Planning a special event or celebration can be an exciting experience, but it often comes with its fair share of expenses. Among the significant costs that event organizers encounter is purchasing alcohol to ensure guests have a delightful time. However, with a little know-how and savvy shopping strategies, saving money without compromising the quality and variety of beverages is possible. In this article, we will explore practical and effective ways to trim down alcohol expenses when buying for your event, so you can raise a toast to a successful gathering without breaking the bank.
Set a Budget
Before you start shopping, determine how much you can afford to spend on alcohol. Setting a budget will help you prioritize and make informed decisions while keeping costs in check.
Calculate Alcohol Consumption
Estimate the amount of alcohol you’ll need based on the number of guests and the event duration. Overbuying can lead to unnecessary expenses and leftover bottles.
Limit Open Bar Hours
If you’re hosting an open bar, consider limiting the hours during which it is available. This can help control alcohol consumption and reduce overall costs.
Offer Signature Cocktails
Create a couple of signature cocktails for your event using affordable spirits and mixers. Signature cocktails can add a personal touch to your gathering and help manage costs by using a few key ingredients.
Provide Non-Alcoholic Options
Offering a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, such as mocktails, sodas, and flavored waters, can help reduce the amount of alcohol guests consume and lower your alcohol expenses.
Buy in Bulk
Purchasing alcohol in bulk quantities often comes with significant discounts. Look for wholesale retailers or consider buying cases of wine, beer, or spirits to take advantage of volume discounts.
Opt for House Brands
House brands or store brands of alcohol are usually more affordable than well-known brands. These products often offer comparable quality at a lower price, making them an excellent choice for large gatherings.
Look for Sales and Discounts
Watch for sales, promotions, and discounts at liquor stores. Alcohol prices may fluctuate depending on the time of year and demand. Try to purchase alcohol during off-peak seasons when prices are generally lower. Many retailers offer seasonal or holiday sales, which can help you save on your alcohol purchases.
Negotiate with Suppliers
If you’re buying alcohol in significant quantities, don’t hesitate to negotiate prices with suppliers. They might be willing to offer discounts for large orders.
Incorporating Philly Yard Bar experience into your next event has plenty of benefits. Philly Yard Bar creates a unique atmosphere of indoor comfort in the great outdoors! Owners Andy and Kerri Marin work with local breweries and vendors with clients to create memorable experiences for each special menu for each event. The bar is BYOB, so they will help you curate cocktail recipes and decide how much alcohol to buy.
Philly Yard Bar offers two trailers, one with a rustic industrial aesthetic and the other with a modern, industrial-chic feel. Both have a comfortable U-shaped bar, reclaimed wood bar stools, and high-top tables. Our bars have everything you need to host your next event, including a generator, recessed lighting, hot water, a commercial Bluetooth sound system, a Smart TV, plenty of beverage storage, warm wood bar stools, and high-top tables.
Reach out today to reserve Philly Yard Bar for your next event! Looking for cocktail inspiration and ideas? Check out some of our favorite recipes on our Instagram page.