Wedding Tip of the Week: Bar Saving Tips

We are all trying to find ways to cut cost, here are some suggestions that you can cut cost when having a bar at your reception.

• Deal with the caterer. Sometimes you can get a discount on drinks if you deal with the same caterer for food and drink.

• Ask the caterer or your wine and spirits merchant to select solid, second-line merchandise. You don't have to serve top shelf liquors. Consumers often pay for a company's advertising and marketing budgets when they buy top brands. Many smaller houses can offer the same quality at a better price.
  



• If you're serving beer, think kegs rather than bottle. Kegs cost less.
  



• Choose generic mixed-drink ingredients rather than name brands. When you are paying for a hundred guests the difference in price makes itself felt.
  



• Ask the caterer to go light on the salt. Salty foods will increase your guests' thirsts.

• Don't allow the catering staff to take drink orders at the tables. Set up one bar. The longer the wait for service, the fewer drinks get served.
  
  
• Purchase all the liquor yourself and have a family member or friend play bartender for the night.

Some of these tips may assist you in still being able to have a bar at your wedding with reduced cost.

(Some information found here)