Tips for saving at the bar!

When it comes to planning for the bar (drinks) at the reception it can be a huge ball of confusion and decision making for the Bride and Groom.

Typical bar options are:
1) Cash vs. Open Bar
2) Paying consumption basis vs. paying a flat fee
3) Beer and pop only vs. the full range of liquors

So what to do and how can you save?

While finding ways to cut expenses is important to know that Cash bars (where guests pay for their own drinks as they order them) are tacky. You need to see your wedding guest as your guests. You would not invite your family over for dinner and ask them to pay every time you poured them a glass of wine.
If a huge bar bill is something that you just can not afford you can always consider having your reception early in the day. Guests just are not likely to drink as much if it is two o'clock in the afternoon. This is a great way to save a little money without compromising the importance of the event.

The next thing to consider is knowing your crowd. Check with the bar and see what the flat beverage fee would be. If you do not think your guest would exceed that then you are probably better off going with a consumption basis. This way you pay for only what is consumed.

But it just is not guest going to the bar that will cost you. Often times the bar or catering staff will walk around and automatically fill wine and champayne glasses throughout the dinner. Make sure your beverage staff is clear on asking people before automatically refilling glasses. In addition, make sure new bottles are not opened until the opened bottles are finished.

In a case where your reception facility lets you bring in your own beverages you should consider the following:
Purchase wine, beer, liquor, and soda in bulk and be sure that the seller will allow you to return unopened bottles. Negotiate with the seller on a better price since you are buying in bulk. Ask about delivery.

Always stop serving alcohol about 30 minutes before you expect the reception to end, especially if the hour is late and your guests will be driving home or to area hotels. Not only will you be saving money, you?ll be ensuring their safety.

Avoid calling for a last call. This just encourages guests to head for the bar for just one more. Instead of last call we suggest letting the guest know early in the reception when the bar will close. When that time comes just simply close the bar.