Featured image courtesy of Aim To Serve

While an open bar is a staple at most modern day weddings, it is essential to consider these tips and tricks before the big day! With this guide in mind, your special day is sure to go off without a hitch.

Marathon Not a Sprint

Remember that you have paid the bartender to be there all night. There is no need to drink in very much of a rush! Pace yourself and encourage your guests to pace themselves to make your reception as enjoyable as possible. 

According to this DUI attorney, “Your liver is able to keep up with your alcohol consumption at an average rate of one standard drink per hour (depending on your body type, gender, etc.).” Work to keep within this amount throughout the reception to keep things going smoothly.

You Don’t Have to Overspend

Don’t feel like you have to serve your guests top-shelf liquor. You can still enjoy alcohol on a budget. Stick to a set price-point and don’t feel pressured by others to go above it.

Nix the Tip Jar

Having your bartender display a tip jar can be a bad look for your guests. Instead of doing this, opt to tip your bartender independently at the conclusion of the reception. People typically don’t bring cash to wedding receptions, and they shouldn’t be expected to. The host and the hostess are the ones that are supposed to be providing these services.

Don’t Set a Time Limit

Just like having a DJ for a certain amount of time during the reception would feel strange, only serving alcohol during a specific time during your reception can be confusing to your guests and shouldn’t be encouraged. Guests will feel pressured to drink quickly and could end up getting sick or out of control too quickly. If you’re going to serve alcohol, allow the open bar to remain open throughout the reception rather than a very limited amount of time.

Open Bar to Cash Bar

You might be tempted to turn your open bar to a cash bar at some point in the evening. However, at the end of the day, this is going to be a breach of etiquette, and your guests probably won’t be thrilled. It’s confusing to your guests and frustrating for your bar staff, especially since cash seems to be on its way out.  

Last Call

There are many ways to approach drinking at a wedding. But don’t feel like last call is your last chance to over-do it. Let the last call be a reminder to collect yourself so that you can safely return home, and shouldn’t be a sign for you to become irresponsible.

We want your special day to be a wonderful celebration of you committing to happily ever after with the person of your dreams. Be sure to serve alcohol responsibly, and we are certain that your wedding will be a wonderful celebration of your relationship with your special someone.