Feb 28, 2024
In this episode of The Venue Podcast, hosts Kinsey
Roberts and Lindsay Lucas delve into the intricacies of managing
in-house bar services at your wedding venue.
This episode provides venue owners with practical tips on
introducing bar packages, ensuring clients are well-informed, and
handling common concerns with grace and confidence.
Setting the Stage for Successful Bar Management
Kinsey shares her approach to introducing bar
services, emphasizing the importance of clear communication from
the outset.
Her strategy includes making bar package options transparent on the
venue's website, ensuring potential clients are aware of the
services before they even book a tour.
This level of upfront transparency continues through the tour
process and subsequent communications, reinforcing the venue's
in-house bar policies and helping to set expectations early on. By
embedding information about the bar in multiple places—such as the
FAQ section, pricing page, and tour booking confirmation—Kinsey
ensures that clients are never caught off guard by the venue's
alcohol policies.
Personalized Communication and Firm Policies: The Key to Client Satisfaction
A standout part of the episode is a role-play segment where Lindsay pretends to be a
bride with questions about the bar service. This
engaging scenario showcases how Kinsey addresses typical client
queries, from budget considerations to fears of running out of
alcohol, in a manner that is both relatable and firm.
Kinsey's method of relating the venue's liquor license to that of a
standard bar helps demystify the process for couples, making it
easier for them to understand and comply with the venue's policies.
Throughout, Kinsey maintains a balance between adapting her
communication style to match the client's personality and firmly
upholding the venue's established bar policies.
Role-Playing for Confidence and Clarity
Both Kinsey and Lindsay advocate for the practice of
role-playing complex conversations with team members to build
confidence in delivering and upholding policies.
This technique, borrowed from Kinsey's experience in real estate,
is highlighted as an effective way to prepare for real-world
interactions with clients. By practicing responses to potential
questions or concerns, venue owners can ensure they convey their
policies with the right mix of warmth, professionalism, and
authority.
Clear communication, personalized client interactions, and the strategic use of role-play to master the art of conveying bar policies effectively, is a recipe for a successful in-house wedding venue bar. Good luck!