Keeping Your Liquor (and your budget) Under Control by Julia Smillie

"Although the ultimate goal is a reception you'll never forget, make sure it's for all the right reasons. Don't forget that there's a great deal of responsibility, not to mention liability, in serving alcohol."

   The average reception accounts for half the total wedding budget - and much of it is spent on alcohol. It's enough to give some brides a headache long before they even touch a drop. A few simple suggestions on handling your liquor can help keep your budget - and your guests - under control.

   Before you start tearing your hair out over the cost of cosmopolitans, take a gander at the guest list. You and your groom probably know your crowd well enough to determine if they'll be satisfied with beer and wine or expect a full bar. Then, determine what you are comfortable with. (After all, you don't want to spend your reception keeping sauced Aunt Sally from falling face first into your cake.)

   Then, it's time for the reality check: the reception budget. Fortunately, if your reception site or caterer is supplying and handling the alcohol they'll give you guidelines and suggestions on how to best spend your liquor budget. If, like most couples, you find you have to compromise on the cocktails, don't fret. Remember, this is your wedding reception not a frat party. And your solution could all be in the timing.

   Generally, people drink less alcohol earlier in the day than in the evening. If your's is a morning wedding, you're in great shape. With a reception brunch, you can forego alcohol altogether, serve mimosas or just have a simple champagne toast. An early afternoon wedding offers as many options, and you can stick with soft drinks or serve a small amount of beer or wine with lunch.

   To help cut costs at an evening reception, schedule specific times for serving alcohol. For example, a brief champagne toast followed by a limited cocktail hour (with limited cocktails) and dinner accompanied by wine. After dinner, you can subtly put an end to the liquor by pulling out the coffee cart when it's time to cut the cake. Or announce last call an hour or so before the reception ends, and let your dance-dehydrated guests sip sodas or juice instead.

   Although the ultimate goal is a reception you'll never forget, make sure it's for all the right reasons. Don't forget that there's a great deal of responsibility, not to mention liability, in serving alcohol. And don't assume the liability is carried by the hall, restaurant or caterers. Read your contracts carefully. If the reception is slated for a private site, that means your wedding party takes on full responsibility for the safety of your guests. Which might just be all the incentive you need to slash your alcohol budget considerably.

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