BAR FAQ
Can we provide our own alcohol?
No. As a regulation of our licensing and liability agreements, no outside alcohol is allowed to be consumed on the premises. All alcohol consumed needs to be provided by Willow Brooke Events.
Do you have any minimums?
No, Willow Brooke Events does not require any minimum amount to be spent.
What if I want a dry wedding?
We’re happy to serve non-alcoholic beverages for your dry wedding. Bartender fees, service charge, and gratuity will apply.
What is the service charge?
The beverage service charge is not a gratuity. It covers the cost of bar tools and maintenance, dishwasher use, alcohol insurance, ice, cups, stir sticks, napkins, garnishments, cleaning supplies, and administrative service.
How is gratuity handled?
Our bartenders will have a tip jar out during the duration of the beverage service. If you feel a tip jar is not appropriate for your event an 20% gratuity fee will be applied to your invoice to be pre-paid. You must host the duration of your reception to make this request.
How many bartenders will we have at our wedding?
This can depend on the type of package chosen and the location of bar service during the cocktail hour and reception and other additional services provided. Generally, we schedule at least 2-3 bartenders for all weddings up to 250 guests and 3+ for events over 250.
What locations are available for bar service?
We have bar service available in the Pavilion, in the Cedar Sip Mobile Bar (additional fee), in the White Willow Barn and on the back patio of the White Willow Barn. In the Pavilion and Cedar Sip bar settings we use plastic cups. There is typically a short intermission (15 min max) between bar service when we move into the White Willow Barn. We are glad to have both bars open, depending on your beverage package and guest count. This option could mean extra bartenders are needed.
How much wine/champagne do I need for a toast or wine pour?
You can use this key to determine about how much wine/champagne you might need for a wine pour or champagne toast. You cannot take home or be refunded for unopened pre-purchased wine or champagne.
1 bottle of wine ($22) – about 5 glasses
1 case of wine ($225) – about 60 glasses.
1 bottle of champagne ($20-$25) – about 7 glasses
1 case of champagne ($200-$300) – about 84 glasses
How do we host a signature drink or mocktail?
You can host a pre-determined amount of signature drinks and/or mocktails. Signature drink pricing starts at $6/drink for a basic rail liquor/soda. Mocktails start at $2. If you are hosting unlimited soda already, basic Mocktails can be included in that.
Hosting a signature drink is a great way to include a liquor option when you are hosting beer and wine. Please see our Signature Drink/Mocktail page for some ideas, or if you have your own idea, please let us know!
Does Willow Brooke provide signage for the bar items?
You are responsible for providing bar signage. All bar signage needs to be pre-approved during the planning process.
What wine is available?
Willow Brooke Farm has a vineyard and serves our own wine exclusively at events. Check out our wine page for more information.
What are your policies?
No kegs, no shots. We are glad to serve drinks on the rocks or neat at the discretion of the bartender.
Minnesota law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. We cannot serve anyone without a proper ID or serve an intoxicated person.
On the contracted service day, you cannot provide or serve alcoholic beverages. All day-of alcohol must be purchased through and served by Willow Brooke Farm.
Per county regulations, last call is by 11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and by 9:30pm on Sundays and weekdays.