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At UNION, we’re all about flexibility. That’s why our open vendor policy extends to your bar setup, too. With our BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) program, you get the freedom to purchase your own alcohol while still enjoying a seamless, full-service bar experience. If you’re planning your wedding or event at UNION and wondering how BYOB works here, you’re in the right place.
What Does BYOB Really Mean at UNION?
When we say BYOB, we mean that you get to provide your own alcohol—and we’ll take care of the rest. Our licensed beverage team handles the bartending, setup, ice, cups, and everything else needed to make your bar run smoothly and legally. You’re not paying a per-drink markup, and you’re not stuck with a pre-set menu. Instead, you choose what’s served, how it’s served, and how much you want to spend.
How BYOB Works at UNION
UNION’s BYOB program is built around three key ideas: flexibility, professionalism, and transparency. You bring your own beer, wine, and liquor (within our guidelines), and we provide the bartenders and support through our in-house beverage service, UNION Beverage.
Yes, even though you’re bringing the alcohol, you’re still required to use our beverage team. That’s because alcohol service in Missouri is regulated, and events with alcohol must have licensed, insured bartenders—not just a friend who “knows how to make a mean margarita.” We’ve structured our BYOB program to comply with local laws, protect your guests, and ensure your event runs safely and smoothly.
The Details You’re Probably Wondering About
We get a lot of smart questions about beverage service. Here are some of the most common things people ask before signing off on their beverage plan:
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Can we customize our bar setup? Absolutely. You can have multiple bar locations, signature cocktails, champagne at the tables, or even a themed drink station. Want to go all-out or keep it simple? It’s totally up to you.
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What can we bring? You can bring your own alcohol, and UNION provides everything else! That includes sodas, mixers, garnish, cups, ice, and everything behind the scenes to make and serve drinks. Our setup packages include everything you will need, and we ensure you won’t run out. We love to see clients bring in custom cups and napkins, but this does not lower the cost, because the full bar setup still needs to be in place.
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How many bartenders do you need for X amount of guests? We require 1 bartender per 75 guests, however, UNION’s Beverage Manager will work with you on specific staffing and service details to make sure your event goes off without a hitch!
- Can we have multiple bar locations within UNION? Of course!
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Do we have to do an open bar? Yes, the BYOB package is an open bar to guests. Clients are not allowed to resell their alcohol by the drink to their guests due alcohol regulation. Additional permitting and approvals are required for this type of bar service, and typically applies only to non-profits.
- Can we do the Beer & Wine setup package and still bring liquor? Our Beer & Wine package is designed specifically to support beer and wine service, which means it includes only the mixers, garnishes, and setup needed for that type of bar. Once liquor is added, the bar setup shifts to a Full Bar package, since it requires additional ingredients, mixers, and tools to accommodate a broader range of drinks. If you’re hoping to keep things simple while still offering a touch of variety, there are a few creative options.
Many couples choose to offer beer and wine along with a couple of signature cocktails. These can be pre-batched and served alongside the standard Beer & Wine selection, keeping the setup streamlined while giving guests a little something extra. Canned cocktails are another great alternative—they’re stylish, self-contained, and help minimize the need for extra mixers or garnishes. - Can we have champagne bottles at the table? At UNION, we prioritize responsible alcohol service, which means we do not allow champagne bottles—or any alcohol—to be left on guest tables for self-service. All alcohol must be served by our licensed bartenders to ensure proper consumption and to comply with Missouri liquor laws. This helps us monitor service and make sure only guests of legal drinking age are enjoying alcoholic beverages. If you’re dreaming of a celebratory toast, we offer champagne toasts and table side wine service as optional add-ons. These enhancements allow you to create a memorable, elevated experience for your guests—without compromising safety or compliance. It’s the perfect way to keep your event polished, personal, and professionally run at our Kansas City wedding venue.
- Is water included? A water station (or other non-alcoholic beverage items) are available as an optional additional service. Typically your caterer will provide water with dinner service. So as to not duplicate costs, let our beverage team know what you need for non-alcoholic beverages and water after you confirm with your caterer, and we can supplement their service. Guests are always able to order a juice or soda from the bar, as well.
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What are the extra fees for? You may notice things like an operations fee, a service fee, or extended bartender hours on your proposal. These ensure proper staffing, setup, cleanup, and that your bartenders are covered—especially if you want to extend bar service for an afterparty. Tip jars are optional and we’re always upfront about how tips and fees work.
You may notice things like an operations fee, a service fee, or extended bartender hours on your proposal. These are based on specific inclusions in your proposal, such as added services or number of bartenders. Therefore, as your proposal changes, so do any of these charges. The operations fee, similar to an administrative or coordination fee you may see on other vendor proposals, helps cover the behind-the-scenes costs of running the bar program at UNION – such as insurance, repairs, new equipment, softwares, and much more. The service fee on your proposal is a minimum gratuity that goes directly to the bartenders and event staff onsite. We do display tip jars to allow guests to show their appreciation for excellent service, and allows you as the client to pay less up front in fees. Finally, the longer you party, the more party supplies we need! We do allow clients to make their own event timelines. If service time goes over the standard five-hour window, there are incremental costs for extra bar supplies for those extra hours. PS: everything listed above is itemized on your UNION Beverage proposal so you see exactly what things cost. We are always upfront with where costs and fees are being allocated.
Afterparty Plans? We’ve Got You Covered.
Thinking of keeping the celebration going after your reception? You can absolutely host an afterparty at UNION, but there are a few things to keep in mind. We’re required to have licensed bartenders on duty for any alcohol being served on the premises—so just “hanging out and drinking” without extending bar service isn’t permitted. We want your afterparty to be just as smooth and safe as the main event.
Why Our BYOB Model Works
We know weddings are expensive—and you’re probably looking for places to save without sacrificing quality. Here’s why our BYOB program works so well:
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Cost Savings: Buy your favorite drinks at wholesale or big-box stores. No per-drink markup or expensive bar packages.
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Customization: Serve exactly what you want. No cookie-cutter menus.
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Transparency: You know where every dollar is going, from staffing to setup.
Final Thoughts: No Surprises, Just Great Service
At UNION, our goal is to give you a bar experience that’s stress-free, budget-friendly, and tailored to you. Our BYOB program strikes the perfect balance: you get the freedom to choose your drinks and the peace of mind that comes with professional service.
Still have questions? We’d love to walk you through a sample proposal and show you how the numbers break down. Your bar can be one of the best parts of your big day—we’re just here to make it even better.
Learn more about hosting your wedding or event at UNION or get in touch to schedule a tour!
