A damaged wedding liquor delivery is stressful, but a calm, documented response gives you the best chance of replacing what matters before the event. Do not discard the packaging or open additional damaged cartons until you have recorded the condition.
1. Photograph everything immediately
Take clear photos of the outer box, shipping label, internal packaging, broken or leaking bottles and every affected item. Photograph unopened cartons too if they show crushing, moisture or impact damage.
2. Separate damage from usable stock
Move intact bottles to a safe, cool location. Keep leaking or broken bottles away from food, children and guests, and use gloves when handling glass. Never serve a bottle with a damaged closure, cracked glass or signs that its seal has been compromised.
3. Compare the shipment with the order
Use the packing slip to record exactly what is missing, damaged or unusable. A simple table with the product, quantity ordered and quantity affected makes support conversations much faster.
4. Contact the retailer promptly
Send the order number, delivery date, photographs and the list of affected bottles in one message. Explain the wedding date and which items are essential. Ask what replacement, credit or claim options are available rather than assuming a specific outcome.
5. Build a practical backup plan
Prioritize the bottles required for the signature cocktails and the most popular base spirits. If an exact bottle cannot be replaced in time, choose a similar style rather than changing the entire drinks menu. Browse the spirits selection, or use the wine collection when a comparable substitute is needed.
How to reduce risk on future event orders
- Order well before the final event week.
- Inspect every carton as soon as it arrives.
- Keep the original packaging until the full order is checked.
- Maintain a small reserve of versatile bottles.
- Confirm destination eligibility and expected timing before checkout.
The goal is not to recreate the original order perfectly at any cost. It is to protect the core drinks menu, communicate clearly and avoid serving anything unsafe.
