Photo: Jennifer Trinidad Photography via Feathered Arrow Events
Q: Any advice on how we might save on drink costs at our wedding reception? Can we provide our own liquor?
A: If you plan on having your wedding at a hotel or banquet hall, the liquor will probably be provided. You'll be quoted either a per-person fee or a total price for alcohol in your contract. The same is true with established independent caterers. If the caterer you choose does not have a liquor license, he or she will coordinate with a liquor vendor and quote you a price per bottle. If there are bottles left over, you can keep them (or the caterer might be willing to reimburse you for them), so you'll only pay for what was actually consumed.
If your facility allows it, you can supply the alcohol yourselves; this can be a huge money saver, especially if you purchase the liquor from a wholesaler. You will, however, have to order and arrange for delivery and cart away the unused bottles after the reception. Plus, you may be subject to a corkage fee, a fl at rate charged by the caterer per bottle opened, which can easily be $10 or more. Be sure to inquire about this beforehand.
Consider skipping the pricey hard stuff and serve less costly wine and beer only. Or offer the site's less expensive brands instead of the premium; the same goes for house wines and champagne. Also, discourage the waitstaff from automatically refilling wine glasses at dinner.
—Mary Clarke
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