Event planning help – bar tab or beverage package?

For those hosting an event with a strict time limit

Bar tabs run until the kitty is empty. That could be two hours, or it could be four. Drinks packages, however, are price–d per hour. If you’re hosting a short event (two hours or less), opt for a package so you can control when drink service ceases. The same rule applies for events that need to wrap up by a certain hour.

For those with flaky friends

Those flaky, ‘maybe attending’ friends. We all have them. If a large portion of your guest list consists of maybes, go for a bar tab. While you may have money left on the bar at the end of the night, it hurts far less than paying $40+ per head for ghosts. Plus, worst case scenario – you become the hero of the bar, gifting random patrons with free drinks.

For those with discerning tastes

When it comes to adding specific items, opting for a bar tab or beverage package will not make a huge amount of difference. If you and a couple of your guests only drink a particular brand of spirit, you can negotiate with the venue to keep a bottle or two behind the bar. The venue will likely charge a corkage-style fee per bottle, separate to your bar tab. Similarly, perhaps you really like a particular cocktail. As long as the venue already has the ingredients, you may be able to negotiate to get the cocktail added to your beverage package. Cocktails are good for beverage packages as the venue can organise to make multiple ahead of time, to avoid a disruption to service. Basically, when it comes to adding specialty items, it will be at the venue’s discretion.

For those with a small budget

Planning a birthday bash or a small social event? When planning a relatively small social gathering, opt for a bar tab. When your group size isn’t huge (less than 70 people), a bar tab is usually a more economical choice. Opting for a bar tab allows you to be quite flexible with your budget allocation. Drinks packages on the other hand typically require you to stick to a per-head cost basis.

For those hosting more mature, refined guests

If the tone of your event is one of sophistication, with a mature crowd to boot, go for a beverage package. By opting for a beverage package, you know you’re covered for drinks for the entire duration of your event. ‘Sorry, there’s no money left on the bar’, is not a phrase you want to hear at a sophisticated cocktail party. Also, beverage packages are required if you want tray or table service.

The last call

So, what’s it going to be then? Bar tab or beverage package? Basically, if you’re having a social gathering with some mates at a casual venue and your budget isn’t huge, go for a bar tab. If you’re hosting a more planned, sophisticated event with a concrete guest list, opt for a beverage package. Whichever option you choose, make sure you communicate clearly with the venue about your choice and expectations, to avoid any issues during your event. That way when the party starts, you don’t have to worry about a thing.

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