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Serving Alcohol: Cost Cutting Tips
By Megan Mercer
Last Update: November 5, 2004

You will find that one of the most expensive costs of the wedding reception is the alcohol - especially if you want to provide an open bar with premium liquors. Many reception sites will charge you $4.50+ per drink or a flat rate (around $22+) per head. This might seem outrageous, but there isn't much you can do about it!

Cash Bar?
Some brides have thought to provide cash bars instead of open bars. Do not do this!!! This is so tacky! It's one thing if you have your reception at a country club or hotel that has a bar where guests can buy drinks if they choose - but forcing them to buy drinks for the reception is horrible! Just don't have any if you can't afford it!

How to Cut Costs On Alcohol...

Skip The Alcohol
The obvious way to cut this cost is to refrain from providing alcohol. And, if you do not provide alcohol you won't have to worry about any liability issues.

Limit The Alcohol
A great option is only to provide beer, wine and champagne. These options are much cheaper than having liquor.

Choose Call Brands Instead of Premium
If you must have liquor, choose call brands instead of premium brands. This won't amount to huge savings, but every penny counts!

Bring Your Own
A great way to save on liquor is by choosing a site that doesn't provide in-house catering or bar service. If you have to choose an outside caterer, the caterer might let you buy the liquor wholesale.

If you have selected a reception site that will let you bring your own alcohol, you could have a "Stock The Bar Party" to stock up on liquor. Although everyone won't bring bottles of liquor unless you specify this on the invitation, you can use the liquor that you do get for the reception.