Saving on Champagne and other Drinks for your Wedding

Aug. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- Saving on Champagne and Other Drinks for  your Wedding
What beverages will you serve at your reception? Time of day plays an important part in determining your best options.
Bottles of champagne or other alcoholic beverages aren't freely passed around at a morning wedding reception. A Mimosa or maybe a Bloody Mary could be offered at a brunch, but there would be a limit on the number served because of the hour. At luncheons and mid-afternoon weddings, champagne punch or a glass or two of champagne is appropriate.
Again, the time of day dictates that the amount be controlled. During late afternoon or evening weddings, there is no need to control the amount of alcoholic beverages. Rather than serving champagne, some couples choose to serve one drink that reflects the theme of their wedding, like a Mojito for an island wedding.
Don't Let the Dollars Fizz Away
Alcohol can be a huge expense at a reception. Do you want to have a champagne toast? You'll need to check on the alcohol policy at your reception site. Some church reception halls, fraternal halls, and community centers don't permit alcohol at all; many hotels and restaurants want you to buy from them. Is there a charge for corkage or a special bar and bartender arrangement in place?
Get in writing exactly what you'll be charged for, and make certain the contract includes a stipulation that you'll be consulted if the drink consumption looks as though it will exceed the predetermined dollar amount.
A “no-host” or cash bar — one that charges your guests for their drinks — is usually not considered appropriate. You wouldn't invite guests to other functions and expect them to pay for their drinks, so why do it at a wedding?
Essential
If you're not a wine expert, get a friend or a helpful person at the wine shop to guide you in selecting a good vintage with a reasonable price.
Beverages on Different Budgets
Sonya and Steve can't have alcoholic beverages at their college site, so they'll be toasted with sparkling white grape juice in elegant glasses.
Denise and James plan on serving champagne and mixed drinks at their reception, but to prevent over-imbibing they are establishing a cutoff limit with their bartender. Nonalcoholic drinks for designated drivers and teetotalers will be served, and they've made an arrangement with a taxi company to take home guests who try to leave too inebriated to drive.
Charlene and Stephen plan on having one champagne toast, then Grandma Betty's special champagne punch will be served for the remainder of the reception. “We couldn't imagine a wedding reception or celebration that didn't involve the punch. What's a nice bonus is how it's not only delicious; it's also a money saver over having straight champagne.” The punch will be served in an antique punch bowl that's been in the family for years.

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