentleman in line in front of us had a beer in his hand and Alice told him "I'm just a little girl, I can't have my picture made with that drink in your hand". So he had to put it down away from them before the Photopass photographer could take the picture.

As far as the BOC...I think that's the way we will be leaning. I will have approximately 25, maybe less, adults of drinking age. I compared the open bar package we would use with the BOC package, and even at 5 drinks (alcohol)/guest, it comes out cheaper than the open bar. I think it all has to do with the guestlist. I will have many more modest drinkers than T-totallers, so I'm sure we'll be ok .

Good Luck deciding.

 

[roseviolet]

Thanks everybody for all of the input. Has anybody done sort of a combo deal with beer and wine billed on consumption/or as a package and liquor as a cash bar? Yup, just trying to iron out every possible combo of options.

 

[PrincessBride010103]

im almost positive my bar didnt close while the characters were there.