It's a question anyone who plans a wedding reception is bound to ponder. How much liquor will you need?Even if your guests aren't big drinkers, a few drinks of bubbly for toasts are essential for most couples and guests. We here at Pierce Events have a few ideas to help you.
If you are hiring a bartender service or caterer it's always a good idea to get their input. They can help give you ideas of what you will need. If you are having a friend pour drinks and no one to ask then you will need to determine first how many guests will attend?
Let's say you are expecting 100 guests. Here is what you will most likely need.
- Beer: 5 to 6 cases
- Whiskey: 1 liter
- Bourbon: 1 liter
- Gin: 2 to 3 liters
- Scotch: 2 liters
- Light rum: 1 liter
- Vodka: 5 liters
- Tequila: 1 liter
- Champagne: 1 to 1 1/2 cases
- Red wine: 2 cases
- White wine: 3 1/2 cases
- Dry vermouth: 1 bottle
- Sweet vermouth: 1 bottle
If your caterer will be providing the alcohol be sure to ask if they will take back any unused alcohol. It can save you money if they don't charge for unopened bottles. Next you must decide on what type of bar service you will provide.
The Open Bar
An open bar is the most popular choice, but it's also the most expensive. Guests can order any drink, and you pick up the tab. For Irish weddings this could mean consumption of your life savings in a matter of hours. The drinks are free so people may drink like fish and it can lead to some ugly endings at the end of the night. You may want to ask you bartenders to end service or provide only soft drinks one hour before the end of the reception if you think there might be a problem.
The Limited Bar
You offer a selection of drinks -- beer, wine, and mixed vodka drinks, and set specific consumption times, such as the cocktail hour, the toasts, and an hour after dinner. Consider having waiters serve drinks rather than letting guests go up to the bar. You'll pay for the waiters, but you'll probably save money on alcohol, and fewer guests will go overboard. If you limit the amount of time the bar is open, ask the waiters circulate to refill glasses of water, soda and coffee during dinner.
The Cash Bar
I don't recommend this at weddings. It looks cheap and tends to insult your guests. You don't invite people to your house for dinner and then charge them for it do you? If you answered yes, then by all means have a cash bar. Just don't be surprised if no one shows up.
A Dry House
If you, your families, and most of your guests don't drink alcohol, then skip it. Many people do this for religious or personal reasons. Serve sparkling water, soda, and nonalcoholic mixed drinks instead. If you want some bubbly for toasting, go for sparkling cider.If we can assist you in any way with planning your reception or event please contact us. Cheers!
Pierce Events offer complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦
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