My boyfriend calls me a Pusher. I just like to think of myself as a gracious host, always making sure my guests have food on their plate and a bevvie in hand. And since a wedding is really just a big party, I guess my “Pusher” personality comes out there, too. I like people to have a good time and boogie down on the dance floor. The only problem with this big party is the big tab that goes along with it. So, how do you help your guests let loose without tearing up your bar tab?
When it comes to wedding libations, you’ve got loads of options:
1. The old faithful cocktail hour. It serves as a social stimulator at the beginning of the evening, and liquefies your guests just enough so that they don’t care about cracking open their wallets for the rest of the night.
2. Offer free wine/beer. If you can’t afford an open bar all night, but want to keep the party popping, supply free wine and beer, and let the picky drinkers pay their own way!
3. BYOB. Find a venue that allows you to BYOB. This option would save you loads on liquor. Plus, you get to take home the leftovers! You can find bar stocking tips here.
4. Serve a signature cocktail. You’ll save money AND impress your guests.
Looking for ideas? Check out The Knot’s signature cocktail finder. (It’s sorted by color and season!)
5. Skip the meal and host a swanky cocktail party. You’ll be able to invest in some posh nosh and drinks rather than waste money on rubbery chicken. (I’m seriously considering this for my future fictional wedding.)
6. Instead of champagne, serve a sparkling white wine or Prosecco. Or skip the champagne service entirely. Your guests can toast you with the beverage of their choice.
7. Avoid the entire issue by having a morning wedding. It’s not as socially acceptable to get sloshed at noon.
8. Offer a specialty bar for microbrews, wines or a specific liquor. It’s a great way to add a personal flair to the function. Is your man a big beer drinker? Have him pick his favorite bottles to stock the microbrew bar.
What do you prefer for wedding libations?
Personally, I’m an advocate of an open cocktail hour or specialty microbrew bar. An open bar all night might encourage those party animals to go a little hog wild.
