Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Three Tips for a Hosted Bar for your Wedding Reception!


Hosted Bar from Bleu & Fig
Every couple wants to save money planning their wedding. Even couples with an unlimited budget still search for that one thing where they can absolutely say....."I'm not paying that much".

Let me give you 3 little tips to save on money while budgeting for your wedding day when planning the Bar.

 Three Tips for a Hosted Bar:

Hosting the Bar at your reception is always a big chunk of change. Instead of doing a "Full Hosted Bar",

Think about just offering a few selections such as Beer, Wine and a Signature Drink. Guest will love that you are not making them pay for their beverages at your wedding that you invited them to. 

I get that some couples have a Cash Bar using excuses such as...."we can't afford to buy everyone drinks"

Seriously, if your inviting them, then you should not be making them pay. If you need to cut down on the number of guest then do it! Trust me, as a wedding planner I hear guest talk and when guest are having to buy their own drinks guest blurt out some really harsh words. So budget in for at least a few beverages that guest will not have to pay for and if they want something different then by all means let them pay. 

Have an amount in mind that you do not want to go over during your reception. Have the Captain inform your Wedding Coordinator or someone you have asked to be informed when it is getting close to your limit. You then can decide to do away with beer or wine or tell them to keep it going. 

Here is a strategy that I suggest to my brides:

1: Consider only having Cocktail Hour for 30 to 45 minutes. This is where you will be offering Beer, Wine and your Signature Drink

2: Close the bar during announcements and dinner, guest will carry whatever drink they have into the reception room where also water, coffee or tea can be found on the reception tables.

3: After dinner open the bar back up offering Beer and Wine. 
    If guest want something more they will be more than happy to pay for it. 

 
Leave it to your Bartender to inform guest and have cute little signs on the bar letting them know what is offered.

Hope this helps with making your planning just a little easier!

Nora, PPP

 
Three Tips to a Hosted Bar for Your WeddingNora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com