Weddings on a Budget....Option 2

Okay Option Number 2....Scale Back the Bar. Notice I did not suggest a cash bar but scale it back! If you invited someone to your affair as a guest, they should be treated as such and not be expected to pay for anything. I do not recommend a cash bar, especially for weddings. Sometimes in order to have things you really want, all you have to do is examine the areas that are of less importance to both of you and and scale things back a little. Alcohol aka 'The Bar" can be large part of the reception expense so if you are not big drinkers, why not start there?

1. Look to offer a beer wine and soda bar versus a full open bar (even $5 less per person makes a big difference).
2. Offer a non-alcoholic bar with one or two alcoholic signature drinks.
3. Set a bottle of wine or champagne at each table. This is a good option depending on how many tables you are serving and the cost of the drink of choice you are providing.
4. A champagne punch is a nice touch. It offers a little something for the taste buds and is often a nice display as well.
5. If your venue does not have a liquor license and allows you to bring in your alcohol, consider staying away from the hard liquor and offer a pre-mixed drinks. This will save you money on all the various ingredients. Consult with a professional bartender for suggestions.
6. Offer a Consumption bar. Now this only works well if you have a non-drinking crowd. Be sure that you know your people before deciding on this option because sometimes people will tend to drink more since they are not paying for it. If you choose this option, establish a limit up front.
7. Offer an open bar for cocktail hour only. You can either scale back the bar during the rest of the reception or switch to a non-alcoholic bar.
8. Utilize drink tickets where you offer each guest one to two drinks for the event. (*I am not really a big fan of this though).
9. If you chose to host a brunch affair, you can offer mimosas instead of a full bar.
10. When in doubt, take it out. If you don't drink and don't want to see people tipsy at your event, stick to your guns and don't have a bar at all. Offer drinks like iced tea, lemonade or punch. Add a twist to it and make your drinks match your color scheme. Also consider offering mocktails (the non-alcoholic version of a cocktail). This works great for teen events! If people love you, they will come to support you no matter what you serve.

Cheers!!