The wedding bar. It’s pretty much the second thing that people look most forward to when attending a wedding (after seeing the bride and groom tie the knot, of course). It makes sense. Whether you’re single or coupled up, partaking in a cocktail can take the edge off and makes for a good ice breaker. However, when it comes to planning a wedding, there are a few things to consider when it comes to having alcohol at your wedding. Here are some things to consider when it comes to booze so that your special day is sure to go off without a hitch (although we can’t guarantee you won’t have a hangover).
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Don’t Overspend on Alcohol
Psst… you don’t need to pay for top-shelf liquor. While it’s definitely a nice perk if you can afford to supply your guests with the best of the best, if your budget can’t justify it, then don’t sweat it. Your wedding guests can still enjoy their favourite cocktails and drinks on a smaller scale. And while we’re at it, you don’t have to overspend on champagne either. A champagne toast is a nice idea in theory, but most of the night’s champagne is thrown away. People either love it or they don’t. So keep the champagne order to a minimum or swap it out for a cheaper sparkling wine, like prosecco.
Do Have a Bartender
Whether you’re having an open or cash bar, it’s always a good idea to enlist more than one bartender (at least two is best!) as well as to have the venue’s staff, or your catering staff, to help serve your guests. A self-serve bar, while it might seem like a cost-effective option, is typically more than you bargained for. Because guests will always overserve themselves, not only will it cost you more money in the long run but more alcohol typically means more drama and you don’t need that on your wedding day.
Don’t Have Only One Bar
While the idea of having an additional bar might depend on your venue, if it’s possible to have a second bar, then definitely consider it, especially if you’re having a rather large wedding. A second bar alleviates the long line of guests who might be stuck waiting on their drinks to be made and miss highlights of the reception, like the first toast or even their dinner being served. Having an additional place to serve drinks allows more flow and movement to your big day.
Do Consider Water Stations
Hydrating with water is a must for those who are consuming alcohol, and it’s always a good idea to ensure your guests have access to water to balance out their drink intake. This is why you should consider having a water station at your wedding for guests so they can fill up their own water glasses. Sometimes the service staff, including the bartenders, just don’t have the time (or forget!) to replenish water glasses. This way ensures your guests are constantly hydrating in between drinks!
Don’t Think You Have to Have Alcohol
If you or your spouse-to-be, or both of you, are not drinking alcohol for whichever reason, don’t think it’s necessary to serve alcohol at your wedding. If having a dry wedding is important to both of you, then you should definitely feel free to serve alcohol-free drinks. Just make sure that guests are aware before they come so they know what to expect!
Do Consider the Season
Certain seasons are better for certain drinks, including cocktails and wine. For example, a glass of rich red wine is better enjoyed in the cooler seasons while a white wine or rose is best served in the warmer weather. If you’re having a wedding during the fall or winter, you might also want to include a hot beverage on your drinks menu. It makes a difference to the vibe of the reception and your guests will appreciate it!
