Discuss what beverages you want served at your reception with both families, no matter who will be paying the bill. Ask a liquor store/winery or reception consultant to help you with choices and options. Consider both cost and the number of guests.
You may also want to create a signature cocktail that is unique to your wedding theme. It adds a special touch to your reception, as well as being memorable.
Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel
If your reception facility is furnishing beverages, ask how you will be charged- by the glass, by the bottle or per person.
While champagne is traditionally the festive drink used to toast the bride and groom, wine often serves to complement the wedding meal. Good tasting wines and champagnes come in all price ranges. Buy the best selection that your budget allows.
Mike Kovaliv Photography
Hosting a wine tasting party for your attendants is a fun way to choose wedding wines.
Recent surveys indicate that a lot of guests don’t drink alcohol, so offer a selection of non-alcoholic wines, soft drinks and espresso or coffee drinks.
Should you decide to serve your guests cocktails, you can include an open bar before and after dinner. Offer guests their choice of beverages, including local and imported beer and wine.
If you are hosting your party in a private home or space, hire experienced bartenders. You can depend on them to pour standard drinks. Have them track liquor use so that you can account for your bar expense. And, of course, ensure that they are Smart-Serve according to the laws of the province.
If you decide to keep the bar open after dinner, close it at least one hour before guests prepare to leave. Serve coffee and non-alcoholic beverages after that time to ensure everyone goes home safely. Alcohol liability is an important issue, and one way to protect yourself and your guests is to hire a licensed company to provide security. They will oversee any potential problems with alcohol as well as protecting your gifts, including cash from being stolen.
