The reception is time to toast your new marriage, and many of your guests will show up expecting to get their drink on. Here are six mistakes to avoid when putting together your reception bar.
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Choosing quantity over quality. A well-stocked bar doesn't mean you must have every type of alcohol. This is especially true if you don't have the money for top-shelf liquor. If this is the case, offer up basic necessities—vodka and gin, for instance—so you can buy the best, and then ditch anything else that isn't in your budget.
Ignoring the crowd. Are most of your guests beer drinkers? If so, then focus on offering a variety of different brews instead of wasting money on hard liquor, fine wines and signature cocktails that most people won't touch.
Forgetting about non-drinkers. Not everyone is going to partake in alcohol, so be sure to have plenty of other options on hand. Think a virgin signature cocktail, artisanal soda, flavored iced tea and the like.
Offering too many signature cocktails. Sure, they're fun to name, create and can look super pretty being served at the wedding, but they lose their luster if you offer too many options. Stick with one or two at the reception.
Bringing your own. In some cases, you can save money by supplying your own alcohol. But in others, it could wind up costing you more in the end--especially if your venue charges a corking fee for every bottle of wine they open during your reception.
Not ordering enough. Don't try to cut corners by ordering less alcohol--you don't want to risk running out halfway through the reception. Have your catering manager and bartender guide you in how much you will need according to the guest list.
