Tip #1. Liquor is a supporting player, not an extra!

First and foremost, a reception without spirits is a no-no! I have organized a few weddings where the couple didn’t drink and was adamant about not serving alcohol. What was the guests’ response? They left early! Without some alcohol available, many guests will take their party elsewhere.

Tip #2. Cash bars are tacky (like you didn’t know this already).

Cash bars are also on the no-no list. These are your guests. Treat them as such. They’re bringing their well wishes and, hopefully, gifts for this new chapter in your life. Don’t ask them to reach into their pockets. But there are some tricks so the bar doesn’t break your own.

Tip #3. Hello! Consumption bars still look like full bars!

This is a great option if you know a good percentage of your guests are non-drinkers or light drinkers, and it still gives guests a full bar. Arrange for a consumption bar with the venue and place a reasonable limit based on the average cost of drinks and how many drinks you believe will be served that night. A planner can really help with estimating for these types of numbers.

If you don’t want to be terrified throughout your reception about the bar tab, go for a wine and beer bar only. Of course, you don’t get the full range of liquors, but this is the cheapest option and you’ll know the cost ahead of time. The price will be based on a head count, which you’ll know at least a week before the wedding. Remember to give just an adult head count, and not to mistakenly include children.

Tip #5. Forego the “deluxe” and/or “premium” bars.

Upgrading to Grey Goose and Belvedere vodka is nice, but rarely will someone know the difference if you actually serve Absolut. Once people start “enjoying” themselves, one vodka or rum will begin to taste like any other.

Tip #6. “Shaken, not stirred” will cost you!

Mixing up a dirty martini is not included in any of these bars, premium or deluxe. Liquers (i.e. triple sec liquers, peach schnapps, etc.) are extra. The only items included are scotch, gin, tequila, rum, vodka, soft drinks, juices, and water. And one more thing… Don’t believe you’ll get off cheaper by pairing a wine and beer bar with a specialty drink. Sometimes this can become costly if your specialty drink require a liquer.

Do you still want the full bar, but can’t afford the cocktail hour and a 4-hour reception? Then stop trying. Close the bar down during the dinner hour of your reception and have a wine pour instead. The wine pour may be included in your package. Want to go a step further? Close it down a half an hour before the party ends. You’ll now only pay for 3 and ½ hours and no one will suspect a thing. The end.