Imagine attending a special event that you've been invited to. You've dressed in your very best and you walk into a gorgeous venue where you are met with smiling and familiar faces. You make your way through the crowd, stopping a few times to mingle with friends, and find a place to sit as you take in the stunning decor. As you think to yourself how fantastic everything looks, you are greeted by a member of the serving team, offering you a Miniature Beef Wellington. Just as you oblige and pick up the small delight, the server informs you that they are $3.75 each. While this scenario is a bit extreme, it is definitely comparable to setting up a Cash Bar at a wedding. One of the most common misconceptions about Cash Bars at Wedding Receptions is that they are completely acceptable and offer equal accommodation to your unsuspecting guests. Aside from the fact that your guests are usually unprepared, with little or no cash on their person, they are certainly not expecting to have any out of pocket expenses at an event that you invited them to. It is, without a doubt, akin to asking them to pay for their own food. Whenever discussing bar options with brides and grooms to be, the budget usually plays a critical role in what type of beverage service they are planning to offer their guests. In fact, in my experience, open or hosted bars are usually one of the first elements to be revisited when the budget starts to balloon. Believe it or not, there are many feasible (and budget friendly) options for beverage service that won't leave your guests holding the check. Let's explore some of the alternatives:
Red, White & Beer
Instead of going for a full open bar, consider offering only wine and beer. Beer is usually less expensive and most of your guests will graciously accept complimentary red or white wine.
Butlered Beverages
During the cocktail hour, forgo a traditional bar and have the venue's serving team butler pass wine and beer. Have you ever noticed how most people only take one hors d' oeuvre when it is presented to them by a server? This is mostly attributed to them not wanting to feel improper or overindulgent. The same holds true with kindly taking one beverage at a time and will help you get more beer for your buck.
Table Side Wine Service
This option allows for elegant presentation and is the perfect companion to Butlered Beverages. Once your guests transition from the cocktail hour into the dinner reception, have the servers present them with a choice of red or white wine for each course. This continues to eliminate the presence (and price tag) of a traditional bar
What's Your Signature
Delight your guests with a a special drink selected by you! Novelty Martini? Your favorite concoction? Décor matching cocktail? These personalized beverages are awesome and the possibilities are endless! Opting for Signature Drinks rather than a full bar is a sure way to keep your beverage budget intact.
It is important to remember that no two weddings (or wedding budgets) are the same. For most couples, your wedding will be the largest and most detailed event that you will ever plan. There are the dresses and tuxedos, the colors and the cake, the entertainment and the transportation. It is all too easy to get overwhelmed with the mounting expenses and find yourself looking for different ways to keep your budget intact. Just keep in mind that food and beverage are two of the most pivotal areas that are directly related to making your dream day a reality. While selecting a Cash Bar for your special day may seem like a painless way to save a few grand, take a look at saving in ways that are not at the expense of your guests.
Raise the bar in 2009 and just say "no" to cash bars!!!
Written by Lauran Peoples, Embassy Suites Charlotte
