Frequently asked questions
General FAQs
Why use Peak instead of my food caterer for the bar?
We are the experts at hosting bars for special events. We only hire professional bartenders, and we have elevated standards for ensuring that our service adds value to your event. In addition to this, our all-inclusive model will save you both time and money — we handle product pricing, quantity suggestions, availability, and delivery. We also include liquor liability insurance, glassware, mixers, staff, and everything else you will need in a convenient, one-stop-shop package. We are fully accountable for every aspect of the beverage service at your special event.
How do I secure my date?
In order to secure your date, a 50% deposit is required. This deposit will be applied in full to your final balance regardless of changes that are made, even if your event decreases in cost.
Can I customize any of Peak’s bar packages?
Any of our packages may be customized, as long as the products that you want are sold in your state. We encourage you to entertain the options that we have listed at each tier, as we have carefully selected these specific products based on their quality and value. This means that our packages will typically give you the best value/price vs. custom-building your own packages. Since we work directly with wholesale distributors, we are able to negotiate better deals on the products that we stand behind and offer in our predetermined packages.
What types of cocktails come with a full bar package, and can you add specialty cocktails?
With every full bar package, our bartenders are able to make most standard cocktails on an individually ordered basis (i.e. Manhattans, Old Fashioned, Martinis, highballs, etc). If you want to offer a specialty cocktail that is available as an unlimited option, there is an extra cost for providing more product and ingredients specific to that cocktail. We can also help you create inventive and exciting custom cocktails specific to your event, so please ask your Client Sales Representative for more details if interested.
Do the hours on your packages include setup and breakdown?
They do! When you book a “4 hour” bar with us, that means that your bar will be open and serving drinks for all 4 hours.
What is the Admin Fee?
This fee covers the costs of “bringing the bar to you” and includes equipment maintenance and loss, non-billable service time, special bar and warehouse expenses, and other non-itemized costs. This fee also helps cover a higher hourly wage for our staff, but it is not a tip. Additional tips and gratuities are greatly appreciated and how your event team receives tips is at your discretion.
What does the travel fee cover?
Our central operations are located in Denver, CO or Dripping Springs, TX, so the travel fee covers the cost of getting our staff, product, and equipment to locations outside of the greater Denver or Austin areas. This is a break-even fee for us, and it only covers gas and driving time for our staff.
How is gratuity commonly handled?
There are several different options for providing gratuity for the staff of your event. You can add gratuity to the balance on the contract (typically 15-20%), allow bartenders to display tip jars during the event, or tip them at the conclusion of the event. If you prefer for the staff to not accept tips from your guests during the event, please discuss with your Client Sales Representative to make other arrangements.
Do you have any service minimums for your packages?
Yes. Each type of bar service carries a different “bar minimum” depending on the hard costs associated with providing that type of service. Please consult your Client Sales Representative for more details.
When is the remaining balance due?
Once you have paid a deposit to secure your date, the remaining balance is due 10 days prior to your event. This gives you enough time to solidify the guest count, make product selections, and plan all of your final details before paying the remaining balance. Changes can be made up to 14 days prior to your event without any fees.
What is a pre-set ceremony fee?
A pre-set ceremony fee ensures that our staff will arrive early and set up the bar(s) prior to your guests arriving. This means that we will not be setting up during your nearby ceremony and that our bars will be clean, organized, and presentable during your ceremony. This is only required for situations where the bar locations are within view or audio range of the ceremony or in other applicable situations.
If I have less variety of product options will it save me money?
Generally, when you provide fewer options, this doesn’t lead to less consumption and will likely not decrease the overall cost. We look to provide enough options so that different tastes and preferences are accommodated, so we encourage you to follow the model of our beverage packages.
Can I have kegged beer?
We are able to order kegs for your event, but it limits the variety of options for your guests. We recommend using cans to avoid wasting products that might not be consumed. If you wish to have kegged beer, we can provide keg pump taps to pour from for a small rental fee.
If I remove the complimentary champagne toast, is there a discount?
Since the champagne toast is a complimentary gift to you and your guests, there is no discount available if you choose to forgo this service.
How and when do I make my beer and wine selections?
Making beer and wine selections is a very exciting part of our packages! You can make your selections at any time after you’ve paid your deposit. However, because products have the ability to change, we suggest making your selections no more than 3 months before your event to ensure they will be in stock for your event date. You can make your selections by browsing our packages packet and emailing your Client Sales Representative your choices. Because we know the selection can be overwhelming, we offer complimentary group tasting sessions to our wedding clients. You will be emailed a few months before the session you are eligible for and can sign up to taste the wines in person. We are also very knowledgeable about our list and are happy to make selections for you if you’d prefer. Alternatively, if you’d like a more personalized experience to try wines, beers, and signature cocktails, you can upgrade to a private tasting session at Peak with a beverage specialist. Reach out to your CSR for more details.
Colorado Faqs
What's included in the all-inclusive per-person pricing?
In Colorado, Peak Beverage is both a liquor store and a catering company, which means our per person pricing model includes bar staff, a bar captain, glassware, garnishes, alcohol, mixers/ N/A beverages, ice, all equipment needed, liquor liability insurance, setup and breakdown, and all taxes. The per person price is for adult drinkers aged 21+ only. We have a lower price for non-drinkers and guests under the age of 21.
Can I set up a cash bar for my event?
We are able to set up a cash bar for your event if a Special Events Permit is completed and approved by the county in which the event is taking place. There are certain limitations for this permit, so only certain types of events are permitted (non-profit, political, or other 501(c)(3) entities). For more information, please consult the licensing division of the respective county office. If a permit is obtained, we are able to facilitate the event by providing POS stations, credit card readers, and cash banks. Please consult your Client Sales Representative for further details or with any other questions concerning hosting a cash bar.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Depending on each venue’s rules and regulations, in certain circumstances, this is allowed. For example, if you have a special bottle of wine in your cellar or a rare bottle of whiskey, we are happy to make arrangements to serve it to you or your guests from behind our bar. These arrangements must be communicated with your Client Sales Representative during the planning phase. All alcohol needs to be served by a Peak Beverage staff member, and there is no self-service during your event. This is to ensure that you and your guests are safe throughout your event and that our liquor liability insurance remains in good standing. If any special or VIP products are wanted, you always have the option of purchasing them through our liquor store and adding them to your invoice.
Do I get to keep any leftover alcohol?
You may keep any opened bottles of wine or spirits if you pre-arrange this plan with your Client Sales Representative. In order to make sure that you and your guests are safe, a plan for this must be established prior to your event. Any unopened bottles are returned to our liquor store with a 100% restocking fee. This is to ensure that no matter how much alcohol is consumed at your event, the price of the bar remains the same.
Why is my payment split between two different charges?
Due to applicable Colorado Liquor Laws, your bar services include alcohol which must be paid directly to a retail liquor store. Your payment will be split between 2 companies, our Retail Liquor Store and other catering services. Our pricing will show the overall Grand Total with everything as one, as well as a breakdown of what portion goes to each company for the services and products provided. Each payment made via our online payment portal will automatically be split and you’ll see each charge individually on your statement.
Texas FAQs
What's included in the all-inclusive per-person pricing?
Our per person pricing model includes bar staff, a bar captain, glassware, garnishes, alcohol, mixers/ N/A beverages, ice, all equipment needed, liquor liability insurance, setup, and breakdown. The per person price is for adult drinkers aged 21+ only. We have a lower price for non-drinkers and guests under the age of 21.
Can I set up a cash bar for my event?
Yes, we are able to set up cash bars depending on your venue’s rules and regulations, but we do urge you to consider our fully-hosted packages because it can actually save you money.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
We cannot allow any outside alcohol to be brought on the grounds of the venue per our special event license for the event. Every bottle of alcohol needs to be purchased through a certified vendor (like us). If you do want a specific bottle not on our packages, we can try to find it and add it to your Invoice. All alcohol needs to be served by a Peak Beverage staff member, and there is no self-service during your event. This is to ensure that you and your guests are safe throughout your event and that our liquor liability insurance remains in good standing.
Do I get to keep any leftover alcohol?
Due to Texas laws and the permit we pull to be able to serve at your event, we are not able to leave you with leftover alcohol. Legally, we must remove all TABC-licensed products from the property within an hour of the end of the event, so we can’t leave a single bottle after we leave or release it from our possession.