THE GREAT DEBATE
THE GREAT DEBATE
Written by Helen Howell, of Gwen’s Bridal Bazaar
cake, everyone has shed a tear and had a giggle over the speeches, and now it’s time to get your evening party started! The band or DJ takes the stage, the evening buffet is waiting in the wings to make an appearance, and you may have even splashed out on your very own photo booth, so you are good to go, aren’t you?
Spotted what’s missing amongst the list? That’s right, nobody has mentioned the night time alcoholic refreshments, ‘The Drinks’, so then the age old dilemma hits you – who pays for them?
So loves, you have cut the
Your guests have travelled (sometimes for miles), bought new outfits, had their hair done, lavished you with gifts, often paid for overnight accommodation, and all so they can join you on your special day – so it should be you that pays for them, right? What’s that you say? Sure, you have invited them along, but they have had welcome drinks, canapés, a three course meal, wine, toasting drinks, favours, evening buffet and entertainment all in a gorgeous venue and you can hear a loud creaking noise which you believe could be your purse strings… It’s a tough call, right? Well fear not - I totally understand, and so have come up with the pros and cons of a few plausible options for you lovely lot to mull over in your marvellous minds…
OPTION 1: A Completely Open Bar
Well, this is obviously the easiest option for your guests. I personally make sure I attend all weddings with a full purse and if there’s free drink – BONUS! Not all guests will have the same mindset, and could end up “popping out” frantically trying to find the closest cash point and missing the first dance- a free bar would eliminate this! If there is an open bar, would you save money on staffing costs? There wouldn’t be any need for someone to be taking payments for drinks on the night if the cost has been settled before or after the event. Depending on your party size, you could literally need one person at a refreshment table making sure everything is being topped up and that is that. out in the wilderness, imagine wheelbarrows filled with ice and an assortment of drinks from your local shops that guests can help themselves to. Now I think the first con of an open bar is glaringly obvious – it can be expensive and a complete budget buster, which is why so many people are keen to steer clear from this idea. You also really need to consider the character of your guests – do you have a group of friends or family who are seriously likely to over indulge? Sure, it’s great fun when Aunt Esther decides to start a conga, but nobody wants fisty cuffs because Uncle Bruce had too many whiskeys!
Finally, remember that photo-booth and band we mentioned? If you have There would also be the option to invested a lot of time and valuable really provide your guests with an funds in keeping your guests awesome array and selection of entertained, be aware an open bar drinks regardless of venue. If you are can be quite a distraction – guests holding your affair in an established could end up chatting around the venue, such as a restaurant or hotel, bar and over cocktails rather they should have a well-stocked bar. than getting involved with the If you are having a marquee wedding bouquet toss!
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