BYO vs a fully stocked bar: which is right for your event?
By Samantha · Silverwood Station · Updated June 2026 · 5 min read
For most events, BYO bar hire works out cheaper and gives you full control of what is poured, while a fully stocked bar is the hands-off option, because we supply the drinks under our own liquor licence. Plenty of clients land somewhere in between. Since Silverwood Station offers both, the real question is simply how much you want to handle yourself.
The bar, the staff, the glassware and the service are identical either way. The only thing that changes is who supplies the alcohol, and therefore who carries the cost, the choice and the leftovers.
What does BYO bar hire mean?
BYO (bring your own) means you buy and supply the alcohol, and we bring everything else: the float or satellite bar, two RSA-certified bartenders, a custom cocktail menu, glassware, garnishes, ice and all the equipment. You drop off the drinks, we pour them. Our BYO float packages start at $1,200 for three hours. It is the most popular choice for weddings and larger celebrations, mostly for the cost saving and the freedom to serve exactly what you love.
What does a fully stocked bar include?
With a fully stocked bar, we supply the drinks as well, under our own liquor licence. You tell us the style of event and the drinks you would like, and we handle the sourcing, the quantities and the compliance. Because the price depends on the drinks you choose, it is quoted per event rather than set as a flat rate. It suits people who would rather not think about bottle shops, esky runs or how much to buy.
BYO vs fully stocked: a quick comparison
| BYO | Fully stocked | |
|---|---|---|
| Who supplies alcohol | You do | We do, under our licence |
| Typical cost | Lower; retail prices, return what is unopened | Higher; convenience is built in |
| Drink choice | Total control over brands and styles | Guided by us, still your call |
| Effort for you | You buy, chill and drop off | We handle sourcing and quantities |
| Leftovers | Yours to keep | Not your problem |
| Best for | Budget and brand control | Convenience and time saved |
Which is cheaper, BYO or fully stocked?
BYO is usually the more economical of the two, for two reasons. You can buy alcohol at retail prices and on special, and at many bottle shops you can return whatever you do not open, so you are not paying for guesswork. A fully stocked bar costs more because it bundles in the sourcing and the convenience, but it removes the effort and the risk of over or under buying. If budget is the deciding factor, BYO almost always wins. If your time is the scarce resource, a stocked bar earns its premium. For a full breakdown of what each option costs, see our guide to mobile bar hire prices.
Can you mix the two?
Yes, and many clients do. A common approach is to BYO the wine, beer and soft drinks, which are easy to buy and return, and let us handle the cocktails, which need specific spirits, mixers and fresh produce. You get the savings on the straightforward drinks and the polish on the showpiece ones, with none of the cocktail logistics.
Which should you choose?
- Choose BYO if you want the lowest cost, you have strong preferences about brands, or you enjoy putting the drinks list together.
- Choose fully stocked if you would rather hand the whole thing over, you are short on time, or you simply do not want to manage alcohol on the day.
- Choose a hybrid if you want the best of both: BYO the easy drinks and leave the cocktails to us.
Whichever way you lean, we will set it out clearly in your quote before you commit. Tell us about your event and we will recommend the option that fits.