"Open bar or select beverages? I can't afford an open bar, what other mixed drink options do I have?" An important sub-section of the reception budget is what to serve for drinks. If money was no object, most couples would choose an open bar and champagne. But this being the real world, there's other options. Like what, you ask?
Signature cocktails are very popular right now. Choose your favorite one or two mixed drinks and serve just these mixed beverages at your wedding. It's a great way to show off your wedding colors too. Not a master mixologist? Absolut Drinks, the makers of Absolut Vodka (and yes, it's spelled that way), have a great site where you can find drinks based on the time of day, taste, base spirit (vodka, tequila, rum, etc), and even a how-to guide with step by step mixing instructions. If you find something you like, try it at home with your honey with some of the flavors you'll be having at the reception so see how well they mesh. When you've made your pick, just supply the recipe to your bartender (a couple weeks before the wedding). Check out their website - you must be 21 to enter - http://absolutdrinks.com/
One type of white and one type of red wines are great too. For my wedding, my fiance and I each chose our favorite, as I love white, he loves red, and we're not fans of the other. Many bartenders/caterers/hotels charge a cork fee for events, so to save money buy magnum bottles of wine - they're equal to 2 standard bottles. Also, check out the Washington State Liquor Board website (http://liq.wa.gov/PriceBook/PriceBookMenu1.asp) as they have an online catalog of what each liquor store in the state has in stock, and how much each liquor or wine costs by the bottle, as well as by the case. Larry's Market and Cost Plus World Market are also great places to shop, and many couples I know have made a steal buying a case of wine from these two stores.
For non-alcoholic beverages, save yourself some hassle and just go straight to Costco. Right now they're selling glass bottles of Coca-cola, very cute. Packs of soda cans, in 24 and 36 packs, are ridiculously cheep, selling for the same price as 12 packs at the grocery store. You can also pick up items like bottled water, Juice Squeezers (kid friendly), energy drinks, and more.
But most importantly, shop around. And feel free to grab a bottle here, a package there, as you inch closer and closer to the big day. And when it comes, sit back, relax, and have fun.
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8 years ago