Receptions

The gold standard of weddings has always been the open bar – but when you start planning a wedding, you’ll be surprised just how much it will cost you to get Uncle Murray tipsy. As with the price of food, the cost of beverages is also skyrocketing. If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages at your wedding, you may find that the price is well beyond your budget. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to control costs, and still give your guests the beverages they want.

Budget Champagne

Even though champagne is expensive, you’ll still want to have enough for at least one toast with it. Typically, you can purchase champagne at any liquor store, but the cost can add up quickly. If you’re set on having high quality champagne, check to see if there are any vineyards in your local area that make their own. Also, check with your caterer – some will throw in a free champagne toast – or check to see if you can purchase discount champagne online.

Cash Bars

Requesting that guests pay for any food or beverage at a wedding used to be considered tacky, but the cash bar is making a comeback. It’s cost-effective and it puts an emphasis on safe driving and other alcohol-related issues, since guests likely won’t drink to excess when they’re paying for it. If you ask guests to pay for their own alcoholic beverages, you’ll save some money and also instill some measure of control over how much alcohol people consume.

Bring Your Own Beverages

Just like a potluck dinner, give guests an opportunity to contribute their own beverages. Not only will this create a variety of beverage options, it can cut back on your beverage budget dramatically. Many people find this to be a suitable alternative to asking people to pay for alcohol. However, if you’re renting a venue for your wedding, check to see if this is allowed – it isn’t always – and make sure to bring some backups in case you wind up with 30 cases of beer and nothing else.

Buying in Bulk

You’ll need more than just alcohol, though. Buying in bulk can help you save money on soda, coffee, water and any other beverages you’ll need. In many cases, you can purchase these items through discount outlets like Sam’s Club and Costco. This will save you money over traditional grocery stores, but you’ll likely need a membership to get in and this can be pricey. If it’s something you’ll use again, go ahead and get one – otherwise, check to see if a member of your wedding party already has one.

Punch Bowls and Other Accessories

If you aren’t hiring a caterer or paying for this type of service, you’ll need to plan for what to do about dishes, cups, and other accessories. If you find a good deal, you may be able to purchase these items outright and sell them later. If not, check with rental agencies in your area – many rent full wedding sets, although you’ll be responsible for cleaning them all before they’re returned. You can also look into high quality plastic alternatives from discount stores – you’d be amazed at the quality that’s available today.

Although they don’t seem important, beverages can make or break your wedding. Imagine an outdoor summer wedding without enough water available, or a toast without the clink of champagne flutes. But it is possible to navigate budget issues without compromising on quality and appearance. Take the time to find the solution that’s best for you and your budget and you’ll be worry free on your wedding day.Drink Up - Budget Wedding Beverages

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Shopping for a good caterer can be troublesome if you do not ask the right questions. As you may know, not all caterers are the same so it is not wise to just shop by price. But before you go shopping all willy nilly you need some information before hand.

Before You Shop for A Caterer

• First thing you should know is whether the facility you are going to use for your reception allows third party catering. Usually they will tell you upfront, but ask anyway. Either way you will need to inquire about the price and I am sorry to say that most facilities that don’t allow outside caterers are notoriously “less cheap”.
• Know your real budget. This may seem obvious, but you should allow for unexpected expenses, which many brides don’t. The result is not pretty.
• Get an estimate of how may quests you expect. It is good to overestimate a little bit, because there are always the people who show up regardless of invitation
• What reception hall are you going to use? What are their rules regarding what caterers can and can not do?

What to Ask the Caterer

Once you do get the above information, your next step is to get to looking. Once you set your sights on a few, you need a pen, paper and a few good questions:

• Are you licensed? Do not assume that because they are advertised everywhere, that they are a legitimate establishment. A license may not seem important to you, but most local governments require the caterer to have certain health standards.
• Can we sample your menu? Set up an appointment to taste test the caterer’s quality of food preparation.
• Do you use chafing dishes? Most caterers do, but be sure to ask. If you want to keep the hot food hot, this may be a necessity.
• How much of a deposit do you require? If you have to change the wedding date or time, this may pose a problem. You may get none of your deposit back it you can’t use the same caterer. What is your cancellation policy.
• Do you have pics? Usually they will show you pictures as soon as you sit down. Look at how the food is laid out. Was it just thrown together or was it laid out carefully and creatively?
• Can I see a contract? If they don’t use one,start running! This is not good. You need something in black and white to be more secure that they will live up to their end of the bargain. And read over the contract at home before you sign anything. Do it at home!
• How do you charge for clean up? This may or may not be included in the overall price. Your family may be left to do the clean up if you are not careful
• Do you prepare the food on site or at a different location? If they prepare or warm the food on site, then you need to make sure that the reception hall can accommodate them. Does the reception hall have warmers, a refrigerator or a stove? Does the reception hall charge extra for you to use them?
• Can you give me at least two references? You want to know that they can come up with a least two brides that are satisfied with their work. It is even better to ask for three.
• When can we make our final change to the reception menu? Do not think that you are going to pick some items then be done with it. There is always a chance someone will come along and give you that “good idea”.
• Are your price quotes final? Be aware that sometimes prices may be subject to change according to the season. Ask them if the price quotes are placed in writing.
• How many servers do you use per the amount of guests? This is very important for the smooth flow of the reception. Long lines and frustrated and hungry guests do not make a nice party. One server per 20 to 25 guests is acceptable. You may need a little more if it is a seated reception.

While these questions may not guarantee that you get Wolfgang Puck, it can help you to narrow down your choices to someone that is more likely to give you a wonderful reception experience.
Vicky

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Ohhh, this is a good question and a very controversial one. Yes. It is hard to have a cheap wedding and a free bar at the same time. After all, it is your wedding and your money. Who is anyone to tell you how to spend your money at your own reception? Huhh? Some brides say, “If the guests want some alcohol, let them pay for it”. But, if you are still reading this, that means that, maybe, you do care.

Overall, it is a bad idea to have a cash bar at a reception. In my opinion, It kind of takes away from the feeling that your reception is a celebration of your wedding. Instead, it gives the guests a feeling that they are somehow…kinda… paying for your wedding. So what can do you do? One idea is that you can limit alcohol to the toast and speeches. You can also use the non-alcoholic equivalent of smoothies and daiquiris to give your guests something in place of alcohol at the bar. At least no one will be going home a stinking drunkard or more seriously, getting behind a wheel intoxicated.

Vicky

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