Drinking Etiquette at Weddings & Events — And Why Our Alcohol Policy and Bodily Hazard Fee Exist
- jnrushton1
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
At The Venue at Valley View Farm, we are proud to host weddings and events for couples across Aiken, South Carolina, Augusta, Georgia, and the greater CSRA. Our rustic barn venue, bridal cottage, and open grounds are designed to be a warm, welcoming place to celebrate life’s biggest moments.
Celebration often includes alcohol—and we understand that.
What we don’t overlook is the responsibility that comes with it.
This blog exists to explain proper drinking etiquette at weddings, outline our full alcohol policy, and clearly explain why bodily hazard fees are necessary at event venues like ours.
Alcohol at Weddings: Celebration Comes With Responsibility
Alcohol should enhance a wedding day, not derail it.
Responsible alcohol use at weddings and events means:
Knowing personal limits
Guests looking out for one another
Couples understanding that they are responsible for guest behavior
Respecting private spaces like bridal suites and cottages
Remembering that venues are not disposable or self-cleaning
As a family-owned wedding venue in Aiken, SC, we personally maintain our property. We do not have a paid overnight cleaning crew or custodial staff handling extreme situations. When something happens, we are the ones addressing it.
Why Venues Enforce Bodily Hazard Fees
A bodily hazard fee exists to address situations involving biohazards, including but not limited to:
Vomit
Human waste
Blood or other bodily fluids
These situations go far beyond normal post-event cleanup.
In a recent event, excessive intoxication resulted in bodily fluids being left:
Inside the bridal cottage
On multiple bedding items and towels
Throughout outdoor areas and parking spaces
Items that could not be safely or professionally sanitized had to be permanently discarded. The cleanup required hours of labor, specialized supplies, and replacement of damaged inventory.
This is not part of standard venue operations.
Why This Matters
Without a bodily hazard fee:
Costs would be passed on to all couples
Pricing would increase to account for worst-case scenarios
Responsible couples would subsidize irresponsible behavior
The fee exists to ensure fairness, safety, and sustainability for our small business.
Our Full Alcohol Policy (And Why It Exists)
To protect our couples, guests, vendors, and property, The Venue at Valley View Farm enforces the following alcohol policy:
Licensed Bartender Requirement
Liquor is absolutely prohibited on the property unless served by a licensed and insured bartender
Proof of licensing and insurance must be provided prior to the event
Why: Licensed bartenders are trained to monitor consumption, refuse service when necessary, and comply with South Carolina laws. This significantly reduces safety risks and liability.
Beer & Wine Only (Unless Licensed Bartender Is Present)
Only beer and wine are permitted
No glass bottles
Alcohol must remain within approved areas
Why: This limits breakage, injury risk, and uncontrolled consumption.
Zero-Tolerance Policy for Unauthorized Alcohol
Coolers are subject to inspection
Any unauthorized liquor found on the premises will result in immediate enforcement action
Guests may be escorted off the property
Law enforcement will be contacted if necessary
Why: This protects the venue’s liquor liability coverage and ensures compliance with state law.
Bodily Hazard Fee & Damage Deposit Enforcement
Any bodily fluids found on the property will trigger a bodily hazard fee
The couple will automatically forfeit their damage deposit
Additional fees may apply depending on scope of damage and replacement required
Why: Biohazard cleanup is unsafe, unsanitary, and far beyond routine cleaning expectations.
Couple Responsibility Clause
The booking couple is fully responsible for the actions of their guests
This includes alcohol consumption, property damage, and policy violations
Why: Clear accountability ensures expectations are understood before the event—not after.
Respecting the Venue You Chose
Our rustic wedding venue near Augusta, GA is more than a backdrop—it’s a working property lovingly cared for between events. Every couple deserves to arrive to a clean, safe, and welcoming space.
Excessive intoxication doesn’t just affect one night—it impacts:
Future weddings
Vendor partners
Small business owners
The overall experience for others
Celebration should leave behind memories—not hazards.
Final Thoughts for Couples Planning a Wedding in Aiken or Augusta
We believe in joy, laughter, and meaningful celebration.
We also believe in boundaries, safety, and respect.
Our alcohol policy and bodily hazard fee exist to:
Protect our venue
Protect our couples
Protect our guests
Keep our pricing fair and sustainable
If you have questions about alcohol service, bartending requirements, or guest management, we are always happy to discuss them before your event. Clear communication ensures your wedding day ends exactly how it should—with happiness, not consequences.
Photo credits to: In Plain Sight Photography
Photo Backdrop: Emily King Design https://emilykingdesign.com
Bridal Attire: Cheron’s Bridal of Aiken https://aikenbridalboutique.com
Drink pictured provided by The Mobile Mix
Mobile Bartenders who are licensed and insured we HIGHLY recommend:
The Rustic Barrel: https://rustic-barrel.com
Clark’s Happy Taps: https://www.clarkshappytaps.com
ABC Bartending Service: https://abcbartendingservices.weebly.com
Cheers and Gears Inc: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AoCrqojLu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The Mobile Mix: https://themobilemixsc.com
The Sippin Palmetto: https://www.thesippinpalmetto.com
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