FAQ

How much does is cost to hold a date or place a deposit?

To hold a date with us we  will draft an initial proposal (which can be changed/adjusted up to 14 day prior to the event date) then we require a $100 non-refunable deposit at the time of booking. 

Do you travel outside of the Twin Cities? If so, is there an additional fee associated?

We travel all over MN and WI! If your venue is more than 60 minutes outside of the Twin Cities we charge a small fee based on travel time and mileage.

Kegs of beer VS. Can/bottle beer?

Cans and bottles all day! Due to how finicky kegs can be, the amount of beer wasted in kegs due to foam is significant. If you chose a BYOB option most places will let you return any unopened liquor, beer and wine!

Can I provide my own alcohol?

Alcohol handling can be very complicated and is dependent on public vs private events. If there are commercial transactions taking place, the city/location, and also the venue.  This is usually a good starting point for your planning and we are happy to let you know what options you have.  We run events all ways, so will you find the best route for your needs.  

BYOB Events

For events where you can provide your own alcohol:

1. You can go to a liquor store like Total Wine or Costco, pick up what you want to serve, and bring it to the venue that day, then remove it off the property.

2. Like the first option, you purchase the alcohol yourself and deliver it to our headquarters and we can deliver the day of for a small fee.  

(delivery/handling fee applies)

3. Recommended: We work with a local liquor store and can get your liquor order quoted, delivered and returned and you will be credited for any unused/unopened product.  If you want a hands free experience, this is a great option at a great value.

I am wanting to start the planning process for my event, do you offer a consultation? If so, is it over the phone or in person?

LiquidMotion includes a 30 minute phone consultation to discuss any bar preparations for your event! If you prefer an in person consultation ($40) we can schedule that at a our office in Robbinsdale. Before our final consultation, we send out a planning questionnaire that we ask to have submitted prior to our meeting. Bar planning works best approximately 4-6 weeks before your event.  We try to answer questions in this FAQ sheet so you can have many questions as possible answered before your consultation. 

Are you insured and what kind of liability insurance do you have?

We carry a $1 million liquor liability policy, a general liability policy and worker’s compensation insurance.

Do you serve shots?

We understand everyone wants to have a great time, but due to our liquor liability we do not serve shots. We are happy to serve appropriate liquor on the rocks or neat at the discretion of the bartender.

Gratuity: Tip Jar VS. No Tip Jar

 Gratuity is not included in your bartender labor/insurance fee. Tip jars are standard at all of our events.  For many corporate events or events where the host prefers to not have a tip jar, gratuity can be handled by cash directly paid to the bartender or we can invoice it and add it to their payroll check. If invoiced, we will add a gratuity of $30 per bartender for each service hour.  If paid by cash, $25 per bartender per service hour. (The $5 difference covers the payroll taxes on our end.)

If you choose to allow a tip jar and want to add gratuity you can add that at the time of final payment or also handle in person.

How many bartenders would you suggest hiring for my event?

A general industry ratio is 1 bartender to 75 guests. This is also very situational and we will review the types of drinks being offered, the flow of the event, and the setup we are working from.  We will review your bar plan and make sure we are staffed appropriately.  We know that this is very difficult to evaluate months out from your event and that is why we prefer planning meetings at the 4-6 week mark from your event date.

Are you able to provide a wine pour during our dinner?

Yes! We have done many wine pours at weddings! We charge $1 per head for this extra service.  Typically for the wine pour we close down the bar during that short time so we can focus on getting all of your guests served during dinner!

How much ice will be needed for my event? 

Typically the rule of thumb is 2lbs of ice per guest. So let's say you have 150 guests, we will plan to bring 300lbs with free cooler rentals! One of the biggest advantages to having Liquidmotion provide the ice is the free cooler rental.  

Ice use is situational and many factors can change the final amount needed. Plan for extra ice if:

  • The temperature is above 80 degrees

  • You have drinks that are shaken (martinis)

  • If you have multiple bar locations

  • If you select cups that are over 12oz

  • If you have a lot of product to be chilled

  • If your event is longer than 5 hours

Do I have to rent a portable bar?

No, we work at many different venues that have full service bars. However, we do offer portable bars or a skirted table set up to rent for those venues that do not have a bar or for those events who want multiple bars set up.