Cheers!!!

You’ve chosen the venue and selected the menu, but what about the bar service?   What are your options?

Cash Bar:  Guests pay for their drinks themselves.  While this may be the most economical option for the bride and groom, it completely defies the rules of etiquette as guests are being asked to pay for a portion of the wedding.  

Open or Host Bar:  Bar service is paid for by the bride and groom at a flat “per head” fee.  The bar is typically open for a 5 hour maximum throughout the evening.

Consumption Bar:  Operates the same as and Open Bar, however, the bride and groom are charged by the individual drink or bottle opened.

Now, don’t go crying over spilled tequila…… you can still save on the cost of alcohol at your wedding reception even though you are providing an Open or Consumption bar.  Here are some tips which you might find helpful:

·        Choose a venue that allows you to supply your own alcohol.  You’ll need to obtain a Special Occasions Permit which costs $25 to $35 (depending on the province) which then allows you to purchase your alcohol from the liquor and beer stores.  Any unopened bottles or cases can be returned for full refund.

·        Offer poured wine service during dinner rather than placing bottles on the tables.

·        Serve punch or signature drinks during the cocktail hour rather than full bar service.  It’s very chic to serve your very own special drink created just for you and your wedding!  

·        “Bottle Your Own”.  You can make your own wine and beer under your Special Occasions Permit at a licensed “Bottle Your Own” facility.  Reduce your costs even further by having your family and friends save their empty bottles for you to reuse.

·        Offer standard products rather than premium brands. 

·        Close the bar during the dinner hour.

·        Don’t bother with champagne for the toasts…….your guests can toast with whatever they are drinking.

·        Consider shutting down the bar an hour earlier (12am rather than 1am).  This would be the perfect time to serve your guests light snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks before sending them on their way.  While it is illegal to announce “last call”, you can have your MC make an announcement at the beginning of the evening that the bar will close at midnight.        

Whichever bar option you choose, the most important thing is to ensure that your guests drink responsibly.  Remember, you have a legal obligation to your guests, which you share 50-50 with the venue, in the event of alcohol-related accidents or injuries.  Have the phone number to the local taxi company available for your guests and make arrangements with your venue for cars to be left overnight.

                          
                                            

                                                    Here’s to you!!!