Stag And Doe Party: Beer Buying Guide

Planning a stag and doe party? Alcohol is a key feature at most of these events, and you'll need to consider how much beer to buy. If your party is at a bar, they will manage the liquor permit, ordering, and serving of alcohol. If your event is at a community center or hall, you may be responsible for these things. You'll need to purchase liquor liability insurance for your event, and you may be required to carry this insurance as part of your hall rental agreement. In Ontario, you'll need a Special Occasion Permit (SOP), which you can obtain online from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO). You can return any unopened bottles after your event, so don't worry too much about over-purchasing.

Offer a variety of drinks

A stag and doe party is a ticketed, fundraising event held before a wedding to help raise funds for the big day. Alcohol is a key feature at most of these parties, and it's important to understand and follow all liquor and permit regulations.

When it comes to offering a variety of drinks at a stag and doe party, here are some things to consider:

Types of Alcohol

Choose a variety of beers, wines, and spirits to cater to different tastes. For beer, select 2-4 different types, including a domestic, an import, and a light option. This will give your guests some variety without overwhelming them with choices. For wine, offer at least one white and one red option. As for spirits, keep the bar rail simple with vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila if needed.

Amount of Alcohol

It's generally recommended to allow for one drink per person per hour. However, stag and does can be heavier drinking events, so you may need to adjust this estimate accordingly. Online calculators, such as the one provided by the LCBO, can help you determine the right quantity for your event. Remember, it's better to overestimate and return unopened bottles than to run out of drinks!

Non-Alcoholic Options

In addition to alcoholic beverages, it's crucial to provide non-alcoholic options for designated drivers and those who prefer not to drink. Offer an assortment of sodas, juices, and water. You can set up a separate table for these drinks, allowing guests to pour their own mixes, which speeds up the bar line and makes the bartending process more efficient.

Legalities and Permits

Depending on your location, there may be specific licensing and insurance requirements for serving alcohol. For example, in Ontario, you'll need a Special Occasion Permit (SOP) from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, and you must have the permit with you when purchasing alcohol. Additionally, the sale of alcohol may be restricted, and you may need to obtain a separate license to profit from drink sales. Check with your local Alcohol Control Board and community guidelines to ensure you're compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.

Food Options

When serving alcohol, it's important to also offer food. Opt for affordable options like sandwich platters, fruit and veggie trays, or crockpot dishes. Don't forget to provide paper plates, napkins, utensils, and plastic cups or glasses if needed.

Remember to tailor your drink selections to your guest list, considering their preferences and the overall atmosphere you want to create. By offering a variety of drinks, you can ensure that everyone has a great time at your stag and doe party!

Consider drink prices

Drink prices will depend on the type of alcohol you are serving and where you are located. Stag and does typically stock a few brands of beer and a limited selection of hard alcohols, such as dark rum, white rum, vodka and rye. It is recommended to offer one domestic, one imported, and one light beer.

If your event is at a bar, they will manage the liquor permit and the ordering, pick-up, and serving of alcohol. If your event is at a community centre or hall, you may be responsible for these things. If you are in Ontario, you can only buy alcohol for your permitted event at the LCBO, the Beer Store, or from Authorized Manufacturer's retail stores (wineries, breweries, etc). You can also return any unopened bottles after your event.

If you are selling drink tickets, these should be priced at around $4 or $5, but this will depend on your location. For example, in the Niagara region, drinks might be priced at $3.50, whereas in Toronto, you can expect prices closer to $7 or $8. If you are running your own bar, or if the hall runs the bar, this may also dictate your prices.

If you are selling drinks, you must also offer non-alcoholic drinks for free. You can offer soda and other non-alcoholic drinks for around $2 each. It is also common practice to supply unlimited free mix for guests, such as pop, fruit juice, and/or clamato juice.

Account for licensing and insurance

When planning a stag and doe party, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're accounting for licensing and insurance. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate these requirements:

Licensing:

First, check with your local Alcohol Control Board, community, and venue to understand the specific licensing requirements for your region. These requirements can vary depending on your location, so it's essential to get this information early in your planning process. For example, in Ontario, you need to obtain a Special Occasion Permit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO). There are different types of permits depending on whether you're selling drinks or providing them for free, and each comes with specific rules that must be followed.

Insurance:

Even if your chosen venue doesn't require insurance, it's highly recommended that you obtain a one-day insurance policy to cover any alcohol-related incidents. The last thing you want is to be held liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur due to alcohol consumption. You can obtain this insurance through specialised services like PAL Canada or DUUO, or even through your personal insurance provider, who may offer a comparable product at a lower price.

When considering insurance, there are a few types to be aware of:

• Party Alcohol Liability (PAL): This type of insurance is designed specifically for one-day events and can be obtained through specialised providers.
• Liquor Liability Insurance: This type of insurance is designed for businesses that serve, sell, distribute, manufacture, or supply alcoholic beverages. It helps protect your business from claims related to intoxication, including damage or injury. While it's not mandatory, it's a smart choice to have this coverage in case of any incidents.
• General Liability Insurance: This insurance covers common incidents such as slip and fall accidents and accidental property damage.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: This type of insurance is essential for taking care of your team if they get hurt or sick due to their work.
• Commercial Property Insurance: This insurance helps protect the venue and covers any equipment, business goods, gear, or inventory that may be damaged during the event.

Other Considerations:

When planning a stag and doe, keep in mind that you'll need to provide food along with the alcohol. This can be in the form of sandwich platters, grocery store trays, or a potluck. Additionally, you'll need to supply plastic cups, stir sticks, bar cloths, ice buckets, tongs, jiggers, corkscrews, knives, and cutting boards. Make sure to coordinate with your venue to understand their specific requirements and limitations, as these can vary.

Lastly, remember that the amount of beer you'll need will depend on the number of guests and their drinking preferences. As a rule of thumb, allow for one drink per person per hour, but for a stag and doe, you might need more. Online calculators, such as the one provided by the LCBO, can help you estimate the right quantity.

Plan for food

Food is an important part of your stag and doe party. It's essential to have food to soak up the alcohol and keep your guests energised. Here are some tips to help you plan the food for your event:

Choose a variety of options

Offer a variety of food options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Consider having vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other allergy-friendly options available. This will ensure that all your guests can find something to enjoy.

Keep it affordable

Stag and doe parties are typically fundraising events, so it's important to keep costs down where you can. Opt for affordable food options that will satisfy your guests without breaking the bank. Sandwich platters, fruit and veggie trays, and crockpot meals are all great choices.

Utilise your wedding party

Ask your wedding party to contribute to the food offerings. This can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to the event. Potluck-style contributions from your wedding party can take some of the burdens off of you and provide a diverse food selection.

Consider convenience

Choose foods that are easy to eat and don't require a lot of preparation or setup. Finger foods, pre-made platters, and dishes that can be kept in crockpots or chafing dishes are ideal. This will make it easier for your guests to mingle and enjoy the party.

Don't forget the essentials

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as paper plates, napkins, utensils, and stir sticks. These may seem like small details, but they are essential for a smooth and enjoyable event.

Work with your venue

Coordinate with your venue to understand their requirements and restrictions regarding outside food. Some venues may have specific rules or guidelines that you need to follow. Communicating with the venue staff will help ensure that you are compliant and have everything you need for your event.

Plan for leftovers

It's better to have too much food than not enough. However, you may be able to donate any leftover food to a local food bank or shelter, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Alternatively, consider using recyclable or compostable materials to reduce waste.

Make non-alcoholic drinks available

When planning a stag and doe party, it's important to consider the drinks you'll be offering your guests. While alcohol is typically a key feature at these events, it's also important to make non-alcoholic options available. Here are some tips and suggestions for making non-alcoholic drinks available at your stag and doe:

Firstly, it's a good idea to provide a variety of non-alcoholic options. This can include soda, juice, and water. Having a mix of different beverages will ensure that there's something for everyone, regardless of their taste preferences. It's also a nice gesture to offer these drinks for free as a "thank you" to designated drivers, encouraging responsible consumption.

You can set up a separate table away from the bar for non-alcoholic drinks, allowing guests to serve themselves. This helps to streamline the bartending process and reduce wait times for drinks. It also ensures that bartenders can focus on preparing and serving alcoholic beverages efficiently.

If your venue has a fountain drink machine, this can be a convenient way to offer a variety of soft drinks. Some venues may include this in the rental cost or offer it as an additional rental option. Alternatively, you can rent a machine from a party supply store or purchase a large quantity of two-litre bottles of soda.

In addition to soft drinks, you may also want to provide non-alcoholic mixers for guests who wish to prepare their own cocktails. These can include pop, fruit juice, or even specialty mixes like clamato juice. It is common practice to provide unlimited free mixers to guests, ensuring they have the freedom to create their desired drinks.

For those seeking a more sophisticated non-alcoholic option, consider setting up a mocktail bar. Mocktails are essentially cocktails without the alcohol, and they can be a fun and festive way to offer a unique drinking experience. You can find various mocktail recipes online, ranging from classic virgin versions of popular cocktails to creative, unique concoctions.

Lastly, don't forget to provide plenty of ice and appropriate glassware or cups for your non-alcoholic drinks. This will ensure that your guests can enjoy their beverages at the ideal temperature and enhance their overall drinking experience.

By following these suggestions, you can ensure that your stag and doe party caters to a range of tastes and preferences, providing a fun and inclusive atmosphere for all your guests, whether they choose to consume alcohol or not.

Frequently asked questions