Before you start sampling champagnes or making a beer list, you first need to decide exactly what type of beverages you’ll be serving. Fortunately, you have a lot of options, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one that fits your budget. Here’s some possibilities:
Open Bar:
Essentially, you’ll offer hard liquor, wine and beer for the entire event, the cost of which will come out of your pocket. By far this is the most expensive option, and if you go this route your bar tab will probably be the biggest part of your reception bill. Many brides who choose an open bar also serve champagne at least for the toast, if not for most of the night. You can cut the tab a bit by serving only a few types of liquor (such as vodka, rum and whiskey), two types of wine (a red and a white), and two types of beer (a light beer and a darker brew).
Cash Bar:
This will cost you very little out of pocket. There are two different ways to do it. Either the guests can pay for all their drinks, or they only have to pay for hard liquor (beer and wine are free). Many people think that a cash bar is tacky, and that it’s rude to ask your guests to pay for refreshments. Others believe that a cash bar is perfectly appropriate. The different perspectives often seem to be based on geography and local custom. If you’re unsure what’s considered the norm for your city, ask a few recent brides or your caterer.
Beer and Wine Only:
This tends to be a popular choice, and it‘s relatively inexpensive. If the location is a place that allows you to bring your own alcohol, you‘ll save a lot more than if you have to buy it from your reception hall. Beer can be purchased in kegs, and you can buy wine by the case. Ask your liquor store about a quantity discount, since chances are you’ll be purchasing a fairly large amount of alcohol. Keep it simple by serving only a white, red, and blush wine, and limiting the choice of beer to two different types.
Specialty Drinks:
This works particularly well with either themed weddings or food stations. For example, a Mexican themed reception could simply serve Margaritas from pitchers on the tables. With food stations, certain alcoholic beverages can be assigned to each station. For example, the beef station could have red wine, or the chicken station could have white wine. Since you limit the type of alcohol you’re offering, your bar tab will be less.
Alcoholic punch/Champagne punch:
This is very cost efficient. Some people choose a champagne punch, while others opt for hard liquor. It’s your choice, and it’s one of the cheapest ways to serve alcohol at your reception. If you want to add a little more elegance, serve the punch from a fountain.
Champagne Only:
You can forgo the alcohol during the reception and serve a champagne toast only. Easy on the budget, but not so easy on guests that want to party.
No Alcohol:
This works best for particular religions and daytime receptions. Guests shouldn’t expect alcohol, but many do. And while you don’t need to drink to have a good time, people typically associate liquor with celebrations. You’ll definitely save money if you choose not to serve any alcoholic beverages, but some of your guests might not be so happy.
All of these options can be altered or combined to suit your needs. Maybe you want an open bar during cocktail hour, but during dinner the guests will pay for their own drinks. Or perhaps you want to serve a champagne toast and then switch to a champagne punch. Your only obligation is to make sure that non-alcoholic beverages (including sparkling cider as a substitute for champagne) is available to any guest that chooses not to indulge. Not only is it polite, but it helps ensure that designated drivers are really able to drive home.
No comments:
Post a Comment