How Much Alcohol Do You Serve?
How much alcohol do you want served at your
wedding reception? Nowadays any function seems to
require alcohol and your New Zealand wedding
reception will probably be no different. Alcohol can be a
fun addition to your reception but it is not an
essential component, and many couples choose not to have it at
all.
If you do decide to serve alcohol remember that the trick
is to provide just enough for enjoyment but not enough for
abuse.
...shop around. Stores vary
when it comes to bulk purchasing...
Consider also that if you are serving alcohol, make sure sober
drivers or taxi services are available to ensure your guests get
home safely.
Purchasing the right type and amount of liquor you want can be a
daunting process so it is important you plan it carefully.
There are two things you must do before ordering your
alcohol. The first is to settle on a venue and the second is
to decide on a fairly fixed number of guests.
Some venues either have limits on alcohol
or don't allow alcohol at all. Maybe they have a bar themselves, or
maybe they just don't want excess amounts of liquor there.
Whatever the case, you need to have decided on a venue before you
consult anyone regarding alcohol.
If you are purchasing the alcohol the liquor wholesaler or
retailer requires fixed numbers to assess how much alcohol you may
need. Most stores help you with this as they have most
probably supplied many large parties before, and know how much
liquor is required for the event. Having a fixed number of guests
also saves the store ordering or sending back additional alcohol,
which can cause hassles.
Once you have decided on these two
things, shop around. Stores vary when it comes to bulk purchasing.
Some stores will offer you discounts depending on the quantity
and/or sale and return. Other stores may provide extra services,
such as free glass hire. Almost all outlets deliver and most
can arrange barmen for you as well. It all depends on each
store's policy regarding weddings.
Price also fluctuates with liquor itself. If you have
incorporated a large amount of liquor money into your budget, you
can buy the more expensive beer or champagne.
If you don't have the money to provide the more expensive
alcohol, but want to buy perhaps a local draught and a supermarket
wine, pour the wine into carafes and the beer into jugs, and have
them waiting on the tables when the guests arrive.
Do remember, however, to include non-alcoholic beverages, such
as juice, for the non-drinkers among you.