Alcohol at weddings is unavoidable, but it’s up to you and your budget to decide whether an open bar fits into it. Just do your math before making a commitment!
Couples often enjoy creating their own signature drink as an engaging and distinctive way to showcase themselves and give guests an inside peek into who they really are.
Don’t Drink Before the Ceremony
An alcohol-infused wedding party may seem like the ideal celebration, but it can be dangerous for guests. Even just a couple of drinks can impair one’s judgment and lead them to do things they may later regret, such as dancing on the table with their stepdad or telling their crazy aunt how they really feel about you. Therefore, it’s wiser not to drink prior to attending your ceremony.
At your wedding, it can be tempting to imbibe too heavily; however, keep in mind that you will be making a lifelong promise to someone special and should approach this sacred moment soberly. Furthermore, guests traveling from faraway locales should arrive sober enough to drive home or reach their hotel safely afterward without suffering a hangover the next morning.
Reasons to abstain from drinking before the ceremony also include keeping track of how much one consumes – without having a designated driver, it can be hard to keep tabs on yourself and track exactly how much alcohol has been consumed. Pinto advises limiting intake as much as possible; she suggests asking guests who become inebriated beforehand to go directly to the bathroom right before your ceremony and hiring bartenders who can use their judgment and cut off intoxicated guests from continuing drinking.
If you’re serving signature cocktails, opt for nonalcoholic versions so your guests have an opportunity to manage their consumption and save on alcohol costs. Pinto recommends renting a bar cart that serves the appropriate size glasses instead of purchasing red Solo cups – smaller glasses will encourage people to savor their beverage more slowly rather than quickly downing it all at once.
Limit Drinking to a Minimum
At weddings, some guests can struggle to control their alcohol intake, especially with this champagne wedding hack. From drunk grooms attempting to cut their own piece of cake or tipsy aunts taking that first sip of champagne despite warnings not to; to ogling a potential bride-to-be’s naked body; these emotionally charged events make it hard for some people to maintain control of their alcohol consumption. It is wiser for anyone with health concerns or on medications not to drink too much before the ceremony itself and having someone sober by your side can help resist temptation and remain under control throughout the day and night.
If you are concerned that you might drink too much during your wedding reception, limit liquor to a cocktail hour only and serve only wine and beer during the rest of it – this will save both time and money while offering your guests an array of drinks to choose from.
Save on alcohol costs for your wedding by purchasing it yourself beforehand. Liquor stores often have sales on bulk alcohol that offer better deals than going through your caterer.
If you choose to serve alcohol at your wedding, inform your guests beforehand so that they won’t be surprised when they arrive and may ease some stress about taxi, hotel and ride-sharing arrangements if alcohol will not be readily available.
Stay Hydrated During the Ceremony
Alcohol is often served at weddings, but it’s essential that guests refrain from drinking excessively. Doing so could alter your memory of the day and even lead to embarrassing or unsafe behaviors if consumed too freely. Therefore, it would be prudent for guests to abstain from or consume only limited quantities on their big day to ensure an enjoyable and safe ceremony experience.
If you do intend on having alcohol at your wedding, it may be helpful to find an ally and discuss your goals for moderate drinking with them. They can keep you accountable and offer support as you move through the day; additionally, they can make sure that enough water and staying hydrated is being consumed; plus they may offer suggestions of an alternative bar that allows guests to celebrate your event without breaking the budget!
Similarly, if you plan on drinking during your wedding festivities, it is a wise move not to indulge too heavily before the ceremony starts in order to avoid becoming over-intoxicated and ensure full participation in all of its festivities.
If you plan on hosting a full bar at your wedding reception, it is a good idea to discuss its various options with both the venue and caterer. Many venues are willing to work with couples in providing either a modified full bar or only beer and wine bars – this can save money while encouraging guests to celebrate responsibly. It may also be worthwhile providing smaller servings so people don’t overindulge and become unruly on the dance floor.
Do Offer Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Receptions tend to revolve around drinking and having fun, which is understandable; but for those trying to limit their alcohol consumption, an open bar may make the evening less enjoyable.
If you want to forgo alcohol at your wedding, the key is making plans in advance. Be open with those attending about your decision and request their support; identify what will trigger you into drinking; devise strategies for dealing with any triggers (for instance champagne toasts may prove too much); plan alternative celebrations like enjoying nonalcoholic sparkling wines instead – for instance you could toast with sparkling wines without alcohol instead!
Finding an ally who can serve as your support person at the wedding can also be helpful for keeping yourself accountable to your goals and avoiding peer pressure. Furthermore, take on tasks like helping set up, cleaning, or serving food; doing this will allow you to focus on enjoying the wedding instead of on imbibing too much booze.
At a bar, it’s also wise to offer nonalcoholic drinks that resemble alcohol such as espresso, lemonade, fresh fruit juices or mocktails that could tempt guests. By having this on offer it may help deter others from offering something that might trigger cravings or remind of past times when substances were taken.
Learn When to Say No
Not all couples want an alcohol-free wedding for various reasons; perhaps they are committed to sobriety or have conservative family members who do not drink, while other brides and grooms might wish for an open bar but don’t want the financial strain it would incur as part of starting off their marriage in debt. Whatever their reason may be, it’s essential that their guests know in advance their position on drinking at weddings so they know what to expect on their wedding day.
An open bar can easily lead to overindulgence and overconsumption, not to mention sky-high costs if serving premium liquor. If a large open bar isn’t your cup of tea, consider offering wine and beer selections instead as this will be more cost-effective and allow guests to select their drinks themselves to limit consumption.
One way of helping your guests moderate their intake is to provide bottles of water at each table, which may encourage them to sip more slowly and avoid overdrinking. Another strategy would be creating an eye-catching signature non-alcoholic cocktail as part of your reception, making an impression impression and helping ensure guests remain hydrated throughout their visit.
Preparing ahead can also prevent water shortages at your wedding reception. By having plenty of ice on hand, you’ll ensure that you don’t run out before the end of the night!
Many of us may be unaware that we’ve reached intoxication until it’s too late. When your friends and family start shouting across the room at each other or when dancing becomes an effort, it may be time to call it quits.
