Wedding Beverages

Discuss what beverages you want served at your reception with both families—no matter who will be paying the bill. Ask a beverage merchant or reception consultant to help you with choices and options. Consider both cost and the number of guests.

If your reception facility is furnishing beverages, ask if you will be charged by the glass, by the bottle or per person. If you’re buying your own beverages, ask about sale prices, discount prices and case lot prices.

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 your budget allows.

Hosting a wine tasting party for your attendants is a fun way to choose wedding wines. Mini bottles of private-labeled sparkling wines can be sent out as invitations, or given as guest mementos.

Recent surveys indicate that one third of all Americans do not drink alcohol, so offer a selection of non-alcoholic wines, champagnes, sparkling water, soft drinks and espresso or coffee drinks.

Should you decide to serve your guests cocktails, servers can take orders throughout the reception or you can include an open bar before and after dinner. Offer guests their choice of beverages, including regional and import beers.

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. They can also keep a trained and sober eye on your guests.

If you decide to keep the bar open after dinner, close it at least an hour before guests prepare to leave. Serve coffee and non-alcoholic beverages after that time.

Serving Alcohol Liquor should be addressed with your caterer as there are many ways it is handled at a party or reception. The liquor is sometimes included with a package for a certain amount of time during the reception. Sometimes, clients bring their own wine in for the dinner itself. Other parties are interested in providing their own liquor and only require bartender service from the caterer.
The location of the reception can also dictate how the liquor is handled depending on whether it is a public facility or a private home. Some caterers have the ability to sell liquor while others do not. Discuss all the options with your caterer before you decide which way is best for you.

There can be additional charges to the basic wedding menu package including a corkage fee for providing your own liquor, service fees for handling rentals and other services, as well as gratuities. Make sure all these issues are addressed and covered in the contract before you sign.