The Knot averages a cost of $4,147 to host a full open bar.
Your most cost effective option, however, is to bring your own booze. Ball Event Center is one of the only places in Kansas City where you’re allowed to bring your own alcohol, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, on your event spending. Where should you begin? Here are Ball’s top tips on where and how much to buy – plus items you’ll need for your bar station setup.
Planning + Pricing Alcohol For Your Event
Check Your List Twice – You may be tempted to quickly calculate expected alcohol consumption based on your total guest list, but it’s unlikely you’ll need to buy adult beverages for anyone under 21 – or for your more conservative family members. So, first step: count how many of your guests will actually be drinking at your event.
Add It Up – Different guests may drink different amounts; we all have that one uncle with a “bottomless leg.” The time of day can also affect how much your guests will be sipping. A sunrise wedding may call for a coffee bar instead, for example. While a luncheon may see more mimosa toasts, evening and weekend events will see the biggest alcohol bill by far. Thankfully, you can use this free calculator from Evite to make sure your tally is spot on.
Purchasing Alcohol For Your Event
What To Buy – You are absolutely not required to host a full bar at your wedding. Save thousands of dollars by instead offering a few beer, wine or cocktail selections of your own choosing. If you’re unfamiliar with your guests’ preferences, a general rule of thumb is to plan for 50% wine, 20% beers, and 20% mixed drinks. Do keep in mind that weather will determine the more popular beverage choices. Iced cocktails will be a bigger hit in the summer, for example, while winter guests will appreciate red wines, scotches, or hot spiked ciders.
When To Buy – Don’t feel a need to rush out and stock up months before the wedding. Any beer you serve should still be prior to its expiration date, and nobody wants wine that’s been riding around in the back of your car. Wait to purchase your supply of event alcohol until about 8 weeks before the big day.
Where To Buy – Your local Costco is probably your best bet. In fact, it’s a common wedding source because not only is it cost effective, but anything unopened can be returned after the event for a full refund! You can host your event knowing you won’t run out – without worrying about what to do if you’ve bought too much. If Costco isn’t an option for you, reach out to your local liquor stores and ask if you can work out any kind of discount. On the off chance you can’t score a bargain of some kind, consider gifting leftover, unopened alcohol to family and friends as an adult party favor or for upcoming holidays.
Preparing Your Bar Station
Don’t forget these essentials. Many venues or catering services will provide the glassware you use. If this isn’t the case, you’ll need to pick up 12-16 oz. disposable cups for beers, tumblers for wine and cocktails, and shot glasses (optional). Depending on your venue atmosphere, you may opt for disposable plasticware over glassware cups – just a hint.
You’ll also need to grab the following:
- Bottle openers and wine keys, at least two each
- Shakers (one per bartender)
- Stirrers
- Bar towels
- Beverage napkins (don’t overdo it; many people won’t even use these)
- Water and Soda (if you so choose)
- An ice bucket or bowl with scoop for drink-making
- Ice, ice and more ice! If your venue doesn’t offer an ice machine, consider buying or borrowing large coolers from friends. You’ll need to keep all that alcohol chilled. Lucky for Ball attendees, there is an ice machine ready on-site!
Provecho!
All you need now is the bartenders. The key to making your DIY bar a success is hiring great staff to keep the party going – and let you enjoy your big day! Luckily, Ball has a few recommendations for incredible bartending services. Contact us online today with any questions.
Ball is not only the more affordable venue option; it’s the more accommodating one as well! We offer no catering restrictions, a professional kitchen with ice machine, professional staff, and free parking in our large, adjacent, well-lit lot. Decorate the space as you please, with plenty of room for up to 350 guests. Check out our bar requirements and our list of venue resources now!
