The Bar

Alcohol is standard at most weddings; however, it is one of the most expensive and important components of the reception.  I have worked as a bartender at several weddings and have made a few observations:

1. Guests expect to drink.  They expect drinks to be free.  Some guests expect to consume extraordinary amounts of free alcohol to "celebrate" your big day.

2. Cash bars are always, always, always, always, always tacky.  If you need to save money it is much better to limit drink options to beer and wine or to a limited number of cocktails.  You may create your own signature drink that matches your wedding colors or add a festive alcoholic punch.

3. Support your bartender's right to cut people who have had too much off.  Legally a licenced bartender cannot serve alcohol to someone who is clearly intoxicated. Pressuring them to continue serving creates an awkward situation.  You can also use your bartenders as a tool to control over-consumption.  They can steer potential problem drinkers to weaker or non-alcoholic drinks.

4. Liability could be an issue depending on the state in which you live. At a small wedding drunk driving incidents are less likely to be an issue, but insurance is a very good idea.  If your reception is at a hotel, B&B or an inn, idealy all your guests will stay overnight, but if not consider having taxi numbers (if not a driver) standing by.  

 

Drink Recipies

 

 

The Food

The Flowers