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Serving Alcohol:
Cost Cutting Tips
By
Megan Mercer
Last Update:
October 16, 2005
You will find that
one of the most expensive costs of the wedding reception
is the alcohol - especially if you want to provide an
open bar with premium liquors. Many reception sites will
charge you $4.50+ per drink or a flat rate (around $22+)
per head. This might seem outrageous, but there isn't
much you can do about it!
Cash Bar?
Some brides have thought
to provide cash bars instead of open bars. Do not do
this!!! This is so tacky! It's one thing if you have
your reception at a country club or hotel that has
a bar where guests can buy drinks if they choose -
but forcing them to buy drinks for the reception is
horrible! Just don't have any if you can't afford it!
How
to Cut Costs On Alcohol...
Skip The Alcohol
The obvious way to cut
this cost is to refrain from providing alcohol. And,
if you do not provide alcohol you won't have to worry
about any liability issues.
Limit The Alcohol
A great option is only to
provide beer, wine and champagne. These options are
much cheaper than having liquor.
Choose Call Brands Instead
of Premium
If you must have liquor,
choose call brands instead of premium brands. This
won't amount to huge savings, but every penny counts!
Bring Your Own
A great way to save on liquor
is by choosing a site that doesn't provide in-house
catering or bar service. If you have to choose an outside
caterer, the caterer might let you buy the liquor wholesale.
If you have selected a reception
site that will let you bring your own alcohol, you
could have a "Stock The Bar Party" to stock
up on liquor. Although everyone won't bring bottles
of liquor unless you specify this on the invitation,
you can use the liquor that you do get for the reception.
